If you’re a real estate investor considering selling a property, or looking to purchase a property now with an eye on future resale, you may have concerns about potential tax implications. This article delves into capital gains taxes on investment properties – essential insights for investors in Tennessee.
Before delving into the details, it’s important to note that the information presented here is general and applicable to a diverse audience, located both within and outside of Tennessee, each with unique business setups and various other considerations. While we offer a comprehensive overview, it is crucial to consult with an accountant and tax attorney before reaching any definitive conclusions. We are not tax advisors and this is not meant to be tax advice. Always talk to a tax professional.
Understanding Taxation: Diverse Taxation Approaches for Various Income Sources
Income from various sources is subject to different tax treatments. For example, earnings from employment are usually taxed as regular income at the standard tax rate. However, other forms of income may be subject to alternative tax rates. Dividend income for stock market investors, for instance, is taxed differently. Likewise, real estate investors should be aware that gains from the sale of a property are taxed at a specific rate. But there are some great ways to minimize your tax implications with real estate. We won’t dive into them all here but know they are out there.
Exploring Investment Property Tax Implications and Capital Gains
Let’s start back at the basics: When you buy a property, you pay a price; when you sell a property, you get what the next buyer pays you. The difference between the price you bought the property for and what you sold the property for is the capital gain. Let’s say you bought the property for $100,000 and you sold it for $125,000. The capital gain is $25,000 and this is the income that is taxed at the capital gain rate. This is a very simple way to look at things but this is the basic concept. There are ways to mimize that $25,000 gain by writing off expenses associated with that property and sale.
Why Do Capital Gains Have A Different Rate?
Capital gains tax rates are usually less than the rate you pay for your regular income. There are a couple of reasons why capital gains are taxed differently: one of the reasons is because the gain can be quite substantial on a piece of real estate so a normal tax rate can be quite prohibitive to pay, so a capital gains tax rate is like keeping extra money in your pocket. The other reason is because the government wanted to encourage the buying and selling of assets (which is good for the economy) so they provided an incentive (a lower rate) to do so. The tax code incentives you to do different investments so don’t skimp on who your tax professional is.
Capital Gains On Investment Property Versus Your Primary Residence
It is crucial to understand that capital gains on your primary residence may have different tax implications compared to other properties you own. Key considerations include how long you have lived in the property, whether it is a secondary residence (like a vacation home), or an investment property such as a rental unit. Consulting with a tax attorney is advised as each individual’s circumstances vary.