We bought a house, November 1st. Is that enough time to file for the house or do we need to wait until next year to claim it?

[Leonard · Accepted solution]

No, you do not have to wait until next year to claim your house.

The expenses you can claim for your house would be entered on Schedule A as an itemized deduction.

However due to the increase in the standard deduction this year  ( $12,000 if you are single or use married filing separate status  $24,000 if you are a married joint-file.  $18,000 if you are head of household) it is more than likely that you will use the standard itemized deduction rather than itemizing your deductions.

[xmasbaby0]

Home Ownership

There is not a first time home buyers credit on a Federal return. That ended in 2010. If your state has such as credit, you will be able to enter it when you prepare your state return.

Buying a home is not a guarantee of a big refund.  Your deductions for homeownership combined with your other deductions (if any) must exceed your standard deduction to change your tax due or refund. If you purchased your home late in the year, you do not even have a full year of home ownership deductions.

Your closing costs on your new home are not deductible except for prepaid interest, prepaid property tax or loan origination fees.  There are no deductions for appraisal, inspections, title searches, settlement fees. etc.

Your down payment is not deductible.

Your homeowners insurance for fire, hazard, flood, etc. is not deductible for your own home.

Home improvements, repairs, maintenance, etc. for your own home are not deductible.  

Homeowners Association  (HOA) fees for your own home are not deductible. 

Go to Federal> Deductions and Credits> Your Home to enter mortgage interest, property taxes, and loan origination fees (“points”) that you paid in 2018.  You should have a 1098 from your mortgage lender that shows this information.