What Real Estate Capital Gains Tax Means for Homeowners and Investors

By Tammy Jerome

Tammy Jerome is an award-winning broker and host of “Selling Los Angeles” on the acclaimed American Dream TV show, with over two decades of experience and more than 1,500 successful transactions.

When you sell a property, it’s easy to focus on the sales price and your potential profit. But one factor often overlooked is the capital gains tax. Without a plan, this tax can take a large bite out of your earnings. However, with the right preparation, you may reduce or even avoid it altogether.

Let’s break down how capital gains tax works and what strategies you can use to protect your bottom line.

What is capital gains tax? Capital gains tax is owed when you sell an asset, like real estate, for more than you paid.

In real estate, your taxable gain is the difference between your selling price and your adjusted basis, that’s your purchase price plus the cost of improvements, minus depreciation for rental properties. There are two types of gains:

• Short-term capital gains: If you own the property for less than a year, this profit is taxed as ordinary income.
• Long-term capital gains: If you hold the property for more than a year, it’s taxed at a lower rate based on your income.

Taxes are complicated, and every situation is unique, which is why professional guidance matters. A CPA or tax advisor can help you understand how the rules apply to you. Working alongside your real estate agent ensures your financial plan and your selling strategy are aligned.

The home sale exclusion. If you’re selling your primary residence, you may qualify for the Section 121 exclusion. This rule allows homeowners to exclude up to $250,000 in profit from taxes, or up to $500,000 if you’re married filing jointly.

The key requirement: you must have lived in the home for at least two of the last five years. This exclusion can be used once every two years, making it one of the most powerful tools for reducing your tax bill.

What are some strategies to reduce or defer taxes? Understanding how to legally minimize your tax burden is a key part of maximizing your investment returns, especially when selling real estate or managing investment properties.

1. Track your improvements. Keep receipts and records of all upgrades, renovations, additions, and even new appliances. These costs increase your property’s basis, which lowers your taxable gain.

2. Use a 1031 exchange. If you’re selling an investment, vacation home, or rental property, a 1031 exchange lets you defer taxes by reinvesting into another property of equal or greater value. This strategy can preserve your capital for future investments.

3. Time your sale. Consider selling in a year when your income will be lower. Since tax brackets affect capital gains, this timing could help reduce your rate.

4. Explore installment sales. Also known as seller financing, this approach spreads out your profit over several years instead of receiving one lump sum. Not only does this spread out tax liability, but it may also create a steady stream of income.

5. Offset gains with losses. If you hold underperforming investments, selling them in the same year can offset your real estate gains. This practice, called tax loss harvesting, can reduce what you owe.

Taxes can cut deeply into your profits, but with thoughtful planning, you can hold on to more of your hard-earned equity. The right strategy can protect your wealth for tomorrow.

If you have any real estate questions, whether it’s about capital gains, the selling process, or how to protect your equity, reach out anytime. Call, text, or send me a message at (818) 903-5854 or tammyjerome@gmail.com. I’m here to guide you.