Tax Benefits of a Mortgage

Lending institutions, offer many different interest rates and types to potential borrowers including Jumbo, Adjustable, Fixed, etc. The mortgage rates in which a borrower is quoted depends largely upon their risk to the lender and the term of the loan. For example, a fifteen year mortgage will carry a lower interest rate than a thirty year loan. Adjustable rate mortgages, carry an even lower interest rate than a fixed rate, since they are less risky to the bank (however, they are adjustable every few years, so there isn’t as much interest rate risk to the lender). However there is always a reward/risk trade off, with these adjustable rate loans. You will take on greater risk with an ARM as interest rates could very likely rise in the future resulting in it costing more than a Fixed mortgage would.

One of the few tax write-offs left that a large number of families can qualify for and take advantage of is mortgage interest as an itemized deduction. Once upon a time all personal interest was tax deductible, including credit card debt and personal loans and credit cards. However, under current tax laws the only interest that is deductible is home equity interest or mortgage interest. In order for mortgage interest to qualify as an itemized deduction there are some criteria and rules that must be met. First, the mortgage must be a secured debt on a qualified residence and in the homeowner’s name. Next, the mortgage interest must have been paid within the same calendar year for which the deduction desired. Also, you may not be able to deduct all of the interest if your mortgage loan is in excess of $1,000,000. So if you own an expensive property, it is wise to consult the I.R.S. first to determine your mortgage interest is deductible or not.

While mortgage interest can save you tax dollars when buying a home, there are a number of important things to consider other than just home mortgage interest deductibility. Factors such as the amount of time you expect to live in the home, maintenance costs, down payment cost all need to be given serious thought before purchasing a home.