What to do with home sale proceeds?

ebrathedebra

18 years ago

This my first time posting to this forum.

My mother recently sold her home of 40 years and has moved to an assisted/independent living facility.

She will need all of these funds in order to finance the rest of her life which includes $3000+ rent, medication, etc.

The house she sold was in NY. Does anyone know about the tax liabilty, if any?

Any other info or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Comments (3)

Jonesy
18 years ago
I don't know about your state, but in Kansas we don't pay taxes on home sales after we reach a certain age. It used to be that you would be tax free only one time, but my accountant told me you can do it more than once.
joyfulguy
18 years ago
tantadoodles,

Does she/you have friends who have gone through a similar situation recently?

They could have some useful information for you.

Good wishes for a beautiful New Year - for your Mom and your family.

ole joyful
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jlhug
18 years ago
I assume that she was a widow and at some point her husband lived in and owned the house also and did not die during 2005. I also am assuming that the house was sold during 2005.

She can exclude up to $250,000 in profit on her Federal income tax return. The profit is the sales price minus the closing costs and her basis in the house. Her basis is a little complicated to calculate. Half of her basis is half of the cost of the house plus half the closing costs at purchase and half the costs of any major improvements such as additions or major remodeling projects. The other half of her basis is half what the house was worth the day her husband passed away.

All profits over and above the $250,000 are taxed as long term capital gains most likely at a rate of 15% on her Federal return.

I know very little about New York state tax returns, but New York and possibly the city she lived in might tax the proceeds from the sale of the house.

If that makes no sense to you, I'd be happy to create an example with numbers.

Good Luck

Joan

What to do with home sale proceeds?

Comments (3)

Jonesy

joyfulguy

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jlhug

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