Second-home tax purpose

The IRS considers a property to be a second home if you visit it at least 14 days per year or utilize it at a minimum of 10% of the time you rent it out. Many owners rent out their second property, however, the tax implications of residential and rental usage vary.
 

Tax law 

Residential homes are mainly used a couple of days throughout the year. Most of the time, this house is empty or we decide to rent out to earn extra income. Other frequent features of second residences include: 

Tax benefits

Keeping your second house for family usage alone, rather than renting it out, simplifies tax preparation. You can deduct a part of your second home's mortgage interest and property taxes in the same way that you can for your primary property.

Vacation destination

Every time we think of a second residence, we look for a location that is far from your city, so that we can disconnect and enjoy peace of mind. In fact, many mortgage brokers won’t lend you if your primary property is less than 50 miles away from your dream house. They might consider it to be an investment property rather than your second residence. 

Second investment

Regularly, homeowners like purchasing second homes in another location for retirement or vacation purpose. However, most owners first pay for their primary home, and then they invest in their vacation home.
 

Tax benefits

The IRS offers a variety of tax incentives for second homes, but they have two major factors: either you rent out your home and make some extra income or you live in your second house. Let's go into the details:

Property tax

Deducting property taxes can be done on your second home, however, if you have done it with your primary home, you might not be able to claim it again. There is a budget that you can’t exceed, so ensure that you are well informed before purchasing a second home. 

Mortgage interest

Renting your property less than 14 days yearly is a residential property, and you are entitled to tax deductions like your primary home. The extra income for those 14 days of rental doesn’t need to be disclosed to the IRS. 

Home equity interest

Spending more than 14 days each year in your second home is considered a residence. As a result, you not only benefit from mortgage tax deduction but also from interest paid on a home equity loan. To benefit from this deduction, you must have a mortgage on your second residence and use this loan to upgrade your home. 

 

Outcome

- Even if you need to pay real state taxes for your residence, some can be deducted

- If you considered renting out your second home, keep in mind that it impacts your declaration to the IRS

- Purchasing a second home enables you to benefit from tax breaks and financial advantages. 
 

Frequent questions

What if I want to sell my second home? 

When you are trying to sell your second home, is important that you understand that second properties are not the same as primary homes. The IRS considers your second home as an investment unless you have to spend a long time with this property, before thinking about selling it.
 

Change residential property to investment property? 

You are free to change your property to rent out, only change the occupancy status, however, we recommend doing it after at least a year of owning it and ensure to report to the IRS any rental income.
 

Difference between residential and investment property?

The difference between residential and investment property is that investment properties are only for generating money, they are often rented out to tenants or vacation holidays. They have harsher loan terms than owner-occupied second houses. As for residential are for personal use. 

Is Dalima considered a second home by the IRS? 

Absolutely, Dalima enables multiple people to own a second home through our co-ownership model. You are the actual owners of a home and you will be able to spend at least 40 days in your second residence. As the owner of your share, you can also decide if you wish to rent out some of the time you are not planning on using. Dalima will set up the legal entity and take care of the paperwork so that you don’t need to worry about anything. 

More information: https://www.dalima.com