In many parts of the country, summer is peak season for selling a home. If you are planning to put your home on the market soon, you are probably thinking about things like how quickly it will sell and how much you will get for it, but do not neglect to consider the tax consequences.

Home sale gain exclusion

The U.S. House of Representatives’ original version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included a provision tightening the rules for the home sale gain exclusion. Fortunately, that provision did not make it into the final version that was signed into law.

As a result, if you are selling your principal residence, there is still a good chance you will be able to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) of gain. Gain that qualifies for exclusion also is excluded from the 3.8 percent net investment income tax.

To qualify for the exclusion, you must meet certain tests. For example, you generally must own and use the home as your principal residence for at least two years during the five-year period preceding the sale. (Gain allocable to a period of ‘non-qualified’ use generally is not excludable). In addition, you cannot use the exclusion more than once every two years.

More tax considerations

Any gain that does not qualify for the exclusion generally will be taxed at your long-term capital gains rate, as long as you owned the home for at least a year. If you did not, the gain will be considered short-term and subject to your ordinary-income rate, which could be more than double your long-term rate.

Here are some additional tax considerations when selling a home:

Tax basis. To support an accurate tax basis, be sure to maintain thorough records, including information on your original cost and subsequent improvements, reduced by any casualty losses and depreciation claimed based on business use.

Losses. A loss on the sale of your principal residence generally is not deductible, but if part of your home is rented out or used exclusively for your business, the loss attributable to that portion may be deductible.

Second homes. If you are selling a second home, be aware that it will not be eligible for the gain exclusion. However, if it qualifies as a rental property, it can be considered a business asset, and you may be able to defer tax on any gains through an installment sale or a Section 1031 exchange. You also may be able to deduct a loss.

A big investment

Your home is likely one of your biggest investments, so it is important to consider the tax consequences before selling it. If you are planning to put your home on the market, we can help you assess the potential tax impact. Contact us to learn more.