By Sheila Long

Taxes are paid on capital gain, not equity or profit. It is possible to sell property without realizing much profit and still owe substantial capital gains tax. Capital gain is simply the difference between the sales price and the adjusted basis (i.e., what you paid for the property, plus amounts spent on capital improvements, less depreciation taken), less any closing costs associated with the sale.

For More Information, Contact:

Sheila Long, CES®

Vice President | Old Republic Exchange Company

Regional Sales Executive

C: 480.341.2032 | D: 415.515.7017 

SheilaL@OR1031.com

OldRepublicExchange.com

To calculate your estimated capital gain: First, subtract the adjusted basis from the sales price. Next, subtract the customary closing costs of your transaction, such as commission, fees, transfer tax, etc. Finally, multiply the capital gain by your combined tax rates (federal and state) to determine your estimated capital gain tax.

1. Calculate Net-Adjusted Basis:
Original Purchase Price $400,000
Plus Capital Improvements $25,000
Minus Depreciation Taken ($175,000)
Equals Adjusted Basis $250,000
2. Calculate Capital Gain:
Current Sales Price $600,000
Minus Customary Closing Costs ($30,000)
Minus Adjusted Basis ($250,000)
Equals Capital Gain $320,000
3. Calculate Capital Gain Tax:

Gain Attributable to Depreciation [$175,000 x 25% = depreciation]

$43,750

Plus Federal Capital Gain Tax

[$320,000 – $175,000 = $145,000 x 20%]

$29,000

Plus State Capital Gain Tax

[e.g CA approx. 10% x $320,000 (cap. gain)]

$32,000

Plus 3.8% Surtax*

[3.8%x $320,000]

$12,160

Equals Combined Tax Due

$116,910

*If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is equal to or less than the threshold amounts specified in IRC 1411, you will not be subject to the 3.8% tax. If your MAGI is above the specified threshold amounts, you will pay 3.8% tax on either your investment income or the excess MAGI over the specified threshold, whichever amount is less.

Filing Status:

Married Filing Jointly

$250,000

Married Filing Separately

$125,000

All Other Individual Taxpayers

$200,000

Trusts and Estates

$15,200 (for 2024)

The formula set forth above is provided to help you determine your approximate gain and the sums that you may wish to defer through your exchange transaction. Consult with your tax advisor to determine the correct values and whether an exchange is appropriate for your circumstances. Old Republic Exchange does not provide tax or legal advice.

 

As a Qualified Intermediary, Old Republic Exchange, its officers and employees do not provide, and this communication is not intended to be, tax or legal advice. Old Republic Exchange makes no representations or warranties regarding the tax consequences of your transaction. You should consult a tax or legal professional of your choosing to advise you of the benefits and risks of your specific transaction.