Tax Credits and Deductions for Home Improvements

Taxes

Home improvements can make your home more comfortable, raise its value and lower energy costs over time. Some projects may also qualify for tax credits or deductions. These tax breaks can reduce what you owe when you file your taxes. In other cases, the cost of improvements can increase your…

Austin Airport TSA Lines wrap outside amid DHS shutdown

News

Airport security lines in Austin stretched outside the door early Friday with passengers waiting hours to board their flights amid pressure on Congressional lawmakers to reach a deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Video footage posted online showed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport…

Owner Financing: What It Is and How It Works

Mortgage

PC Photography/Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways With owner financing, the homeowner or seller extends a loan to the homebuyer, rather than a bank or mortgage lender providing the loan. The contract can be structured in a number of ways, including as a second mortgage, a rent-to-own deal…

Sales Tax vs. Use Tax: Definitions and Examples

Taxes

Most people are used to seeing sales tax on a receipt, but not every purchase includes it. When it doesn’t, you may still owe tax on that purchase through what’s called a use tax. This comes up most often with online shopping, out-of-state purchases and private sales. Understanding the difference…