Turn Upgrades into Savings: How Home Improvements Can Maximize Your Tax Deductions
Clayton Jeffrey
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
Making improvements to your home isn’t just about boosting comfort or increasing property value. Did you know some home upgrades can also reduce your tax bill? From energy-efficient installations to medical accessibility adjustments, certain home projects can translate into significant tax deductions. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of these savings opportunities.
Key Tax-Deductible Home Improvements
1. Home Office Deduction If you work from home, ensure your workspace is exclusive to business activities. That means no dining table setups! A dedicated office space can help lower your taxable income.
2. Rental Property Deductions Renovating rental properties? While direct renovation costs aren’t deductible, expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and repairs are. Keeping track of these can make your rental business more financially efficient.
3. Medical Home Improvements Home modifications for medical accessibility—think ramps, widened doorways, or accessible bathrooms—are often tax-deductible. These adjustments not only enhance quality of life but also ease your tax burden.
4. Energy Efficiency Upgrades Going green has perks beyond environmental benefits. Installing energy-efficient features like solar panels or geothermal systems can lead to valuable tax breaks and long-term savings.
5. Selling Your Home If you're making upgrades to prep for a sale, remember that certain improvements can increase your home’s basis (its adjusted purchase price). A higher basis means less capital gains tax when you sell, allowing you to keep more of your profit.
Pro Tip: Always consult with a licensed tax professional for advice tailored to your situation.
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