STEP UP COST BASIS AND INHERITING REAL ESTATE
The step up cost basis is a way of adjusting capital gains tax. This means that for the purpose of capital gains tax, the IRS re-sets the cost basis of the property to its value when the asset is inherited. The IRS “steps up” the cost basis of an inherited property to current market value at time of death of the decedent.
SPECIAL CATEGORY OF TAXES
Capital gains is a special, generally lower, category of taxes imposed at the time an asset is sold. Capital Gains tax is owed on the increase in value from the date it was purchased. In the case of an inherited a property, when the heir sells the asset, they pay taxes on profits calculated from the day they inherited it.
Example:
Joe’s Dad leaves his home to his son in his will. Joe’s Dad bought the property 10 years ago for $100,000. At the time of his Dad’s death, market value of the home is $250,000. A $150,000 gain in value since his Dad purchased. With the step up basis, Joe does not pay tax on the gain during the time his Dad owned the property. Joe will owe capital gains tax on the difference, between $250,000 and the sale price, if greater than $250,000. when he sells the property.
IMPORTANT BENEFIT FOR FAMILIES
The step up cost basis is an important benefit for families, it allows parents to pass a property on to their kids without the kids having to sell the asset just to pay the taxes. The new basis of the property becomes the fair market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This avoids recognizing the gain between the decedent’s cost and what it is worth when it is inherited.
Much of the supposed gains subject to capital gains taxes, particularly those passed down from one generation to the next, are driven by inflation, rather than appreciation of the underlying asset. The step-up in basis is a tool which can shield heirs from paying taxes on inflation.
FORMAL APPRAISAL
A formal appraisal is the most reliable and defensible estimate of fair market value at the time of the decedent’s death to establish the step up cost basis, but there will be a charge for the appraisal – it can be several hundred dollars. An alternative would be broker’s opinion of value in writing. It may be reasonable to get three opinions to see if they are similar. They should rely on comparable sales to justify their position. Either method is acceptable to IRS.
ELIMINATING THE STEP UP COST BASIS?
There is discussion from the current President about the possibility of eliminating the step up cost basis. Some people consider it to be a tax loophole for the ultra-rich, but it heavily impact’s ordinary people who inherit property if they have to sell it to pay the capital gains tax.
An example would be a family farm, the heirs may not be able to afford to pay the capital gains tax due at time of transfer and they could be forced to sell the property or borrow the money to pay the tax, if that was possible.
We could see an increase in people trying to transfer assets prior to death
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Federal estate tax is paid from the deceased’s remaining estate, not by the heir. If the decedent’s estate is approaching the limit before estate taxes are due, currently $11.7 million, professional tax advice should be considered – there could be additional provisions in play. More information on this can be found on IRS.gov.
ESTATE PLANNING WITH REAL ESTATE
Historically, real estate has been one of the best choices for financial growth, and the Palm Desert real estate market is a perfect example. In 2000 homes were selling for an average of $401,000. in Palm Desert In 2021 homes in Palm Desert are selling at an average of $823,000. That’s a whopping 106% increase on your investment.
It’s not too late for you to take advantage of the market, whether it’s a vacation home or home for income potential as you prepare to retire – owning real estate in Palm Desert can be a great addition to your portfolio.
See Palm Desert Homes for Sale in your price range:
$400,000 – $600,000. $600,000 – $800,000. $800,000 – $1m+
Your decision in selecting the right agent to help you find the best investment for your situation should be based their knowledge of the inventory, their knowledge of local market values and trends, and distinguishing features of each community.
We are one of the top teams in the Desert for a reason and we’re on standby to help you find your perfect Desert Home. Let’s Chat! Drop us a line to schedule your consultation today.
