Why are REALTORS® Opposed to Current Tax Reform Proposal?
Amy Fennell • November 6, 2017
The National Association of REALTORS® and Louisiana REALTORS® has engaged and encouraged REALTORS® and consumers to TAKE ACTION
against the proposed tax reform that was unveiled in the House last week.
As Congress continues discussion on the subject the #realtorparty is united in OPPOSITION because the bill is a direct threat to consumers, to homeowners, and to the real estate industry. Not only will millions of homeowners not benefit from the proposal, many will get a tax increase. Additionally, homeowners could lose substantial equity from the more than 10% drop in home values likely to result if the bill is enacted.
WHAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD DO:
Caps the mortgage interest deduction at $500K for new mortgages
Cap applies to new mortgage debt (but not refinancing) incurred after November 2, 2017.
Limit is not indexed to inflation causing its value to even further diminish over time.
Increases the standard deduction
Puts homeownership tax incentives beyond the reach of more than 90% of American families.
Limits the exemption on Capital Gains Tax from the sale of a primary residence
New rules would require homeowners to live in their home for 5 of 8 years before a sale to qualify for the exemption, versus just 2 of previous 5 years today. This will create a hardship to homeowners who have to move inside that five-year window.
Exemption phases out for single filers with incomes over $250K ($500K for joint returns).
Eliminates the deduction for state and local income or sales taxes.
Eliminates the Mortgage Interest Deduction for second homes.
Eliminates the deduction for moving expenses.
Eliminates the deduction on interest on student loans.
Eliminates the deduction for medical expenses, even for the elderly.
All this from a bill that is supposed to improve the current system.
NOT ONLY IS THIS LEGISLATION A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO
AMERICAN HOMEOWNERSHIP, IT WILL COST OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN $1.5 TRILLION IN NEW FEDERAL DEBT.
· Millions of middle class homeowners would see a tax hike under this plan.
· This plan attacks homeownership and sticks future generations with a $1.5 trillion price tag.
· America's homeowners should not pay for corporate tax cuts.
· Hard-working homeowners will lose money when their home values fall, while corporations will get a huge tax break.
· Homeowners in all 50 states would be double-taxed on the money they pay for state/local taxes.
· If you buy a home and then have to move within 5 years, you could be hit with a big tax bill under this plan.
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple joined Governor Jeff Landry and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot today to announce that Louisiana is investing an additional $20 million in Fortified homes, bringing the total amount invested in state Fortified projects this year to $100 million. Governor Landry announced that $20 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be transferred to the Louisiana Office of Community Development Restore Resilient Opportunities for Overhead Fortification (Restore ROOF) program to strengthen residential structures and reduce long-term disaster risk. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill that allows $50 million in additional Katrina and Rita bond money from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to be added to the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP). Also beginning this year, LFHP is projected to receive approximately $30 million annually from taxes and fees the Louisiana Department of Insurance collects from the insurance industry. “Building stronger homes is a vital part of making homeowners insurance affordable in Louisiana,” said Commissioner Temple. “I appreciate Governor Landry’s leadership and support as we work with legislators like Chairman Talbot to make Louisiana a national leader in the adoption of Fortified roofs.” The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has finalized its promulgation of Regulation 136—Fortify Homes Premium Discounts. The purpose of Regulation 136 is to implement the statutory provisions set forth in La. R.S. 22:1483, et seq. , which require that all Louisiana property and casualty insurers provide premium discounts or insurance rate reductions for homes constructed or upgraded in accordance with the fortified standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. View Regulation 136 here .
Program Partners
Learn about common risks as a real estate agent and tips to stay safe during home showings.
