Is interest on a mortgage applied to a vacant land tax deductible?

Gena Katz, a chartered accountant and principal with Ernst and Young, has the answer.

Gena Katz 5 June, 2003 | 1:00PM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Dear Expert:

I have a primary residence in Ontario and I own vacant land in British Columbia. I have a mortgage on both properties. Eventually, I may build a house on the vacant land, sell my Ontario residence and declare the B.C. location my primary residence. Is the mortgage interest that I am currently paying for the vacant land tax-deductible as investment income, and, if so, is it to my advantage to deduct this?

Expert Answer:

In order for interest to be deductible for tax purposes, it must relate to borrowed money used to purchase property acquired to earn income from business or property. A capital gain is not considered income from property. So unless you are currently renting out the vacant land, the current mortgage interest is not deductible.

Do you have a question?

All Ask the Expert questions are read and considered. Unfortunately we can't provide individual responses or respond to every question. Please note that questions about specific securities cannot be considered. Click here to Ask the Expert.


No statement in this article should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice or individual financial planning. Morningstar Canada does not provide specific portfolio advice and recommends the use of a qualified financial planner when appropriate.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Gena Katz

Gena Katz  

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy       Disclosures        Accessibility