วันอังคารที่ 22 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552

Tax Benefits For a Second Home

Tax Benefits For a Second Home


Before discussing the tax benefits of a second home, let us first define what it is. A second home is usually termed a vacation home. These are properties used by owners during holidays. Most homeowners can earn additional income from this as they can have it rented. Many people are now discovering that they can save more if they rent single family homes rather than stay in hotels when vacationing.

However, you have to keep in mind that the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) will categorize your property as residence if you use it personally for a certain period in a year. However, if you will have the property rented year round, it will be considered as an investment property. You should also take note that in order for a property to be deemed as a second home it has to have a kitchen, bathroom and a place to sleep.

Having a second home is becoming more attractive because of its tax benefits. However, it can be confusing. Having a second home has different tax advantages but you have to check with your accountant or similar advisers because tax regulations change from time to time.

Tax break

If you rent your property for fourteen days or less, you will have a tax break because you do not have to report the earnings you generated from this. In addition to that, you will still be able to deduct the mortgage interest rates as well as the real estate taxes.

Renting your vacation home for more than 14 days

If you are able to rent the property for more than 2 weeks, you will have to report the income earned. In addition, you can also benefit from the different allowable deductions. But you have to take note that the IRS will not allow your expenses to exceed your income. Some of the allowable deductions include the depreciation, maintenance, mortgage insurance, mortgage interest, real estate taxes and more. However, if this will create a rental loss, other deductible expenses will no longer be deducted.

Deciding to sell the second home

If you are going to sell the house, you have to report the capital gain or loss. Its basis will consider the amount of depreciation you have indicated for previous claims. Since the rates for the capital gains have been constantly changing, you have to consult a professional about this. You may also consult your adviser if you have moved to live in your vacation property after selling your primary place of dwelling.

There are different tax benefits in purchasing a vacation property. However, you have to be careful in understanding the terms if you really want to take advantage of those. Keep these rules in mind when considering purchasing a second property. One is that your expenses shall be deductible from the rent if you do not use the property. If you will rent it for less than 14 day per year, you do not have to report the income generated in your tax return. Moreover, if you use it for more than 14 days, the expenses shall be prorated to your income.


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