I own lot of land in residential area for building home. I paid $2500 in 2017 for Topography survey, not decided yet to build home. Can I deduct in addition to taxes?

[Coleen3 · Accepted solution]

No. If at some point you do build a home, it can be added to the basis.  Cost Basis is the purchase price plus buying costs (fees you paid in connection with the purchase such as legal fees, abstract fees, survey charges, owner's title, etc.) plus improvements, minus depreciation.

Home under construction. 

You can treat a home under construction as a qualified home for a period of up to 24 months, but only if it becomes your qualified home at the time it is ready for occupancy.

The 24-month period can start any time on or after the day construction begin.