There are some great benefits that come with homeownership. Things like the ability to make improvements to your home increased wealth due to an increase in your home’s value through the years, and certain tax advantages. But what if you recently bought a home, are closing costs tax-deductible? Before answering that question, it’s a good idea to understand what closing costs are and what is typically included in them.
What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees you pay when you obtain a mortgage loan. Typical closing costs run anywhere from 2% to 5% of your loan amount. For example,on a $250,000 loan, you’ll pay between $5,000 and $12,500 in closing costs.
Here is What’s Typically Included in Closing Costs:
Property Taxes
These are fees homeowners pay to the state, county, and even various local entities to help fund the school district where you will be living, pay to repair and keep roads in good condition, and fund the local library, to name a few. The tax amount varies depending on where you live and the amenities available in your community.
Usually, you will be responsible for paying property taxes from the date of closing forward, and the seller will pay from January to the date of closing. Your lender will typically collect between three and six months of property taxes from you at the time of closing. This is to ensure there is enough in escrow to pay the tax bill when it comes due.
Recording Fee
Recording fees are charged by the county to record the documents related to the transfer of ownership of the property. This takes place every time a house is bought or sold.
Loan Origination Fee
This is a fee charged by the lender as compensation for handling your mortgage loan from inception to closing. The amount of this fee varies from lender to lender.
Homeowner’s Insurance
This insurance typically protects loss related to the property. It is required by the lender so that they know the property is protected. The cost of this insurance varies depending on the value of your home and the amount of coverage you carry on the property.
Primary Mortgage Insurance
Lenders require PMI (Primary Mortgage Insurance) on Conventional loans if the borrower does not put at least 20% of the sales price toward the down payment. This insurance is protection for the lender should the loan ever go into default. On a home valued at $250,000, you would need to have a down payment of $50,000, to equal 20% down, or you will be charged PMI.
Appraisal
The appraisal provides the lender with an independent opinion on the value of the home. It is provided by a professional who is trained to estimate the value of real estate. The home appraisal process provides assurance to the lender that the amount they are lending is not greater than the value of the property.
Credit Report Fee
The credit report provides the lender with information about your credit history and credit worthiness. If your score is too low, it will impact your ability to secure financing and could cost you the ability to obtain the best interest rate available.
Flood Inspection
The flood inspection determines whether the property you are purchasing lies in a flood zone. If it does, flood insurance will be necessary.
Pest Inspection
Your lender will require a pest inspection if the appraiser notices any infestation of termites or other pests when completing the appraisal. In some places, a pest inspection is required on all deals.
Title Search
The title search is performed by a title company. They are responsible for making sure the title to the home is clear, meaning there are no defects in the title or problems that would prevent the title from transferring to you at the time of purchase.
Title Insurance
You will need two types of title insurance when buying a home. The first kind protects your lender (lender’s title policy) in case something was missed during the title search. The second type of title insurance is an owner’s title policy. This protects you against any defects or problems in the title just as the lender’s title policy protects the lender.
Survey Fee
If there is a question regarding property lines, the title company can order a survey.
Discount Fee or Points
When you pay points toward your mortgage loan, it is also known as buying down the loan. These fees, paid to your lender, lower the interest rate of your loan. One point equals 1% of the loan amount. In our example of a $250,000 loan, you would pay $2,500 to buy the loan down one point. The amount the one percent buy down would impact your interest rate varies by lender, type of loan, and current mortgage rates.
Escrow Fee
The escrow company is responsible for handling all the funds involved in buying your new home. They make sure all parties involved in the transaction get paid accurately. The fee charged by the escrow company, also known as a closing fee or settlement fee, pays for their involvement in the transaction.
Prepaid Daily Interest Charges
At the time of closing, borrowers pay interest on their loan from that date to the end of the month. If your closing date is near the end of the month, you will pay fewer taxes than if you closed on your loan the first week of the month. The seller is responsible for paying interest from the first of the month to the date of closing.
Are Closing Costs Tax Deductible?
Not all closing costs are tax-deductible, and the tax code changes frequently, so check with a tax professional to determine what deductions apply to your situation. Here are some typical closing costs that may be able to deduct from your taxes this year:
Mortgage Interest
This deduction allows you to deduct the amount of interest you pay when you buy your new home. It is one of the best tax deductions for buyers. Your tax professional can assist you with questions regarding this deduction.
Primary Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Through 2020, the PMI deduction is allowed. After 2020, this closing cost will no longer be tax-deductible unless extended by Congress.
Discount Points
Any of the discount points you paid when you closed on your loan are tax-deductible. You should consult your tax professional or visit the IRS website to determine whether you can take this deduction in the year you purchased the house, or whether you are required to deduct the points over the life of the loan.
State and Local Real Estate Taxes
This deduction includes state and local taxes and property taxes. Again, you will need to consult your tax professional or visit the IRS website.
Standard Deduction
Your tax preparer will determine if it is in your best interest to take the standard deduction versus itemizing your deductions in the year you purchase your home. The IRS has determined standard deduction amounts for each taxpayer category. If the standard deduction for your situation is higher than if you were to itemize, then it would benefit you to take the standard deduction, and vice versa.
Homeowner tax benefits do not end when you buy your home. If you work from home, the IRS also allows for a home-office deduction. And should you decide to install solar panels or other energy-efficient improvements to your home down the road, there is another deduction that might apply to your situation, known as the residential energy-efficient property credit. Always talk with a tax professional to ensure you are taking full advantage of the latest tax code.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.