Real Estate - Shelby Delisfort - Engel & Völkers Atlanta

Year-End Homeowner Tax Moves Before December 31

Presented by Shelby Delisfort, Real Estate Advisor – Engel & Völkers | AtHome Team

1. Prepay Property Taxes If you itemize deductions, prepaying your property taxes before December 31 can increase your 2025 deduction. Georgia homeowners, check your county deadlines to ensure your payment qualifies for this year. Tip: With the 2025 increase in the SALT (State and Local Tax) cap to $40,000, prepaying can be especially beneficial for higher-value homes.

2. Review Itemized vs. Standard Deductions Many homeowners default to the standard deduction, but if your mortgage interest, property taxes, and other eligible expenses exceed it, itemizing could save you money. Revisit your numbers before year-end.

3. Maximize Mortgage Interest & PMI Deductions Mortgage interest on loans up to $750,000 (for homes purchased after Dec 15, 2017) remains deductible if you itemize. Also, check if your private mortgage insurance (PMI) is deductible—this has been reinstated for many homeowners. Advisor Insight: If you refinanced or purchased this year, make sure your lender has provided accurate year-to-date interest documentation.

4. Claim Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credits Tax credits are available for energy-efficient improvements like solar panels, insulation, new windows, or heat pumps. Qualifying upgrades must be installed by December 31 to claim 2025 credits. Georgia Homeowners: Many local utilities also offer rebates—stack these with federal credits for greater savings.

5. Organize Home Sale & Improvement Records If you plan to sell soon, ensure your home qualifies for the $250K (single) or $500K (married) capital gains exclusion. Keep records of all upgrades and closing costs—they increase your cost basis and reduce taxable gain. 1 Tip for Sellers: Track major repairs, remodels, or additions—they can make a meaningful difference at tax time.

6. Adjust Timing of Income & Expenses If your income fluctuates, consider paying deductible expenses before year-end or deferring income until next year. This strategy helps smooth your taxable income across years. Pro Move: This can be especially effective for self-employed individuals, investors, or homeowners planning a major transaction.

Important Reminders:

Always verify deduction eligibility with your CPA or tax professional.

Keep payment receipts, invoices, and tax statements.

Confirm prepayments are allowed by your local tax authority.

“Financial literacy is not an end, but a lifelong journey toward making informed decisions that

build lasting wealth.” – Anonymous

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Shelby Delisfort

Real Estate Advisor | License ID: 449649

+1(419) 297-3376

shelby.delisfort@evatlanta.com

shelbydelisfort.evatlanta.com