When considering a home improvement project, there are many questions you may have about taxes. One of the most common questions is whether or not replacing your roofing is tax-deductible. Find out what you need to know about roofs and tax deductions so that you can make an informed decision for your home’s exterior replacement.
Is a New Residential Roof Tax-Deductible?
Unfortunately, the answer to this is typically no. Generally speaking, residential roof replacements aren’t tax-deductible for homeowners. However, there are a few exceptions where tax deductions for a new roof is possible. If you’re getting a roof replacement on a commercial building or if it’s part of a rental property, what you pay for materials and services can be deducted from your taxes. Additionally, if the roof is over your home office or other parts of the house that are rented out from time to time, then that portion could be deducted as well.
Other Ways to Get a Tax Deduction for Your New Roof
When it comes to replacing or repairing your roof, there are a few other options for tax deductions. Casualties and roofing depreciation might also qualify you for some form of a deduction on your taxes. Additionally, taking advantage of home improvement tax credits may help reduce what you pay in taxes as well.
Casualties
Casualties are things that happen quickly or out of the blue that can damage your roof, like a severe storm. If you had to repair or replace any part of the roof due to a natural disaster, then you could be eligible for deductions against your taxes. The amount for each casualty will depend on how much was paid out for repair and replacement services.
To get a tax deduction through casualties, you’ll need to provide proof that the damage was caused by a sudden and unexpected event. Documentation, such as photographs of the damage or receipts from your repair service by roofers in Rockford, IL, can all help you build up any case for deductions.
Depreciation
Depreciation of your roof may also provide some form of tax deduction. This depends on the roof’s depreciation value and how much it depreciates over time. In general, if you had to pay for a lot of the replacement because of age or wear and tear, this could be an expense that you can write off on your taxes for a rental property or that can help lower your taxes when you sell the property.
To get a tax deduction through depreciation, you’ll need to keep track of how much the roof has depreciated over time and calculate its current value. Make sure that all paperwork concerning your repairs or replacement is available for review so that you can prove your expenses if needed.
Home Improvement Tax Credits
When replacing a roof, home improvement tax credits are the most typical way to receive a tax benefit. In general, you are eligible for credits if you fulfill specific criteria and have paid out-of-pocket for replacement-related materials and services. Green roofs, solar roofs, and metal roofs are all examples of materials that qualify.
Home improvement tax credits can significantly reduce what you pay in taxes. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria regarding the materials and services used for your roof replacement or repair. Talk to your roofing contractor for help knowing if your roof materials may qualify.
Do Roof Repairs Count as a Home Improvement?
Most of the time, repairs to your existing roof don’t count as home improvements, so you won’t be able to take a tax deduction for them. Despite this, they should still be tracked and documented. Tracking it can help you have a better understanding of how much money you’ve spent on maintaining or replacing the roof over time, and this information can be useful when it comes time to sell the home.
What Is Adjusted Basis?
The adjusted basis is the amount of money you have invested in your home when it comes time to sell. This includes any repair or replacement costs, such as those related to roofing. If you want to figure out how much money you made from selling your property, knowing this number can be very helpful.
What Are the Other Benefits of Getting a New Roof?
Although getting a new roof might not provide you with any tax benefits, there are still plenty of other ways it can add value to your home, especially if it is correctly installed by a reputable roofing contractor.
Increased Home Value
A new roof can add appeal to your home in the eyes of buyers, increasing its overall value. This increased value could help you sell your property faster and for a higher price when it comes time to move.
Improved Curb Appeal
A new roof not only improves the aesthetics of a home but can also increase its curb appeal, making it stand out on the block. A stylish and current roof can make prospective buyers much more likely to consider your property when they’re searching for a new home.
Increased Energy-Efficiency
Installing new roofing is a great opportunity to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Choosing materials that offer better insulation and eco-friendly features can reduce your energy bills significantly, giving you long-term benefits that far outweigh any short-term tax write-off.
Contact Us for Your Roofing Needs
Replacing the roof of your property in Rockford, IL, is a smart choice for many reasons. While there are generally no tax deductions associated with this type of home improvement, there are still plenty of other potential benefits. To start a new residential or commercial roof replacement project and take advantage of these added benefits, get in touch with the roofers at Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC.
Our prompt, professional technicians who install and repair with only the highest quality materials have set us apart from other roofing companies. You can rest easy knowing that you’ll be working with a dependable roofing contractor who is willing to come and take a look at the problem, give an estimate on the cost to fix the problem and truly try to help instead of recommending costly solutions that you do not need. Put us to the test and find out that we really are in the roofing business to help our customers. Call (815) 964-2220, or fill out our online form to get a free estimate.