Living in Finland, you may be able to get part of the cost of home repairs and maintenance back through your taxes. This is possible thanks to the household tax deduction known as kotitalousvähennys.
Many homeowners and tenants do not realize that when they hire a professional for small home repairs, installations, or maintenance work, part of the labor cost can be deducted in their annual tax declaration. This makes handyman and home services significantly more affordable.
What is the household tax deduction
The household tax deduction is a tax benefit available for work carried out in your home or holiday property in Finland. The deduction applies only to the cost of labor, not to materials.
You can receive this deduction when the work is performed by a registered company or self-employed professional who provides an official invoice for the work.
How much money you can get back
The amount you can deduct depends on the cost of the work.
Current general rules include:
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about 35% of the labor cost can be deducted
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the maximum deduction is €1600 per person per year
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couples can receive up to €3200 combined
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there is a €150 deductible (self-liability)
Example
If you order home repair services and the labor portion of the invoice is €1000:
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35% equals €350
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after subtracting the €150 deductible, the tax deduction would be about €200
This means the real cost of the work becomes significantly lower.
What types of work qualify for the deduction
Many common household repair and maintenance tasks qualify for this tax deduction.
For example:
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small apartment repairs
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furniture assembly
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installation of shelves and curtain rods
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TV wall mounting
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light fixture installation
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minor door or lock repairs
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general home maintenance tasks
These jobs often take only a few hours but can greatly improve the comfort and functionality of your home.
How to claim the deduction
Applying for the deduction is quite simple.
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Order the work from a registered company or professional.
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Pay the invoice and keep the receipt.
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Report the labor cost in your tax declaration under the household tax deduction section.
The Finnish Tax Administration will then include the deduction when calculating your taxes.
Why many residents in Finland use this deduction
Many small home repairs are often postponed because people think they are too expensive or complicated.
However, thanks to the household tax deduction, hiring a professional can be more affordable than many expect. In addition, one visit from a handyman can often solve several small problems around the home.
This helps save:
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time
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money
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effort
When it makes sense to hire a handyman
A handyman service is especially useful when you have several small tasks around the home, such as:
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mounting a television on the wall
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installing shelves
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fixing curtain rods
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assembling furniture
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completing small repair jobs
Often these tasks can all be completed in a single visit.
Thanks to the household tax deduction, many people in Finland save hundreds of euros every year on home maintenance and repair services. Before postponing small repairs, it is worth checking whether you can benefit from this tax deduction.
