Tax deductions are one of the primary ways to save money on income taxes. When you file a tax return, you have the option of using a standard deduction, in which a set amount--based on your filing status--is subtracted from your taxable income, or itemizing your deductions, which allows you to deduct a variety of expenses you paid throughout the year. Mortgage interest paid on a recreational vehicle loan can be an itemized tax deduction if the loan is secured by the property, the RV is your first or second residence and the RV contains basic living amenities such as a bed, kitchen and bathroom.
Itemize your tax deductions by filling out Schedule A (Form 1040) and including it with your tax return.
Go to line 10 of Schedule A (Form 1040) and enter the amount of mortgage interest and points reported on a Form 1098 sent to you by your lender.
Go to line 11 of Schedule A (Form 1040) if you did not receive a Form 1098 and record the mortgage interest paid on the RV.
Enter the name of the lender that received the interest, its identification number and address on the dotted lines provided on line 11 if you did not receive a Form 1098. The identifying number is the employer identification number for businesses and Social Security number for individuals.
Provide the recipient of the interest payment with your Social Security number if you haven't done so already. There is a possible $50 penalty if you fail to do this.
Attach Schedule A (Form 1040) to Form 1040 when you file your tax return.
Tips
Mortgage interest is tax deductible on a primary residence and one secondary residence or vacation home. If you have another vacation home in addition to your RV, you will only be able to claim the interest paid on one of them as a tax deduction.
References
- IRS.gov: Itemized Deductions
- Bankrate.com: Deducting RV Mortgage
- Internal Revenue Service. "Topic No. 504 Home Mortgage Points." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "2020 Instructions for Form 1098." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "Publication 551, Basis of Assets." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "2019 Publication 936 Home Mortgage Interest Deduction." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- IRS. "Publication 936. Home Mortgage Interest Deduction." Accessed Jan. 30, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. Form 1098. Accessed Feb. 3 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "2020 Form 1098." Accessed Jan. 28, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "Filing Information Returns Electronically." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "How to Prepare Your Tax Return for Mailing." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "About Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "About Form 1098-E, Student Loan Interest Statement." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "About Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
Tips
- Mortgage interest is tax deductible on a primary residence and one secondary residence or vacation home. If you have another vacation home in addition to your RV, you will only be able to claim the interest paid on one of them as a tax deduction.
Writer Bio
Gregory Hamel has been a writer since September 2008 and has also authored three novels. He has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from St. Olaf College. Hamel maintains a blog focused on massive open online courses and computer programming.