Handling Your Debt - What Tax Implications Are There?

When analyzing financing options or debt handling issues many people neglect to include the tax implications of one strategy over another. Including tax implications in your scenarios can become very complicated. It's always handy to have a computer program that will help you. But even without that there are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind.

In the U.S., the biggest tax write-off for many individuals is the interest paid on a property loan. Since they represent large debts, paid over many years, the interest is (for several years) the overwhelming majority of the total monthly payment. As a result, much of that interest paid can offset taxable income.

Other types of debt have other tax concerns that should be considered when working on a financial plan.

Taking out a home equity loan used to be primarily for the purpose of making improvements to the property. Many people these days use that money for a much wider variety of goals. A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) can be used to finance just about anything - an auto purchase, repayment of credit card debt... you name it.

Even if your home equity loan has the same interest rate as your credit card it is still the better option.  Unlike interest paid on credit cards, the interest paid on your HELOC is tax deductible.  The clear tax benefits make a second mortgage or HELOC a smart choice.

It is wise to check out several options when deciding what is right for you.  Utilizing loan calculators on line can help you do the math and determine what best meets your personal situation. 

Refinancing debt using credit cards is very costly.  At times that needs to be done, and of course no solution fits all circumstances.  Sometimes people find themselves buried in medical debts, and at times a loan can be obtained to pay these off.

It can be beneficial to finance medical expenses or other debts into a new loan because at times the interest paid on said loans is tax deductible.

Programs for filing your taxes can give you a good indication what are the best options for you.   It can help determine if any portion of interest paid on student loans or other debts is tax deductible.  Once you input your information into the program it will show you the tax implications of different methods of financing.

Doing the math and evaluating your options can lead to big savings in the long run.  Though it requires the investment of some time, it will benefit you in your financial decisions now and in the future.