My name is John and I want to prepare your taxes.

Showing posts with label Home Owner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Owner. Show all posts

Monday, February 21, 2011

Your Tax Question - 069

Dear John, in 2010 I sold my home and bought a new one. I understand that I have to consider any profit on the house that I sold but I’ve been told that there are other tax considerations in the information found in the closing statements. Is this true? And if so, what do I need to know? Thank you, Jerry
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Hi Jerry,

Well the sale of one home and the purchase of another each have to be considered on their own but merge together in the itemized deductions of the Form 1040 Schedule A.

The profit from the home you sold needs to be realized against the amount that you had invested in that property (basis) plus closing costs. If you profited $250,000 ($500,000 married filing jointly) then you will need to report this sale to the IRS and pay the tax due. Plus, lines 510 & 511 on your HUD-1 are deductible amounts to you as well as line 901 if it is on the seller’s column.

As the buyer, so long as this is your main home and your loan was secured by the home itself then HUD-1 lines 106, 107, 801, 802, and line 901 (if in the buyer’s column) are deductions to you. The calculations necessary for these are quite cumbersome and you will likely need the aid of an accountant and tax-preparer. (Luckily I am both and know how to handle these adjustments huh?) Don’t worry, the extra costs are well worth the returned money to you.

Please let me know if I may help.

Best wishes,
John

Monday, January 11, 2010

Your Tax Question - 017

Dear John, I paid off my house at the end of last year and the reduction in the interest payments make it unnecessary for me to itemize this year. Is there any other deductions for homeowners? Phil.
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Hi Phil,

Congrats at burning the mortgage note. To answer your question -If you cannot itemize your taxes this year but pay property taxes there is more money for you. You can get another $500 added to your Standard Deduction for paying property taxes (plus another $500 if you are married filing jointly). You can consider this a discount on your annual property tax bill. (can you say "Ca-ching?")

Best wishes, John

PS. You know? If you are in need of a tax guy, I still have openings on my client list and I would love to help you with that.. Email me