Understanding Taxes on Real Estate Gains

Let’s say you own real estate that has been held for more than one year and is sold for a taxable gain. Perhaps this gain comes from indirect ownership of real estate via a pass-through entity such as an LLC, partnership or S corporation. You may expect to pay Uncle Sam the standard 15% or 20% federal income tax rate that usually applies to long-term capital gains from assets held for more than one year. However, some real estate gains can be taxed at higher rates due to depreciation deductions. Here’s a rundown of the federal income tax issues that might be involved in real estate gains. Vacant land The current maximum federal long-term capital gain tax rate for a sale of vacant land is 20%. The 20% rate...