Definition: The term 'mortgage interest tax deduction' refers to a tax credit that is available for mortgage borrowers who are able to deduct their mortgage interest expenses from their taxable income.
Here's a brief definition:
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Interest:
This is the cost of borrowing money, such as on a loan or credit card. In most cases, this includes both interest on principal and any additional fees or charges.
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Deduction:
This refers to a tax break that allows you to deduct the amount of your mortgage interest expenses from your taxable income.
For example:
- If you owe $10,000 on a mortgage for $300,000, your monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $600, and it would qualify as an "interest deduction." This means that if you have the tax credit of $500 per month, you can claim up to $5,000 in deductions each year.
- If you use a separate mortgage for rental properties (i.e., two separate loans), the mortgage interest expense is still deductible as part of your rental income.