This bill aims to remove a tax disadvantage known as the "marriage penalty" for couples filing jointly under the State and local tax deduction. It achieves this by adjusting the dollar limits and income thresholds so that married couples filing jointly receive twice the deduction amount available to single filers, while married individuals filing separately receive half. These changes are designed to ensure that married couples do not pay more in taxes solely because they are married. The provisions would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.
The Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act of 2026 expands the tax deduction for interest paid on consumer loans to include recreational motorboats, alongside existing vehicles like cars and trucks. This change allows taxpayers who take out loans for boats assembled in the United States to deduct the interest they pay on their federal income tax returns, provided the boat is used primarily for recreation. The law applies to debts incurred after December 31, 2025, and requires taxpayers to report the boat's hull identification number on their tax filings.
This bill creates a new tax credit for homeowners who pay interest on loans used to buy, build, or improve their primary residences. The credit allows taxpayers to directly reduce their federal income tax liability by up to $2,000 annually, or $1,000 for married individuals filing separately, provided their modified adjusted gross income does not exceed specific thresholds that vary by filing status. The amount of the credit is reduced by $20 for every $1,000 that a taxpayer's income exceeds these limits, and the provision includes an automatic inflation adjustment mechanism starting in 2028. This legislation applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and excludes nonresident aliens from claiming the benefit.