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Part 2: Tax Breaks for Homeowners

Interest and property taxes

Home mortgage interest on up to $1 million of home acquisition loans secured by your principal residence and/or second home is fully deductible. You may also deduct mortgage interest on a home equity loan or line of credit (up to $100,000). Points paid to secure a loan for the purchase or improvement of a principal residence are usually fully deductible in the year you pay them. Points paid to refinance an existing mortgage must be deducted over the life of the loan. Real estate taxes and state and local property taxes on all your real estate are deductible.

Exclude capital gains

When you sell your principal residence, you can exclude from income up to $250,000 in gains ($500,000 if married and filing jointly). To qualify, you must have owned and used your home as a principal residence for at least two years during the five-year period ending on the date of sale. The full tax break is available once every two years.


» Next: Retirement tax breaks

This article was provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

2007 Tax Savings Tips

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