Tax deductions are hidden all over the place, and the keen-eyed citizen can take advantage of them with ease. When selling a home (or any other investment) you should find out when is the right time to sell, to make the maximum profit. But no matter when you sell, there may be deductions available to you, even if you made a profit on your home. Following are a few tips and points of attention to maximize the value of your potential deduction.
Period of Residence
If you have been residing in the house for at least two of the five years before the sale date, you can exclude part of, or all the gains that you made from the sale, if you made a gain when selling your home.
Gain Exclusion
You can normally exclude up to $250,000 of the profit that you made from the sale of your home from your declared income ($500,000 on a joint tax filing). Do not be deterred by the new “Net Investment Income Tax” that came into effect in 2013. The excluded profit does not come under this new tax, and you can still receive a deduction.
Non Declaration
If you are eligible for exclusion of the profit from the sale of the house, you may not have to report the sale when filing your return. Make sure to take the advice of an expert to make sure that you are eligible. (That’s what we’re here for! (agentrealestateschools.com) )
Form 1099-S
If you are not eligible for the exclusion, you will have to report the sale of the home when filing. If you have received a Form 1099-S, Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions, then too, you will need to report the sale of the house when filing your returns.
*Deduction Will be Restricted to One Home
Even if you split time between residences, the exclusion can only be claimed once in a two-year period. This exclusion extends solely to your “Main Home,” the home in which you have spent most of the year.
First Time Homebuyer Credit
This one is pretty straightforward. However, if you used this credit to purchase the home you’re now selling, special rules apply for the sale of the home.
It’s always good idea to consult an expert when selling your home to make sure that you are eligible for any tax deductions. And don’t forget, when you sell your home and move to a new home it is important to make sure that you update your address with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service. The form to be filled is called the File Form 8822, Change of Address, and this should be sent to the IRS.
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