The Economic Times

Homeowners, read this first: Mortgage interest and property taxes only help in 2026 if you itemize, and many are better off skipping it

Homeowners may want to look twice before claiming mortgage interest and property taxes as tax breaks in 2026. Those expenses help only when itemized deductions beat the standard deduction. For many taxpayers, they will not. Retirement contributions, HSAs, charitable giving and newer deductions may offer better opportunities, depending on income, age and filing status. The right choice comes down to the numbers.