Real Estate Glossary

Mortgage-Interest Deduction (MID) is a tax benefit for homeowners in the United States.

It allows homeowners to deduct a portion of the interest paid on their mortgage from their taxable income. This can result in a significant reduction in their overall tax liability. The idea behind the MID is to provide an incentive for homeownership, making it more affordable for individuals and families to own a home.

To qualify for the MID, a homeowner must have a mortgage on their primary residence, and the mortgage must be secured by the property. The homeowner must also itemize their deductions on their tax return, which means they cannot take the standard deduction. The amount of interest that can be deducted is capped, with the cap amount adjusted annually for inflation.

The MID is a valuable tax benefit for many homeowners, as it can significantly lower the cost of homeownership. However, it is essential to remember that the MID is just one of several tax benefits available to homeowners and should be considered in the context of an individual's overall financial situation. Additionally, the MID is subject to change as part of tax reform efforts, so homeowners need to stay informed about any changes to the benefit.

In summary, the Mortgage-Interest Deduction is a tax benefit for homeowners in the United States that allows them to deduct a portion of the interest paid on their mortgage from their taxable income, lowering their overall tax liability and making homeownership more affordable.