Minnesota Homes Today Local & National News

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Buyers Guide
    • Sellers Guide
    • Buyer Info
    • Seller Info
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
  • Contact

Pay Your Mortgage Early, Boost Your 2011 Federal Income Tax Deductions

December 23, 2011 by Bob Elliot Leave a Comment

Increase your 2011 tax deductionsTime is running out to boost to your 2011 federal tax refund. All you have to do is make your January 2012 mortgage payment while it’s still December.

It’s a simple tax strategy that works because of how mortgage interest is paid, and of how the U.S. tax code is written.

Different from rent which is paid for the month ahead (i.e. “you’re paying January’s rent”), mortgage payments are made only after mortgage interest has accrued (i.e. “you’re paying for money you’ve already borrowed from the bank”).

This is called “paying interest in arrears” and U.S. tax code states that the mortgage interest is tax-deductible in its year paid, subject to limitations.

By making the January 2012 mortgage payment in December 2011, therefore, homeowners who itemize their on their tax returns can apply their January mortgage payment’s interest portion to their 2011’s tax returns.

The alternative is to pay the mortgage on schedule, and wait for April 15, 2013 to claim the credit.

If you choose to pre-pay your mortgage and typically send your payment via USPS, give your check ample time to be delivered to your lender, and processed. Mail your check no later than Saturday, December 24.

For Minneapolis homeowners that pay electronically, the process is simpler. Edit your online bill pay program to have your mortgage payment post no later than Thursday, December 29.

Make note, however. Not all mortgage interest is eligible for tax-deductibility, and not all homeowners throughout the state of Minnesota who pay mortgage interest should itemize said interest on their tax returns.

Before prepaying on your mortgage, ask your tax professional for advice.

Filed Under: Taxes Tagged With: IRS, Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction, Tax Code

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bob Elliot

Contact Bob Elliot

Broker Agent
CRS, GRI, CDPE

CALL 612.868.5500
Lic #: 40241196
eXp Realty
Bob Elliot
Free Buyers' Guide →
Free Sellers' Guide →

Connect with Me!

Let’s Keep In Touch!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Realtor EQO

Quick Links

  • About Me
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Blog
  • Contact

Looking For Something?

Categories

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by MySMARTblog