With a new year comes a new tax season and, this year, a new tax law, which went into effect on January 1. While the tax changes will not affect your 2017 filing, it is advisable to be aware of what is in store for next year. Hopefully, this letter will help you on that front as it relates to your real estate holdings/investments.
The number of income tax brackets remains the same, but they include lower tax rates. The new tax bill also eliminates or reduces several itemized deductions, including moving expenses except with military households, interest on home equity loans unless used for home improvements, and more.
Here are a few important real estate-related results of the new tax bill to keep in mind.
• Mortgage interest deductions are now limited to a combined $750,000 of debt for both primary residences and second homes for any loans taken out after Dec. 14, 2017. Current homeowners with loans made before that date, however, are grandfathered into the previous deduction, which allowed a combined debt limit up to $1 million.
• State and local tax deductions are now capped at a combined $10,000 – this includes state and local property, income and sales taxes. This will largely affect taxpayers in higher-tax states.
• Capital gains tax exclusions remain the same when you sell your house. Married couples filing jointly can still exclude up to $500,000 when selling their primary home, as long as they’ve lived there two of the past five years.
• Investment properties were largely unaffected by the new tax bill. As such, you will continue to enjoy the same financial benefits for any investment property you currently own or those you may buy in the future.
While the inventory shortage will likely continue through 2018, this is a great time to invest in real estate. Homes are appreciating, interest rates on mortgage loans are still around historical lows and there are tax advantages for property and business owners.
As always, if you have any real estate-related questions, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to helping you (and anyone you know) with your future real estate needs.
www.NancyAlexander.com
Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com
