All Things PS Real Estate

Friday, July 27, 2012

Is There Really A New Tax On Real Estate Sales?

Well in a word - YES. But wait don't panic it may not even apply to you. The Medicare tax, which goes into effect on January 1, 2013, will impose a 3.8% tax on the net investment income of joint filers with adjusted gross income over $250,000, and single filers with adjusted gross income over $200,000.

So you can stop reading right here if you are not grossing over that $200/250K mark. However, if you are going to be selling Real Estate and are going to make a profit over the exclusion, currently $250k if single or $250K married on your primary residence it will add to your gross income, see below. Remember there is no exclusion for second homes or investment properties. Thinking of selling an investment property soon you may want to close before 2013.

If you do fall into the above $200/250K gross income the new Medicare tax will apply. You figure it on the adjusted gross income (this is the figure on the bottom of the front page of IRS Form 1040), which includes interest, dividends, capital gains, wages, retirement income and income from partnerships and small businesses. According to the IRS site it appears the tax will also apply to dividends, rents, royalties, interest (except municipal bond interest), short and long-term capital gains, the taxable portion of annuity payments, income from the sale of a principal residence above the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion, gain from the sale of an investment property or a second home, and passive income from real estate and investments in which the taxpayer does not materially participate.

Each tax situation can be a little different and it is always advisable to seek professional help. We Recommend Greg Barton CPA use the link to their site or call them at 760-969-6499.

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