Building a home from scratch can be both an exciting and overwhelming process. Fortunately, custom home construction offers opportunities to reduce costs through various tax credits and deductions. Understanding these financial incentives can help ease the burden of construction expenses while allowing you to focus on creating your dream home.
Let’s explore the key tax credits and deductions available for custom home construction and how you can take advantage of them.
Why Tax Credits Are Valuable for Custom Home Construction
When you build a home, construction costs can add up quickly. However, certain tax incentives can significantly offset these expenses. Tax credits are particularly beneficial because they directly reduce your tax bill, dollar for dollar. On the other hand, tax deductions lower your taxable income, which may also result in savings.
For example, a tax credit for installing energy-efficient features in your custom home construction could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Let’s dive into some of the most common credits and deductions you may qualify for.
Key Tax Breaks for Custom Home Construction
During the first 24 months of your construction loan, you can deduct interest payments on the loan from your tax bill. This deduction applies only if your custom home in Myrtle Beach SC will serve as your primary or secondary residence. Additionally, it is limited to the first $1 million of the loan. For married individuals filing separately, this cap is reduced to $500,000.
This deduction can significantly reduce the financial strain of borrowing funds for custom home construction. By keeping detailed records of your loan interest payments, you can maximize this benefit.
Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
In recent years, tax credits for energy-efficient features have gained popularity. For custom home construction, you can qualify for credits by installing:
- Solar panels or solar water heaters.
- Energy-efficient HVAC systems.
- Enhanced wall and roof insulation.
These credits not only help the environment but also lower your construction costs. However, it’s important to check the eligibility requirements in your state or municipality, as they can vary significantly.
Many states and local governments offer additional tax benefits for energy-efficient custom homes. These incentives are typically in the form of tax credits or deductions. For instance, some municipalities provide savings for installing renewable energy systems like wind turbines or geothermal heat pumps.
It’s worth noting that these programs often differ by location. While some states offer incentives for residential properties, others may focus on commercial buildings. Always verify with your local government to determine which programs apply to your custom home construction.
How to Claim Tax Credits
To take full advantage of these tax benefits, you’ll need to itemize your deductions. While itemizing can save you money, it also means forfeiting the standard deduction, which exceeds $12,000 for many taxpayers. Therefore, calculate whether itemizing provides greater savings based on your financial situation.
If you’re claiming an energy-efficient home credit under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), you’ll need to complete IRS Form 8908. This form ensures your home meets the required energy efficiency standards to qualify for the credit.
Additionally, if you’re filing taxes online, most software platforms guide you through claiming these credits and deductions step by step, making the process straightforward.
Why It’s a Smart Investment
Not only does custom home construction allow you to design a home tailored to your needs, but it also provides opportunities to benefit from tax incentives. For instance, incorporating green building materials or energy-saving systems into your design can yield long-term financial and environmental advantages.
Furthermore, working with a knowledgeable custom home builder like Dawol Homes ensures you make the most of these benefits. Professionals often have insights into tax-saving opportunities that can help you maximize your investment.
Take advantage of the financial benefits that come with custom home construction and start building the home you’ve always envisioned. Call Dawol Homes today to speak with an expert and turn your dream into reality!
Find great home tips on our Facebook page
Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859
We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation