Homeowners may qualify for extra income-tax breaks

There are many benefits associated with homeownership. The American dream offers financial gain and stability, and many social benefits. A real estate agent will tell you that one of the biggest benefits associated with homeownership can be found when filing your income taxes — and depending on your situation, there may be thousands of dollars coming back your way.

“Homeownership is an investment in your future,” said Maurice Taylor, 2017 president of the Arkansas Realtors Association.

“It is where we make memories and feel comfortable and secure, it strengthens communities, and it offers homeowners financial security,” he said.

“Tax breaks are just one of the many benefits of being a homeowner, and even those who have owned a home for years may be unaware of all of the opportunities for savings.”

As the deadline to file federal income taxes approaches, we at the ARA want to remind homeowners of the many tax benefits, savings and deductions they can take advantage of simply by owning a home.

• Mortgage interest deduction This may be the most notable and advantageous tax benefit that homeowners enjoy. The mortgage interest deduction allows homeowners to deduct the interest paid on a mortgage debt of up to $1 million on a primary residence and one additional residence. This deduction is especially helpful in the early years of a mortgage, when the monthly payment goes largely toward interest.

• Property taxes It is widely known that being a homeowner means paying taxes on your property to local government, whether the city, county or state.

What you might not know is that these taxes are entirely deductible from your federal income tax, which is more great tax news for homeowners.

• Mortgage insurance-premium deduction

Homeowners who have incomes of no more than $100,000 can deduct their mortgage-insurance premiums, if those premiums were required to obtain insurance as a condition of receiving financing for the home.

With the current obstacles that prospective homebuyers face, such as student-loan debt, this deduction is a benefit that can save homeowners a great deal of money.

“If you are on the fence about buying a home, taking advantage of these tax benefits can help put your dream home within reach,” Taylor said. “By working with a Realtor — a member of the National Association of Realtors — you can better understand the homebuying process and the many benefits that come with owning a home.”

Buying a home can sometimes be a challenging process, but with a little work and a Realtor at your side, 2017 may be a good time to start looking for a house.

Visit www.realtor.com/realestate agents to connect with a Realtor to learn more about buying a home.

“Tax breaks are just one of the many benefits of being a homeowner, and even those who have owned a home for years may be unaware of all of the opportunities for savings.” — Maurice Taylor, Arkansas Realtors Association