The new tax bill passed by congress and signed in to law by the president could have a big impact on property owners in California. Here are the highlights that will affect property owners:
- Reduces the limit on deductible mortgage debt to $750,000 for loans made after 12/14/17. Existing loans of up to $1 million are grandfathered and are not subject to the new $750,000 cap.
- Homeowners may refinance mortgage debts existing on 12/14/17 up to $1 million and still deduct the interest, so long as the new loan does not exceed the amount of the existing mortgage being refinanced.
- Repeals the deduction for interest on home equity debt through 12/31/25 unless the proceeds are used to substantially improve the residence.
- The standard deduction is now $12,000 for single individuals and $24,000 for joint returns. It is estimated that over 90% of taxpayers will elect to take the standard deduction.
- Property taxes and other state and local taxes are limited to $10,000 as itemized deductions.
- Moving expenses are repealed except for members of the Armed Forces.
- Casualty losses are only allowed provided the loss is attributable to a presidentially-declared disaster
The capital gains exclusion applying to principal residences remains unchanged. Single taxpayers are entitled to $250,000 and married taxpayers filing jointly up to $500,000 of capital gain for homes that they owned and occupied as principal residences for two out of the previous five years.
I was hoping that the capital gains tax would be reduced for investors but alas it was not to be. Owners in California kind of take a hit since we can only deduct $10,000 worth of property taxes. It remains to be seen if all of these changes will affect real estate prices.
For any specific questions about your situation please contact your tax advisor.
By the way I don’t give tax advice. I simply give tax awareness so you can be a bit more informed when it is time to sell your building.
Do you have questions? Do you need some advise? Please contact me at [email protected] or by cell/text at 310-308-3174. Or you can book a phone or an in-person meeting with me at https://calendly.com/derrick-ruiz