Column Five's, Josh Ritchie gives us details on how frequency of use of second properties may impact how you report property taxes. For example, if you rented out your home in Florida for 6 months – or about 180 days – between May and October (inclusive), you would still be able to classify your home as a second home for tax purposes if you stayed there for more than 18 days. If you rent a dwelling unit to others that you also use as a residence, limitations may apply to the rental expenses you can deduct. You can rent your second home out for as many as 14 days a year and pocket the income without turning it into a rental property for tax purposes. A second home generally offers the same tax advantages and deductions as your first home, as long as you use it as a personal residence. So, here are four of our favorite second home tax tips to help offset or reduce your overall tax bill: 1 – Itemize mortgage & prepaid interest, real estate tax… More than 14 days, you must report all rental income. Rental Property / Personal Use. The house is considered a personal residence, so you deduct mortgage interest and property taxes under the standard rules for a second home. Luckily second home tax breaks and deductions come in many forms – you just have to know how to spot and take advantage of them. To be considered as a main residence for tax purposes, the property must be a dwelling house, or an interest in a dwelling house which is, or which at some point during the period of ownership been, the individual’s only or main residence. You're considered to use a dwelling unit as a residence if you use it for personal purposes during the tax year for more than the greater of: 14 days, or TIP: If you don’t plan to live in this property full time, keep in mind that the home’s location can affect whether it’s considered a second home. However, if you're buying your second home for a rental property to bring in more income, filing taxes can become a little more complicated. Local and state real estate taxes paid on a second or vacation home are also generally deductible for personal use. … “For you to take a home mortgage interest deduction, your debt must be secured by a qualified home. Second Home Criteria. A second home not used for income is treated very similarly to a first home for tax purposes, and that could make things easier at tax time. The deadline to appeal property taxes is in September in many areas. When your second home is rented out. If you choose a place too close to your primary residence, it may be classified as an investment property, which could mean higher mortgage rates and … You may be able to save money. For the purposes of the home mortgage interest deduction, a "home" must have sleeping, eating and toilet facilities. With the decline in property values, it may be worth appealing your property tax value to make sure you are paying the correct property tax amount. When it's time to file your income-tax return, you can itemize and deduct real estate property taxes from both your primary residence and your second home (and on any additional homes … This means your main home or your second home. A home includes a house, condominium, cooperative, mobile home, house trailer, boat, or similar property that has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.” The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the tax reform package passed in December 2017—lowered the maximum for the mortgage interest deduction.