Interest deduction (ränteavdrag)
Ränteavdrag is the tax reduction you get for your interest costs. If you paid more interest than you earned in capital income, you get back 30% of the deficit up to 100 000 kr and 21% on the part above that. It lowers your tax, it is not a payout.
How it works
Skatteverket adds up your capital income and your interest costs. If the result is a capital deficit (underskott av kapital) it gives a tax reduction: 30% on the deficit up to 100 000 kr and 21% above. A deficit of 40 000 kr therefore cuts your tax by 12 000 kr. It happens automatically in your tax return, but you can spread it across the year by adjusting your preliminary tax (jämkning).
From 2026: the loan must have collateral
The percentages themselves are unchanged, but from income year 2026 you get no deduction at all for interest on loans without collateral, meaning unsecured personal loans (blancolån) and most card credit. Mortgages and other secured loans (home, car) are unaffected and work as before. 2025 was a transition year with half the deduction; 2026 is zero for unsecured loans.
Where it shows up
- Mortgage calculator
- Buy vs rent
Ränteavdrag requires a capital deficit. If you have large capital income (for example realised gains), the interest is offset against that first, and only the remainder gives a deduction. It reduces your tax, so you need tax to reduce.