Can you use home repairs as a tax deduction?
James Craig
Published May 13, 2026
When you make a home improvement, such as installing central air conditioning or replacing the roof, you can’t deduct the cost in the year you spend the money. But, if you keep track of those expenses, they may help you reduce your taxes in the year you sell your house.
Can you write off home repairs 2020?
Home improvements on a personal residence are generally not tax deductible for federal income taxes. In addition, renovating your home can increase your basis, or total financial investment, in the property. This reduces your taxable capital gain if and when you sell the home.
What kind of repairs can I deduct on my taxes?
Expenses you incur that don’t result in a betterment, restoration, or adaptation are currently deductible repairs. For example, replacing the entire roof of your home is an improvement. Replacing a few roof shingles with new shingles of equal quality is a repair.
Can you deduct the cost of home improvements on taxes?
Home repairs are not deductible but home improvements are. It pays to know the difference. If you use your home purely as your personal residence, you obtain no tax benefits from repairs. You cannot deduct any part of the cost. However, home improvements are treated differently.
Can you deduct mortgage interest on home repairs?
You’ll then be able to subtract the interest on your home repairs from your income via the mortgage interest deduction. If you are making medically required repairs, you can deduct them from your income. For example, the following home improvements would qualify as being required medically:
Can you deduct home maintenance on your taxes?
You can deduct the home office percentage of home maintenance expenses that benefit your entire home, such as housecleaning of your entire house, roof and furnace repairs, and exterior painting. These costs are deductible whether you hire someone or do them yourself.