Interest only under TCJA

Interest only under TCJA

Flipper/Rehabber · Reno, NV · Member since 2016 · 235 posts · 35 votes

Hey!  Can anyone explain to me the new rules under the new tax plan about the limits of writing off mortgage interest, specifically on your primary residence?  I've hear it may be really beneficial to switch to an interest only loan for 10 years because then 100% of that payment will be able to be written off??   Below is what I am referring to.

Thanks!

"In addition, it may be beneficial to refinance your home using an interest-only mortgage. For example, if you refinance $1 million of pre-TCJA home acquisition debt with a new $1 million interest-only loan, you can continue to deduct all the interest under the grandfather rules. In contrast, if you gradually make principal payments on your $1 million of pre-TCJA home acquisition debt, you won’t be able to treat any portion of an additional home loan taken in 2018–2025 as home acquisition debt because your existing loan will absorb the entire $750,000 TCJA limit."

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Financial Advisor · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2017 · 502 posts · 508 votes
8y

My understanding is that home equity loans can also be deducted on the business schedule/return if used for business purposes. For example, interest on a home equity loan secured by the primary residence that is used to finance a rental property would be deductible on Schedule E as a business expense of the rental property.

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  • Tax CPA · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2014 · 215 posts · 186 votes
    8y

    The basics of the new tax law grandfathered the interest on $1 million of acquisition debt if purchased or under contract before 12/16/17. You can still deduct mortgage interest on a personal residence in 2018 up to $750,000 of acquisition debt (all married filing jointly). 

    Also, home equity loans have to be used for home improvements and secured by the house (no loan consolidations or purchasing a car) in 2018.

    I may have not answered directly but I think the refinance play would be desirable if you would want to cash out refi to consolidate debt or fund another purchase.

  • Financial Advisor · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2017 · 502 posts · 508 votes
    8y

    My understanding is that home equity loans can also be deducted on the business schedule/return if used for business purposes. For example, interest on a home equity loan secured by the primary residence that is used to finance a rental property would be deductible on Schedule E as a business expense of the rental property.

  • Tax CPA · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2014 · 215 posts · 186 votes
    8y

    @Paul Allen Agreed and good point. 

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Reno, NV · Member since 2016 · 235 posts · 35 votes
    8y

    Thanks for your answers guys.  Always looking for ways to maximize.  

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