It’s almost that time of year… yes, tax season is almost upon us! If you are selling a house in Minnesota, you will love these tax tips for selling your home! This article is for informational purposes only!
For specific questions, contact a trusted tax professional, or the IRS!
Not All Profits Are Taxable
Selling your primary residence can come with tax benefits if certain conditions are met. By meeting these conditions, you can exclude a high portion of your profits from your tax return. Typically, up to $250,000 can be excluded for single filers, and up to $500,000 for joint filers. However, if you sell your property for a loss, you won’t be able to take a deduction for that amount.
To qualify for the deduction, you must have lived in the residence for at least two of the past five years, and it must be your primary residence. This means that the property must be the place where you live most of the time, and where you receive mail and bills. You can only use this deduction once every two years.
It’s important to note that whenever you move, you should update your address with the IRS. This will help ensure that you receive any correspondence related to your tax return in a timely manner.
Other Exclusions
It’s important to note that even if you don’t meet the requirements for the full exclusion, you may still be able to exclude a portion of your profits from your income tax. There are various special conditions that can allow you to receive a prorated tax-free gain. For example, if you need to sell your home due to a change in your health, a job change, or other unforeseen circumstances, you may be able to write off a portion of the profit. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to determine what options are available to you and how to best minimize your tax liability.
Reporting the Sale
Correct, it’s important to keep in mind that even if you’re able to exclude all profits from the sale of your primary residence, you may still receive a 1099-S form from the closing agent. This form is used to report the gross proceeds from the real estate transaction to the IRS and to the seller. If you receive a 1099-S form, you must report the sale on your tax return, even if you are able to exclude all profits. However, you can indicate on your tax return that the sale qualifies for the exclusion, and the exclusion will be reflected in your final tax liability.
Capital Gains Taxes
To clarify, if you sell an investment property or a house that you have owned for less than a year, any profits will be taxed as ordinary income. However, if you hold the property for more than a year before selling, the profits will be subject to the capital gains tax.
The capital gains tax rates are progressive and are determined by your income level. In 2021, the long-term capital gains tax rates range from 0% for individuals in the lowest tax bracket to 20% for individuals in the highest tax bracket. The tax rate can also be affected by other factors, such as the type of asset sold and the amount of gain.
It’s important to note that there are ways to minimize capital gains taxes, such as through tax-loss harvesting, 1031 exchanges, and charitable giving. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to understand the tax implications of any real estate transaction.
First-Time Homebuyer Credit
If you received a credit for purchasing your home, you may have to pay back all or part of it depending on when you bought and sold the property. Generally, if you move within 36 months of purchasing the home, you must repay the credit upon the sale of the property. The IRS provides specific rules and exceptions in Publication 523.
Deduct Selling Costs
When selling your Minnesota house, you will be able to deduct any reasonable cost when selling your home. This includes the closing costs, improvements made in order to sell the house, assessments, marketing costs, agent fees and so on. Keep track of every cent you spend in an effort to sell your home. Come tax time, this can amount to major deductions!
No matter what time of the year you sell, it is always important to seek the counsel of professionals. Consult your agent, accountant, and attorney to make sure you have set up the best terms for yourself.
Don’t stress too much about taxes when putting your house up for sale in Minnesota. Odds are Uncle Sam won’t be getting his hands on your profits.