Claiming A Home Improvement Tax Deduction

By Alison Stevens

The approach of spring often encourages homeowners to start considering home improvements and repairs. However, before you start getting out the hammer and nails or hiring a contractor consider if your home improvements may be eligible for a home improvement tax deduction.

The first thing the homeowner must understand is the difference between a home improvement and a home repair. Simply put, a home repair is classified as fixing a problem. For example, repairing a hole in the roof, fixing a leak or repainting a room would be considered repairs. On the other hand, remodeling a kitchen, adding a couple of rooms, building a garage or installing a swimming pool would be classed as improvements. These improvements add to the living amenity of the homes owners and usually add value to the home.

The Internal Revenue Service sets out strict guidelines on how a homeowner can claim a home improvement tax deduction. It is strongly recommended that before you hire a contractor or start any home improvement works that you obtain advice from you tax consultant or from the local office of the IRS

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBw2ZD1XShc[/youtube]

Tax deductions for home improvements can fall into any of several different categories. A medical condition that required providing disabled access to home would normally be classed as a home improvement.

There is a special home improvement tax deduction for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Consult with the IRS regarding the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act as it increases the permitted qualifying home improvement loans.

If you are planning a home improvement to an area of your home that is in need of repair you may be able to include the repair as an improvement. The Tax Act states that where a repair is carried out in the same area of the home that is being remodeled then the repair can be included as part of the improvement project. So, if you are planning on remodeling your kitchen dont forget to take care of the leaking pipes at the same time and claim the entire project as a deduction.

Tax Credits vs Tax Deduction

Tax credits can also provide significant savings to the homeowner. Whilst a tax deduction for home improvement can reduce the amount of income on which tax ist payable, a tax credit directly reduces the tax itself. Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements. For example, installing insulation, adding energy-efficient windows, and some types of highly efficient equipment for cooling and heating, and solar water heating may all qualify for tax credits.

The IRS has many helpful publications to assist homeowners who are about to embark on home improvements so a visit to their website or calling into a branch office will usually provide the homeowner with a wealth of information.

And when you begin your home improvements remember to maintain accurate records of spending and save all receipts this will assist you enormously when the time comes to claim your home improvement tax deduction.

About the Author: Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains

The Home Improvement Website

to assist homeowners with tips and information about home improvements

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=125927&ca=Home+Management

Plumbers In Appleton Wi Can Change The Complexion Of Your Home

byadmin

No matter how much you love your home, there are always a few things about it that you would have done differently if you’d been designing it. That is the concept that most remodelling projects are born out of; that urge to redesign or fine-tune some areas of your home. The majority of home improvement or remodelling projects involve the kitchen, bathrooms, or both, and that means you are going to need the services of experienced Plumbers In Appleton WI. Many plumbing companies are just fine for dealing with repairs, but they just don’t have the required experience to help you design and build bathrooms that feel like exclusive spas, and kitchens that any chef would be delighted to create in.

Bringing in plumbers who are experienced in remodelling can provide a number of new options. They can help you design the bathroom or kitchen of your dreams by making the best use of available spaces and working around the current locations of drains and pipes. If your plumbing company can offer you a showroom full of the latest in plumbing hardware, and provide guidance in things like the selection of cabinetry, counter tops, flooring, and wall coverings, they can be invaluable during this kind of project.

Experienced Plumbers In Appleton WI can add elements to make your remodel uniquely your own. They can provide you with a steam shower or luxurious soaking tub in the bathroom, as well as a beautiful vanity or a double sink console. In the kitchen, a plumber can design and build sinks and counters to meet every need, including one-of-a-kind islands, disposals, sprayers, and even a pot-filler over your stove. If you can imagine it, they can probably create it for you. Take advantage of their expertise to put your own stamp on your home.

If you’ve reached that point where you want to unleash your creativity in your home and you aren’t sure where to begin, the pros at Hanson’s Quality Plumbing can give you a hand. You can discuss your plans with them and let them take you through their beautiful new showroom so that you can see for yourself what they can include in your decorating and remodelling plans. They can work closely with you from concept to creation to ensure that you end up with the home you’ve wanted. To know more Click Here!

Follow us on Facebook for latest updates.

A Guideline Of Green Tips For Cleaning Air Ducts

By Adriana J Noton

When it comes to finding the best tips for cleaning air ducts, you must consider the safer and more natural alternatives that are available. It is always good to understand the basics prior to making a decision. IN this case, air duct cleaning is when you work to make sure that all harmful allergens are removed from air ducts in your home.

Even though the idea of air duct cleaning in itself is to make sure that the air that you breathe is safer, it not uncommon harmful chemicals to be used in the process. Also it is a sad fact that most companies do use these chemicals. However, a lot of scientific studies and research would need to be consulted to completely understand the risks associated with this process.

Since many people are concerned about this process, they are choosing the safer alternatives and natural processes. Some of the top tips for cleaning air ducts include that you must clean them on a regular basis.

The main reason for frequent cleanings is that it is essential to keep the allergens out of the air ducts. When you do not clean you are choosing to have your quality of air compromised. So to avoid having indoor pollution issues and problems that could potentially be dangerous you must clean on a regular basis.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_4Yy-_q19Y[/youtube]

When choosing a professional to clean your air ducts you can insist that they not use chemicals. There are some handymen or companies that use natural products but the vast majority use chemicals of some type. You can learn more by researching and making phone calls.

Another simple tip is to use a reputable person or company. You need to make sure that they are appropriately trained as well. If you choose someone who is not trained then you could end up with expensive damages.

Other popular tips for cleaning air ducts include making sure that exposed surfaces are clean all of the time. This will require that you wipe them down throughout the month. It is best to make sure that they are wiped off at least one or two times per week and if you have every day would be the absolute best.

Remember that you can find natural alternatives to the chemicals. A great alternative is to use natural oil that repels dust when you are wiping your surfaces off. By following these simple tips you can really avoid a lot of the build up that occurs in your home.

Keep in mind that the products that you use are going to be around your family all of the time. Read all ingredients and make sure that there is nothing that anyone in your household is allergic to. This is essential whether you choose natural oil or not.

The most important green tips for air duct cleaning are to make sure that chemicals are not used and that there are the least amount of allergens possible. This will require regular cleaning and more maintenance. However by following these tips you can really decrease the possibility of your family being ill.

About the Author: Factories and warehouses rely on ducting to heat and cool their facilities. Investing in high quality air duct cleaning equipment is in the interest of your facility. Duct cleaning equipment can improve the quality of the air and protect against rust.

Source: isnare.com

Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=569779&ca=Home+Management