It's tax time again. Here's some helpful hints, especially for home owners.

Helpful Tips for Tax Season

While taxes aren’t officially due until April 15th it is a good idea to file your taxes as soon as possible to prevent identity theft by fraudsters illegally collecting your refund! Click here for information from the IRS on potential scams. The Federal Trade Commission offers additional information here.
(Beware! The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels).
Now is the time to gather all of the documents you will need in order to file and to understand all of the deductions and benefits you may be eligible for as a homeowner.
Mortgage Interest-Interest on a mortgage of up to $1 million may be deductible (certain rules apply depending on how you file) and PMI on mortgages obtained after 2007 may also be deductible.
Other potential deductions include:

• Real Estate Property Taxes 
• Pre-Paid Interest or “Points” paid at closing
• A Home Office may have related deductions 
• Certain Home Improvements 
• Certain energy efficiency upgrades 

Click here for more information on potential deductions and credits.
It is helpful to work with a CPA or tax preparer to ensure that you receive all of the deductions due to you, and that you file the correct forms and paperwork, including your HUD 1.
The HUD1 is the itemized form received at closing outlining all of charges to the buyer (borrower) and seller in a real estate transaction closed prior to October 3rd 2015, and you may be required to file it with your taxes. If you purchased your home after October 3rd, 2015 you will have received a Closing Disclosure form (or CD). Regardless of when you purchased your home, if you cannot locate your HUD 1 or CD, contact your lender, they should be able to provide one for you. 
This is purely informational content. If you have any questions, the IRS has a wealth of information available here or consult a qualified tax preparer.

content courtesy of 
Fairway Independent Mortgage, Newton