Interest Deduction

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Interest Deduction'

A deduction for taxpayers who pay certain types of interest. Interest deductions reduce the amount of income subject to tax. The two main types of interest deductions are for home mortgage and home equity loan interest, and margin account interest. These deductions are allowed primarily to encourage home ownership and investment activity. Other interest deductions can come from the interest paid on student loans.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Interest Deduction'

Interest deductions face some limitations. Taxpayers must be able to itemize in order to claim either of the deductions listed above, and margin account interest and other investment-related expenses are only deductible for amounts in excess of 2% of adjusted gross income. Additionally, margin loan interest is only tax-deductible if the loan is used to purchase taxable investments, and the deduction is limited to net investment income. However, once these conditions are met, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate one's taxable income if a sufficient amount of interest has been paid.

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