[my_calendar category=”all” format=”calendar” above=”nav,toggle,jump,print,timeframe” below=”key,feeds” author=”null” host=”null” time=”month”]
Month: January 2015
Top 5 Overlooked Home-Related Tax Deductions
Here are some best practices:
February 06, 2014
It’s officially tax season! That may send shivers down your spine, there’s better news if you bought a home, moved because of a job or paid a mortgage or property taxes in 2014. You may be able to claim more deductions, and put more money back in your pocket.
Here’s 5 common overlooked deductions:
Moving expenses. To qualify to deduct moving expenses, you must meet a 3 part test: closely related to the start of work, distance and time. First, you must have spent money on a move within one year of starting work in a new location. Next, your new work location must be at least 50 miles farther away from your old home than your old job was. And finally, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during your first year in that new job.
Mortgage interest. Like most homeowners, a good chunk of your mortgage payment likely goes toward interest on your loan. The good news is all of this interest is deductible in a lot of cases! There are limits on this rule if you refinanced, have a loan for more than $1 million or own multiple properties.
Home Related Tax Breaks
Property taxes. You can include all property taxes you paid, according to your 1098. If you bought your home in 2014, you can also count taxes you reimbursed the seller for-that amount will be on your settlement sheet.
Points. These are prepaid interest, and are used to obtain a mortgage. Like mortgage interest, there are limits on how large your mortgage is, and how the points were paid when you bought your home.
Home improvements for medical care. For people with disabilities, home improvements that are required by a doctor may be deductible. In a rented house (where other costs were not reduced by a landlord), these costs may be listed as medical expenses.
The Right Kitchen Remodel Can Pay Off
Since functionally kitchens are multi-dimensional social environments in addition to cooking space a good kitchen today accommodates many people and tasks. “Open concept kitchen” is the hot new term since it expands the kitchen into the family room and allows for social interaction with everyone in the family room.
Probably the biggest design feature of today’s kitchen may be the center island. Peninsulas of the 1980’s and 90’s are old school news. One side of the island can have plenty of casual seating while the production side of the island can feature everything from sinks to a plain counter top work area.
Clean, sleek modern styling what is sheik today. Ornate, dark wood cabinets are passé. Simple painted white wood, light maple and, for eco-minded home owners, bamboo cabinets are the best.
Spend a fair amount of your budget on appliances. In the past, a plain refrigerator and basic stove will suffice. Now the fancier, the better – including even high-end “toys” like wine units, if possible.
Today’s variety of materials and price points for counter tops and backsplashes make these two areas the fashion statement in the kitchen. Give yourself permission to select something unusual, dramatic or colorful. Mix materials even. When it is time to “freshen up” your kitchen in 5-7 years. Change these two elements and you’ are creating a whole new look.
On a value budget? The same principles would apply. Figure out how to build a small kitchen island. When the cabinet layout works, install new doors, gift your kitchen with a fresh look with a new backsplash, or find some fun new quality hardware. What ever the budget, improve your kitchen and improve your life – you can have both!