Tax documents for homeowners
Owning a home adds a few forms and records to your return, especially in the year you buy, sell or make major improvements.
Income documents
- Form 1099-S if you sold property
- Records of any rental income from part of the home
- Closing statement showing sale price and selling costs
Expenses and receipts
- Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
- Property tax bills and proof of payment
- Mortgage insurance premium statements, if shown on Form 1098
- Receipts for major improvements, which add to your cost basis
- Records of energy-efficiency improvements or solar installation
- Home equity loan or line-of-credit interest statements and how the money was used
Other records to gather
- Closing disclosure from the year you bought the home
- Points paid on the purchase or refinance
- Homeowners insurance declarations page
- Home office measurements, if you work from home as self-employed
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not keeping improvement receipts, which reduce the taxable gain when you sell
- Missing the closing statement from purchase or refinance
- Not knowing how home equity loan proceeds were used
Frequently asked questions
Which home records should I keep long-term?
Keep the purchase closing statement and receipts for major improvements for as long as you own the home, since they help determine gain when you sell.
Is mortgage interest always deductible?
Only if you itemize and meet the rules, so give your preparer the Form 1098 and let them compare itemizing with the standard deduction.
Related checklists
This is a general checklist to help you gather paperwork, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change and depend on your situation, so confirm details with a qualified preparer or the IRS.