04/16/2026
๐ก Tax Day 2026: Smart Silicon Valley Homeowner Moves (Saratoga, Los Gatos, Palo Alto & Cupertino)
Happy Tax Day, Silicon Valley! Whether you're filing today or already done, April 15th is the perfect time to think about how your home works for your wealth not against it.
Here are 7 tax-smart tips every Silicon Valley homeowner should know:
1. Mortgage Interest Deduction. You can deduct interest on up to $750K of mortgage debt on your primary residence. In markets like Saratoga and Palo Alto, this is a significant annual benefit.
2. SALT Cap Awareness California property taxes are high, but the $10K State and Local Tax deduction cap still applies. Plan accordingly.
3. Capital Gains Exclusion Selling your primary home? Singles exclude up to $250K in gains; married couples up to $500K (must have lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years). In our appreciation-heavy market, this matters.
4. Prop 19 Benefits Homeowners 55+ can transfer their property tax base to a new home anywhere in California (up to 3 times). Huge for right-sizers in Los Gatos and Cupertino.
5. Home Office Deduction If you're self-employed and work from home, you may qualify. (W-2 employees sorry, not since 2018.)
6. Energy-Efficient Upgrades Solar, heat pumps, and certain windows may qualify for federal tax credits. Silicon Valley rebates can stack on top.
7. Keep Records of Capital Improvements Remodels, additions, and major upgrades increase your cost basis and reduce future capital gains. Save every receipt.
๐ก Thinking about buying, selling, or restructuring your real estate for 2026? Tax strategy and real estate strategy go hand in hand. I'd love to help you make a plan.
๐ Dr. Alison "Ali" Takamoto
REALTORยฎ | DRE #02096408
Director of Marketing & Strategy | The Aimee Smith Team
Specializing in Saratoga, Los Gatos, Palo Alto & Cupertino
๐ง [email protected] | ๐ฑ 669-333-4111
๐ www.aimeeandalihomes.com
Not tax or legal advice โ please consult your CPA or tax professional.
#02096408