When Congress changed the tax rules for selling a home, the aim was to ensure that most taxpayers would never owe tax on the sale of a principal residence. But for some retired homeowners, these new tax rules are a mixed blessing. The current tax law states that married joint filers may exclude from tax
Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries The IAFC recommends changing smoke detector batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember is “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” during the fall time change weekend. Change Your Smoke Detectors After inserting fresh batteries, make sure the detector itself works by pushing the test button. Count Your Smoke
Individuals who purchase real estate rental properties, who actively participate in the decision-making process, such as determining who the tenants will be and what repairs should be made, may be able to reduce their taxable income by up to $25,000 per year under existing tax laws. The active real estate investor may deduct up to
Part one: Does it pay to swap loans? Use this section to see how long you need to stay put for a refi to pay off. Our example assumes the borrower has a $150,000 balance on a 30-year loan at 8.25% and pays 2.5% in points and closing costs, a total of $3,750 to switch
Law Lets Homeowners with 20% Equity Apply to Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance A new federal law makes it easier for homeowners to cancel their private mortgage insurance (PMI) when it’s no longer needed and will keep thousands of Texas borrowers from paying unnecessary PMI premiums in the future. The Homeowners Protection Act of 1998, which