Do I Claim My Escrow Account on My House?

Escrow accounts are used to save money for bills such as property taxes, homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance and other hazard insurances. Each month, you make an additional payment on top of the regular mortgage payment to your lender. The overage is then placed in your escrow account, which is managed by a third party. When the taxes or insurance payments are due, the bills are paid on your behalf with the funds in the escrow accounts. It is in the lender's best interest to always ensure that all property taxes and other miscellaneous charges are paid on time so that a lien cannot be placed on the property as the result of non-payment. Therefore, some lenders will require you to maintain an escrow account, especially if you obtained the mortgage with less than a 20 percent down payment.

The lender calculates the escrow payments based on what the estimated property taxes are and what the premiums for your insurances are. Then, it divides the yearly amounts by 12 to come up with the monthly payment. For example, if your property taxes are estimated to be $3,600 for the year and your homeowner's insurance premium is $1,200, your escrow payment each month would equal $400. Often, lenders like to have a little extra on reserve in the event that taxes or premiums rise unexpectedly. However, they can only keep up to two months additional in the account. Over time, your escrow payments will probably rise. This is because property taxes are likely to increase as well as your insurance premiums.

Property taxes are considered deductible in the eyes of the IRS, as long as the property tax is calculated by using the assessed value of the property and in the same fashion as the other properties within the taxing zone. Any money paid toward property taxes in a year can be claimed. This is valid for taxes paid via escrow accounts as well. Your mortgage company should provide you with a statement showing the amount paid directly to the tax collector. Note, that this amount will likely be less than the amount you actually paid into your escrow account over the year. Claim this on the 1040 Form using Schedule A. Additionally, the interest paid on your mortgage and any mortgage insurance premiums can be claimed.

Sometimes, portions of property taxes are used to fund projects that are considered to increase the value of your property. An example of this would include new sidewalks in your community. Situations like this are nondeductible. Adjustments might need to be made on the amount you claim if this applies to you. Your tax preparer will be able to consult you with this topic. Homeowner's or other hazard insurance premiums paid using the escrow are also nondeductible and cannot be claimed.