When you invest in real estate, you have to have a long term vision and patience. Unlike buying stock which can be readily purchased and sold, investing in real estate does not afford a quick sale. While it is true that in years past, people were able to flip properties and make fast money in real estate, for most real estate investors the idea is to buy and hold real estate. Some investors in real estate will benefit from federal income tax breaks and other investors in real estate can hold a piece of property and later sell it and buy other property while deferring the payment of any federal income taxes until the real estate is cashed out. Real estate is not a liquid investment and you may need to consider a long term strategy or option even if you are considering a shorter term investment in real estate. Read our articles on investing in real estate and learn about problem tenants and how to handle them. Learn about finding the right team to help you navigate the world of real estate investing. And, finally, learn about how to structure your investments, insure your real estate investments and minimize your federal income taxes.
1031 Helps Save On Taxes
With an estimated 15 million Americans owning investment property, more people are using 1031 tax-free exchanges in order to defer capital gains. A 1031 exchange is a provision in the Internal Revenue Code that permits an owner of investment property to sell the property and buy a new property without having to pay any taxes on the sale of the old property. To use a 1031 exchange, an investor must comply with strict rules relating to the use of the proceeds from the sale.
1031 Exchange: Use When Dividing Property
A property owner who inherited a 160-acre ranch has the opportunity to sell the property at considerable gain and wants to know if a 1031 exchange can be used. A 1031 exchange can be used by real estate investors when selling one investment property to buy another and defer federal taxes on the property sale. A 1031 exchange may not be used for a primary residence. A 1031 exchange can be used when dividing property, but speak to a 1031 exchange expert first.
Calculating Profits On Home Sale
The cost basis of a property is calculated by adding the costs of purchasing the home to the costs of sale plus the costs of any capital improvements. Then, subtract the cost basis from the sales price. If your sales prices minus the cost basis doesn't equal a profit, you won't owe capital gains.
Rental Property, Equity And Taxes
When you own property with a parent or manage a rental property for a parent and then want to get money out of that investment property, it can result in tax consequences. When you want to get some equity out of a rental property you need to think carefully about how to proceed. If the parent quit claims the property to the child, the child inherits the cost basis of the property when it was purchased, which may be high.
Never Too Old For Real Estate Investments
Is it too late to start investing in real estate property? To be successful with investment property you must be willing to take the good with the bad when it comes to managing tenants. Ilyce reminds the reader that 50 is the new 30 if you are cut out for the landlord business.
Selling Investment Property Bought Pre-Construction
Can you sell investment property that you bought at pre-construction prices, before actually buying the property. Ilyce advises the reader that you can flip your investment by selling it to another person even though you bought it at pre-construction prices. When you sell the pre-construction investment property, the new buyer pays a fee to have the original purchase contract assigned to him or her.
Converting 1031 Exchange To Primary Residence
Real estate investors often use a 1031 exchange to sell one investment property and purchase another so that they may defer federal income taxes. If, after purchasing the rental or investment property, you decide to convert it into a primary residence after using a 1031 exchange, you must wait two years.
New IRS Rule For 1031 Exchange
Some real estate investors use a 1031 exchange to purchase a residence and defer federal income taxes, but the IRS rules for this type of transaction can be tricky. The IRS recently changed the 1031 law to include a 5 year ownership requirement. When using a 1031 exchange, plan ahead and consult a good accountant.
Taxes On The Sale Of An Inherited House
The holding period for inherited property is considered long-term, no matter when it is sold after death. The favorable long-term capital gains rate (currently capping out at 15 percent) would apply versus the ordinary income tax rates that would apply if it was treated as a short-term capital gain.
Capital Gains Tax Depends On Market Value
When you sell property that's an inheritance how much capital gains tax do you owe? It depends on the market value of the home when you inherited it and how long you own the home after the inheritance occurs. A typical capital gains tax rate is 15 percent. You may also want to consult with a real estate attorney to determine the cost basis and capital gains tax.