Are repairs tax deductible?

Author: Jolie Heller V  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

The average homeowner generally can't claim home repairs as tax deductible. However, businesses, sole proprietors, and rental property owners can deduct expenses for repairs and maintenance of their property and equipment, although the average homeowner can't generally claim a tax deduction for these expenses.

What is the difference between repairs and improvements?

Repairs are necessary to maintain the property's condition, while improvements add value or extend the useful life of the property. Knowing the difference between the two is essential for rental property owners to benefit from tax breaks, deductions, credits, and other ways to save on expenses.

Can I deduct home improvements on my taxes?

Home improvements add value, style, and safety to your home, but do home improvements also add to your tax deductions? Generally, no, but there are exceptions. Some home improvements are tax deductible, such as capital improvements, energy efficiency improvements, and improvements related to medical care.

What house expenses are tax deductible?

Deductible house-related expenses

The costs the homeowner can deduct are: State and local real estate taxes, subject to the $10,000 limit. Home mortgage interest, within the allowed limits.

Are structural repairs to a home tax deductible?

As far as taxes are concerned, repairs to a personal residence are meaningless. The only way you can deduct all or part of the cost of home repairs for your residence is if you qualify for the home office deduction or rent out part of the home.

Repairs VS Improvements to your rental properties

What counts as repairs and maintenance for taxes?

What Does the IRS Consider To Be Repairs and Maintenance? According to the IRS, routine maintenance is any activity intended to keep assets operating efficiently with normal use. It's what keeps assets in good working condition, but it doesn't increase their value or extend their lifespans.

Is a bathroom remodel tax deductible?

Remodeling a bathroom isn't tax-deductible for most homeowners. However, if you need to renovate your bathroom for medical reasons, such as adding handrails in the shower, you may be able to deduct the improvement as a medical expense.

What household expenses can you claim on taxes?

If you're eligible, you may be able to deduct a portion of your homeowners association fees, utility bills, homeowners insurance premiums and the money you used to repair your home office. The amount you can deduct depends on several factors, including the percentage of your home that's used exclusively for business.

Is a kitchen remodel tax deductible?

Key Takeaways. Home renovations typically do not qualify for federal tax deductions, but certain improvements may qualify for deductions and credits can help reduce taxes. Financing home improvements through your mortgage may allow you to claim the interest as a mortgage interest deduction.

Which home closing costs are tax deductible?

Generally, deductible closing costs are those for interest, certain mortgage points and deductible real estate taxes.

Are plumbing repairs tax deductible?

The IRS typically distinguishes between home maintenance and home improvements. Regular maintenance tasks, like fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain, usually aren't tax-deductible. However, home improvements that add value to your home, prolong its life, or adapt it for new uses may be deductible.

How to prove home improvements without receipts?

If you don't have receipts for capital improvements, talk to the contractor who worked on your property. They likely have records of the transaction. Look for canceled checks or credit card payments made to contractors and back up these records with old emails or other communication about the capital improvements.

Is home insurance tax deductible?

You may look for ways to reduce costs including turning to your tax return. Some taxpayers have asked if homeowner's insurance is tax deductible. Here's the skinny: You can only deduct homeowner's insurance premiums paid on rental properties. Homeowner's insurance is never tax deductible your main home.

Can I claim home repairs on my taxes?

You cannot deduct repair costs and generally cannot add them to the basis of your home.” If there's a larger renovation of your home and painting it is part of this renovation that will increase the value of your home, then you can include that in the basis of your home when you're looking to sell.

Is electrical work tax deductible?

The good news is electrical services for home improvements and repairs may be tax deductible in certain circumstances. If your home is only used for personal use, then repairs are not tax deductible. However, there are still tax benefits for performing home improvements.

Can I write off a new roof on my taxes?

Installing a new roof is something which improves the quality of your house, and so it is considered a home improvement. A new roof built with high quality materials will add value to your home for many years in future. So, you can deduct the cost of a new roof from your annual taxes.

Is there a tax credit for home improvements?

If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through 2032. For improvements installed in 2022 or earlier: Use previous versions of Form 5695.

Can I write off my refrigerator?

Common appliances eligible for tax credits include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, water heaters, and HVAC systems. Each appliance category has its own set of efficiency requirements, typically measured by the Energy Star rating, which indicates superior energy performance.

Is a new fence tax deductible?

If the cost is $2,500 or less: Deduct it fully in the year it was purchased and installed. If the cost exceeds $2,500: You can still deduct the full amount in one year using the 100% bonus depreciation rule (note: this rule expired at the end of 2022, so consult a tax professional for updates).

How to get a bigger refund on taxes?

4 ways to increase your tax refund come tax time
  1. Consider your filing status. Believe it or not, your filing status can significantly impact your tax liability. ...
  2. Explore tax credits. Tax credits are a valuable source of tax savings. ...
  3. 3. Make use of tax deductions. ...
  4. Take year-end tax moves.

Can you write off utilities on taxes?

There are certain expenses taxpayers can deduct. These may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, maintenance, depreciation and rent. Taxpayers must meet specific requirements to claim home expenses as a deduction.

Is car insurance tax deductible?

If you only use your car for personal use, then you likely can't deduct your car insurance premiums from your taxable income. Generally, you need to use your vehicle for business-related reasons (other than as an employee) to deduct part of your car insurance premiums as a business expense.

What home expenses are tax-deductible?

Tax deductions for homeowners
  • Mortgage interest.
  • Discount points.
  • Property taxes.
  • Interest on home equity loan or HELOC.
  • Home improvements.
  • Home office expenses.
  • FAQs.

What home improvements add the most value?

Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
  • Boost the bathrooms. ...
  • Remodel the attic or basement. ...
  • Get decked out. ...
  • Boost curb appeal. ...
  • Improve energy efficiency. ...
  • Swimming Pools. ...
  • Luxury Upgrades. ...
  • Garage Conversions. Converting garages can add square footage to your home's living area, but most buyers want garages.

Can foundation repair be deducted from taxes?

A: In certain scenarios, foundation repair can be considered a fixer-upper and qualify as tax deductible. The repairs need to be necessary to make the property habitable or safe, and they need to be lasting, meaning they need to last five years or more in order to be considered tax deductible.

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