Home repairs are not tax deductible, but home improvements may be. If you use your home solely as your personal residence, you cannot deduct any part of the cost of repairs. However, there are tax deductions for home improvements available to make your home more energy efficient or to make use of renewable energy resources, such as solar panels. Even if you don't plan to sell your home next year, it's important to thoroughly document any tax-deductible home improvements you make along the way so you can get the most out of your improvements when the time comes.
Several types of home improvement projects may be eligible for a tax cancellation, but it ultimately comes down to the type of remodel you are completing and whether it is classified as a repair or improvement. The two basic requirements that qualify for home office improvements for a tax deduction are regular and exclusive use and that your home is the primary place of your business. Mark Steber, director of tax information for tax preparation company Jackson Hewitt, told The Balance in an email that home repairs such as fixing gutters or painting a room are considered general maintenance rather than capital improvements. The good news is that if you qualify for this tax exemption, both repairs and improvements may be eligible, as long as they are only in the parts of your home that are used for business.
Home office improvements are deductible over time with depreciation, and repairs are deductible within the tax year in which they are completed, as they are deemed necessary for the maintenance of your business. A repair is something that keeps your home in good working order, such as fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a broken window. While most home improvements aren't tax-deductible, they could generate tax benefits when you're selling your home. Although home improvements may not qualify for a tax deduction, Steber recommended keeping detailed records of your expenses related to any home improvement.
While home improvements with garden variety won't give you a tax deduction right now, they could be helpful in reducing taxes if and when you sell your home.
