Are Roof Repairs Tax Deductible? (What You Need to Know)
As a homeowner, you know that repairs and maintenance are a part of the package. One of the most costly repairs you may face is a roof repair.
Fear of significant expenses may leave you wondering if alternative ways exist to save money. Like if you repair your roof, are those repairs tax deductible?
Rescue My Roof has been an expert in the roofing industry for over a decade, educating homeowners and empowering them to make the best decisions for their homes.
We’ve worked with homeowners to help them get the best deals on roof repairs. Today, we’ll help you understand the tax laws surrounding roof repairs.
Ultimately, you’ll know if your roof repairs qualify as a tax deduction.
Are Roof Repairs Tax Deductible?
The short answer is no; roof repairs are not tax deductible.
There is a difference between what the IRS considers repairs and home improvements – both qualify for different things.
What Qualifies As A Roof Repair?
Repairs are routine maintenance, including smaller projects like roof repairs, to keep your home in good condition and livable.
Some of the most common examples of home repairs include:
- Replacing a few roofing shingles, tiles or repairing a portion of a metal roof
- Repainting a room or bathroom
- Replacing appliances
- Termite damage
- Installing new plumbing pipes
- Fixing a broken sink
- Mold repair
While these projects may add some value to your home, they are not considered home improvements because they are necessary to maintain the livable quality of your home.
What Qualifies As Home Improvement?
Home improvements enhance the value of your home and contribute to its life and overall usefulness. Home improvements are bigger jobs with larger goals—for example, a roof replacement.
Examples of home improvements include:
- Roof replacements
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations
- Backyard landscape/hardscape
- Building onto an existing structure
- Window replacements
If you’re wondering if your project is a home improvement vs. a repair, here are some factors to consider:
- Is your project adapting an existing space or object for a new use?
- Does your project add new spaces or objects that were not there before?
- Are you upgrading an existing space or object?
If your answer to these questions is yes, you are dealing with home improvements. Home improvements qualify for different deductions than a repair.
Roof Repairs and Replacement – Are They Tax Deductible?
All of this brings us back to the original question: are roof repairs tax deductible?
Generally, roof repairs are not tax deductible and do not qualify as a tax write-off.
However, home improvements qualify for a different type of “write-off.” You can’t write off a roof replacement on your federal income taxes. But, when you sell the home, you can write off a certain percentage of the replacement costs as a part of your capital gains.
So, if you’re looking to write off any roof repairs or replacements as a deduction on your federal income taxes, you’re out of luck. Both roof replacements and repairs do not qualify as a tax write-off.
Getting A Roof Estimate
Getting a roof estimate is the first step to any roof repair or replacement.
While your project may not qualify for tax deductions, that doesn’t mean you should leave your roof in disrepair. Leaving issues untreated could result in further home damage, including interior drywall and flooded basements.
To learn more about roof repairs, read “Top 5 Roofing Insurance Questions Answered” and “4 Tips to Prevent Roof Leaks Before They Happen.”
Additionally, you can download our Buyer’s Guide to learn about roof financing, materials, insurance, and more.
Do you need a roof estimate in southeastern Wisconsin? Rescue My Roof is ready to help. Contact us today to get a free estimate.