On Jan. 1 both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8 legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff.” The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Jan. 2.
Below is a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill:
Real Estate Tax Extenders
- Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to Jan. 1, 2014
- Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
- 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
- 10 percent tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
Permanent Repeal of Pease Limitations for 99% of Taxpayers
Under the agreement so called “Pease Limitations” that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be re instituted for high income filers. These limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning above $300,000. These thresholds have been increased and are indexed for inflation and will rise over time. Under the formula, the amount of adjusted gross income above the threshold is multiplied by three percent. That amount is then used to reduce the total value of the filer’s itemized deductions. The total amount of reduction cannot exceed 80 percent of the filer’s itemized deductions.
These limits were first enacted in 1990 (named for the Ohio Congressman Don Pease who came up with the idea) and continued throughout the Clinton years. They were gradually phased out as a result of the 2001 tax cuts and were completely eliminated in 2010-2012. Had we gone over the fiscal cliff, Pease limitations would have been re instituted on all filers starting at $174,450 of adjusted gross income.
Capital Gains
Capital Gains rate stays at 15 percent for those in the top rate of $400,000 (individual) and $450,000 (joint) return. After that, any gains above those amounts will be taxed at 20 percent. The $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for sale of principal residence remains in place.
Estate Tax
The first $5 million dollars in individual estates and $10 million for family estates are now exempted from the estate tax. After that the rate will be 40 percent, up from 35 percent. The exemption amounts are indexed for inflation.
Great News!!!
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Has Been Extended Until January 2014!
This has been much anticipated and will help many sellers avoid taxes on the forgiven debt related to a Short Sale.
Contact Me Today To Discuss The 4 Options Available To Underwater Distressed Homeowners:
1 - The Cost of Doing Nothing
2 - Benefits of a Short Sale
3 - Downside of the Foreclosure
4 - When Bankruptcy should be avoided.
If you know a homeowner that needs a dignified alternative to foreclosure, please have them call 702-677-8796. I have a 100% success rate! A short sale could make a huge difference in their financial future!!! Buy A New Home Within One Day Of Successful Completion Of Short Sale! Bottoms Up in 2013...
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