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The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act: Understanding Its Provisions
In the early 2000s, the US housing bubble grew to its eventual collapse, which led to a number of homeowners suffering from negative equity. This was further exacerbated by the economic recession that hit the country in late 2008, which left many homeowners struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments. With mounting debt and foreclosure looming, many homeowners found themselves in a desperate situation.
To address this growing issue, the US Congress passed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (MFDRA) in 2007. This legislation aimed to provide relief to homeowners who were unable to pay their mortgages by allowing them to avoid paying taxes on any debt they had forgiven by their lenders—one of the most significant benefits for homeowners in recent years.
What is Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (MFDRA)?
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, signed into law in 2007, provides tax relief for homeowners who experience mortgage debt relief. In simple terms, if a lender forgives a portion of a homeowner’s mortgage debt, the IRS will not tax that forgiven debt as income. The goal of the MFDRA is to assist homeowners who are struggling with mortgages they can no longer afford and allow them to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of debt from which they cannot escape.
What types of debt are included in the MFDRA provisions?
The types of debt covered under MFDRA include:
1. Forgiven principal balances from mortgage restructurings
2. Cancelled mortgage debts arising from any debt that is secured by a primary residence
3. Forgiven mortgage debts from short sales or foreclosures
Who can benefit from the MFDRA?
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act primarily benefits homeowners who:
1. Cannot pay their mortgage due to unforeseen circumstances
2. Have experienced a decrease in their home’s value, resulting in negative equity
3. Have undergone a mortgage restructuring or modification
4. Have foreclosed on their homes
5. Have undertaken a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure
What is Short Sale?
A short sale is a real estate transaction in which the homeowner sells the property for less than the outstanding balance on the mortgage. Short sales provide an option for homeowners to avoid foreclosure and the accompanying negative impact to their credit score. While the proceeds from a short sale do not cover the entire mortgage, the lender forgives the remaining balance, which is covered by the MFDRA provisions.
How long does MFDRA coverage last?
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act had initially been set to expire at the end of 2012, but received several extensions. The most recent extension expired on December 31, 2020. However, as of 2021, a new extension to the MFDRA has not been granted. It is worth noting that the Act’s extension depends on whether Congress decides to pass a new legislation or extend the current provisions beyond the expiration date.
How much debt can be forgiven under the MFDRA provisions?
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act allows homeowners to exclude up to $2 million of forgiven debt from their taxable income. This amount applies to both individual filers and married filers who file separately. Married couples filing jointly can exclude up to $4 million in mortgage debt forgiveness.
Is Mortgage Forgiveness taxable?
Although the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act provides tax relief to homeowners, not all mortgage forgiveness is taxable. The forgiven debt may be taxable as income if it is associated with debt other than a mortgage, such as a credit card debt or a personal loan. It is essential to consult with an accountant or trusted financial advisor regarding the tax implications of mortgage forgiveness.
What are some common misconceptions about MFDRA?
There are several misconceptions about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act worth debunking. These include:
1. The MFDRA applies to all types of debts, including car loans, student loans, and credit card debts. In reality, the MFDRA provisions only apply to mortgage debts.
2. The MFDRA encourages lenders to forgive all debts. While the law provides a tax exemption for mortgage debt forgiveness, it does not require lenders to forgive the entire debt.
3. MFDRA coverage lasts indefinitely. As mentioned previously, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act’s coverage is subject to expiration and needs to be extended or renewed upon the act’s expiration.
Final Thoughts
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act has provided much-needed relief to many homeowners struggling with mortgage debt. However, homeowners should be mindful of the Act’s provisions, including the tax implications of the forfeiture of mortgage debt. For further guidance, homeowners should consider consulting a certified financial planner or a tax adviser for the most up-to-date tax laws and benefits available.
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Article Summary:
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (MFDRA) was passed by the US Congress in 2007 to offer tax relief for homeowners who receive mortgage debt relief, which may be for forgiven principal balances from mortgage restructurings, cancelled mortgage debts arising from debt secured by a primary residence, or forgiven mortgage debts from short sales or foreclosures. The MFDRA helps homeowners who cannot pay their mortgage due to unforeseen circumstances, decreased home values resulting in negative equity, mortgage restructuring or modification, foreclosures, or short sales. However, it does not cover all types of debt, nor is coverage indefinite, as it has been subject to expiration and extension.
