Boston condos for sale: Owning real estate & taxes
I often receive questions about taxes this time of year. As a Boston licensed real estate broker I am not allowed to give tax advice. Taxes are complicated and there are changes to the rules every year.
Taxpayers often believe they are getting deductions that they don’t actually get because something is deductible, which means the deductions go to those who itemize.
The only advice I will give is to work with a professional tax preparer. Some Boston condo owners may even wish to work with a CPA. I could do my own taxes myself but I don’t. I don’t ask my friends and never in my life did I have my parents do my taxes.
The deadline for filing taxes is April 17, 2022. There is enough time left to get expert help
While purchasing and maintaining a Boston condo is complicated enough, homeowners also have to consider the way in which real estate in Downtown Boston can affect their taxes. Buyers gain a number of impressive tax benefits after the purchase of their Boston Midtown condo, however, they must additionally prepare for the added burden of yearly property taxes. Following are several important things to keep in mind as you get ready to deal with this side of ownership.
Property Taxes Are Determined by Multiple Factors
The value of your downtown condo will play the biggest role in determining this annual obligation. School districts, cities, townships, counties and other special districts can undergo changes in discretionary and non-discretionary spending, which can in turn alter the tax levy. These changes will impact your annual tax debt, irrespective of any constancy in your property’s value.
Boston Condo Special Assessments and Referendums
Special assessments for improvements pertaining to water lines, curbs, and other local infrastructure can also be factored into your tax bill. Additionally, there are some developments that are subject to referendums for government or school building projects that create significant property tax increases. Finally, state and federal mandates that require an increase in services provided at the city or county level can also affect your tax bill.
Personal Taxes
Each year, home ownership and the associated costs will open the door to a number of special tax deductions that limit your spending on personal taxes. This is especially true for the tax year in which you purchased a Downtown Boston condo for sale. For instance, during this year, you can claim the points or origination fees on your loan, irrespective of whether these fees were paid by you or the person selling the property.
Boston Condo Mortgage Loan Interest
Interest on mortgage payments can be deducted from your personal tax obligations for every year of ownership. During the early years of ownership, the majority of your house payments will be allocated for mortgage loan interest, rather than being placed towards the principal balance. Thus, this deduction will be largest early on and will gradually decline as equity is accrued and the balance on your loan goes down. Most homeowners are able to deduct the full amount of their mortgage interest payments, up to $1 million.
Boston Condo Renovations
The impact that renovations have on property taxes can vary from city to city and county to county. It is important to note, however, that as value is added to your property, taxes will likely go up.
Deductions for Renovations and Remodeling Condo Projects
There are, however, tax perks when renovating or remodeling. Make sure to save all receipts for labor and materials. These can be used at the time of a property sale to limit the likelihood of your incurring capital tax gains. More importantly, if your remodeling projects increase the energy-efficiency of your condo or loft, check out the websites for the city, county, and state to see whether any financial incentives or tax credits are available.
Thinking of purchasing a luxury penthouse, loft, or condo in the Boston Midtown? We can help. Reach out today and let us help you find the place of your dreams. Call 617-595-3712.
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