Is a Home Equity Loan Right for Me?

Taxes are becoming an ever-increasing burden to Americans. Through the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Congress reduced or eliminated many of the ways that taxpayers can lower their taxes.

Interest deduction is one of the areas that has been strongly affected by this tax reform legislation. Since tax year 1991, interest on consumer debt has not been deductible for income tax purposes.

In order to minimize the impact of these limitations, it may prove advantageous for you to shift your debt by means of a home equity loan — borrowing money using your home as collateral. The law allows your interest payments on these home equity loans to be fully deductible up to $100,000.

You are not even compelled to use the money for home improvements. It may be used to clear personal debts, to fund a college education, to pay medical expenses, or to purchase items on a cash rather than a credit basis. The real benefit to you is the deductibility of the interest payments.

Bear in mind that home equity loans are generally repayable over 15 years. Other types of debt tend to have a shorter repayment period. As a result, the total amount of interest paid may be higher with home equity loans. However, the interest rates on a home equity loan, including origination fees, tend to be significantly lower than other consumer debt.

If you do not require a large sum, you may be interested in establishing a “home equity line of credit.” You only withdraw the money as you need it, so your interest payments are reduced.

You must examine these options carefully, however, recognizing that these loans are secured by your home.

Also, if you use a home equity loan to pay off credit card debt, consider canceling most of your credit cards to avoid the temptation to build new debt.

Before moving ahead, determine whether this shifting of debt is in your best interest, and seek professional advice on whether it will subject you to the alternative minimum tax.

If debt-shifting is suitable for you, consider taking advantage of these cost-effective means to borrow money.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.

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Investors should consult with their own professional advisor regarding the potential tax, estate, and legal considerations that may arise in connection with entering into a life settlements transaction. Proceeds from a life settlement transaction may be taxable under federal or state law to the extent the proceeds exceed the cost basis. The proceeds from a life settlement transaction may be subject to claims of creditors. The receipt of proceeds from a life settlement transaction may adversely impact eligibility for government benefits and entitlements. The amount received for the sale of the Policy may be impacted by the circumstances of the particular purchaser of the Policy, the insured’s life expectancy, future premiums, the death benefit, the terms of the Policy, and the current market for insurance policies, among other factors. The amount received for the sale of the Policy may be more or less than what others might receive for the sale of a similar policy. There may be high fees associated with the sell of a Life settlement.

Any tax advice contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended for public dissemination. Further, you should seek specific tax advice from your tax professional before pursuing any idea contemplated herein. This advice is being provided solely as an incidental service to our business as a financial planner.