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Trump’s new plan could save homeowners thousands on their taxes

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Closeup view of wooden blocks topped with letters that spell "TAX" arranged on a surface surrounded by various coins

Trump’s new plan could save homeowners thousands on their taxes

Homeownership has always come with pride, responsibilities, and plenty of bills, but a new proposal could change how much owning a home really costs.,

A tax idea President Trump raised this week is drawing attention: extending depreciation-style deductions, currently used for rental/business property, to primary residences. Details are unclear, and it would require Congress to act.

Instead of only investors getting special tax breaks, regular homeowners may soon see similar perks if this plan moves forward. For many families, that could mean thousands saved each year just for living in their own home.

White House under a beautiful blue sky in Washington, D.C.

A proposal from the White House

During a global economic gathering, President Trump introduced a concept that could reshape the financial side of owning a house in America. His message was simple: that families should get the same tax treatment as large real estate investors.

The proposal focuses on allowing homeowners to claim a tax deduction that has been off-limits to people living in their own homes. That single change could rewrite how millions plan their long-term housing budgets.

A "For Rent" sign positioned in front of a residential house.

The deduction investors already use

Right now, companies that buy homes to rent out receive a valuable tax tool called depreciation from the IRS. This lets them write off a portion of a building’s value each year on paper.

It does not mean the home is falling apart, but it reduces taxable income and lowers yearly tax bills. Most homeowners can’t depreciate a primary residence under current law, except for qualifying business-use portions (such as certain home-office situations).

Riverfront condominium properties located in Vancouver, Washington.

How depreciation really work

For rental properties, the IRS spreads the building value across 27.5 years, creating a steady yearly deduction for investors. This system allows landlords to reduce the income they report for tax purposes.

Over time, these paper losses can add up to major savings, even though no real cash is spent on damage. Giving homeowners access to this same tool could create a powerful new way to cut annual tax costs.

Closeup view of stacked coins and house model in background.

A simple savings example

Picture a home where the structure is valued at 400000 dollars, separate from the land it sits on. Under current depreciation rules, that could create a yearly deduction of more than 14000 dollars.

A family in a middle-income tax bracket could see several thousand dollars shaved off their federal tax bill. Instead of sending that money to Washington, it stays available for savings, repairs, or daily household needs.

IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and tax-related activities.

Why deductions feel like real cash

A tax deduction lowers the income the IRS can tax, which means less money is taken from your paycheck at the end of the year. Even small reductions in taxable income can make a noticeable difference for working families.

If homeowner depreciation becomes reality, it could function like a quiet yearly bonus tied to your house. That steady relief could make homeownership more manageable during times of rising costs and tight budgets.

American house with beautiful landscaping and vibrant flowers.

The catch called recapture

There is an important detail homeowners would need to understand called depreciation recapture. When depreciation is claimed for business or rental use, it can reduce your home’s basis and may trigger depreciation recapture on sale.

If a new depreciation benefit for primary residences were ever created, lawmakers would still need to define how recapture and the home-sale gain exclusion would apply.

That means earlier savings may raise the taxable amount during a sale, often at a special rate. Knowing this rule ahead of time would help families plan smartly for future moves or retirement downsizing.

Large beige luxury house in summer landscape

Selling a home under this plan

If a homeowner claims depreciation for years, the IRS lowers the official cost basis of that home. When the property sells for a profit, taxes are calculated using that reduced basis number.

This process could create a larger taxable gain even if the sale price looks the same. Homeowners would need clear guidance so that the benefit today does not create surprises at closing time later.

Miniature house model on a wooden block with home owners text.

A push for more homeownership

This proposal ties into a broader goal of encouraging Americans to own homes instead of renting long-term. The administration has signaled interest in reducing the advantages large investment groups have in housing markets.

By offering similar tax perks to families, the plan aims to help everyday buyers compete for properties. That could shift parts of the housing market back toward owner-occupied neighborhoods across the country.

Architects and business executives brainstorming on the floor.

Changing the investor advantage

Large investment firms currently use tax strategies like depreciation to grow profits in real estate. Giving homeowners the same deduction could reduce the gap between corporate buyers and local families.

If both sides receive similar tax treatment, buyers looking for a primary home might stand a better chance. This shift could reshape bidding wars and pricing trends in many communities.

Brown cedar roof home.

A comparison to retirement accounts

Supporters describe homeowner depreciation as turning a house into a kind of tax-sheltered asset. It mirrors how retirement plans protect savings from immediate taxation.

Instead of only serving as a place to live, a home could offer ongoing tax relief during ownership. That idea adds a new financial layer to a purchase many families already view as their biggest investment.

Illustrating the concept of property tax and legal implications.

What needs to happen next

This proposal is still an idea and not part of the tax code yet. Any lasting change would require approval from Congress before homeowners can claim new deductions.

Other recent tax updates for businesses show that major shifts are possible in the current climate. If lawmakers move forward, homeowners could see new rules appear in future filing seasons.

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Close up of a real estate agent giving a key to a client.

Why homeowners are paying attention

A plan that promises yearly tax savings naturally draws interest from families thinking about buying or already owning a home. Even the possibility of lower taxes can influence financial decisions today.

For now, it remains a proposal to watch closely as debates unfold in Washington. If adopted, this change could turn ordinary homeownership into a fresh source of long-term tax relief.

Interested in finding ways to reduce your tax bill? Take a closer look at the recently launched deductions.

Do you think this plan would actually help homeowners? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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John Ghost is a professional writer and SEO director. He graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in English (Writing, Rhetorics, and Literacies). As he prepares for graduate school to become an English professor, he writes weird fiction, plays his guitars, and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters. He lives in the Valley of the Sun. Learn more about John on Muck Rack.

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