Year-End Home Paperwork You’ll Be Glad You Organized

Whether you bought, sold, refinanced, or simply kept up your home this year, organizing your housing paperwork now can save time, stress, and money when tax season arrives. A little effort before the end of the year makes April much easier.

Gather Mortgage and Property Tax Documents

Start by locating your mortgage interest statements. These usually arrive in January, but it’s smart to double-check that your lender has the correct mailing address or online delivery settings.

Next, collect property tax bills and proof of payment. Even if your taxes are paid through escrow, your year-end statement should show the total amount paid. Having this information in one place makes tax prep smoother.

Tip: Store mortgage statements, insurance documents, and property tax records together—either in a single digital folder or a clearly labeled paper file.

Keep Records of Home Improvements

Major home upgrades can matter later, especially when you sell. Improvements that increase value or extend the life of your home—such as a roof replacement, new HVAC system, or an addition—can increase your cost basis and reduce future capital gains taxes.

Save documentation such as:

• Contractor invoices and receipts

• Permits

• Photos showing before-and-after work

Routine maintenance, like basic painting or yard work, usually doesn’t qualify, so those records aren’t necessary for tax purposes.

Save Energy-Efficiency Upgrade Paperwork

If you invested in energy-efficient upgrades this year—such as solar panels, energy-efficient windows, insulation, or a heat pump—hang on to all receipts and manufacturer certification documents.

These items are often required to claim federal energy tax credits, and tracking them down months later can be difficult.

Tip: Create a clearly labeled folder for energy-related upgrades so everything is easy to find during tax season.

Organize Home Office Records (If Applicable)

If you work from home and use a dedicated space for business, keep documentation that shows how much of your home is used for work and what expenses are tied to that space.

Helpful records include:

• Utility bills

• Internet service statements

• Receipts for office equipment or improvements

A quick photo of your workspace before year-end can also help support your records if questions come up later.

Store Closing Documents for Recent Purchases or Sales

Buying or selling a home comes with a large stack of paperwork, and some of it is important long after closing day. If you bought or sold a home this year, keep your closing disclosure, settlement statement, and records of major expenses such as agent commissions or points paid.

Buyers may need these documents to confirm deductions, while sellers may need them for future capital gains calculations.

Review Insurance and Warranty Information

While not always tax-related, it’s smart to confirm that your homeowners insurance declarations page is up to date and that warranties or service contracts are easy to access. These documents can be critical if you need to file a claim or document a loss.

A Small Effort Now Pays Off Later

Spending an hour or two organizing home-related paperwork before year-end can make tax season far less stressful—and may even help you spot deductions or credits you might otherwise miss.

If you want a simple homeowner document checklist or help deciding which records are most important for your situation, I’m happy to help you get organized and ready for the year ahead.