Facing a Huge Gain from a Realty Sale?

April 20, 2026
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Article Highlights: Adjusted Basis Passive Loss Carryovers Installment Sale Tax-Deferred Exchange Tax on Net Investment Income Qualified Opportunity Fund Home Sale Exclusion If you are contemplating selling real estate property, there are a number of issues that could impact the taxes that you might owe, and there are steps you can take to minimize the gain, defer the gain, or spread it over a number of years. The first and possibly most important issue is adjusted basis. When computing the gain or loss from the sale of property, your gain or loss is measured from your adjusted basis in the property. Thus, your gain or loss would be the sales price minus the sales expenses and adjusted basis. Adjusted Basis - So, what is adjusted basis? Determining adjusted basis can sometimes be complicated, but in a simplified overview, it is a dollar amount that starts with your acquisition value and is then adjusted up for improvements to the property, down for depreciation taken on the property, and down for any casualty losses claimed on the property. The acquisition value could be the price you paid for the property, the fair market value of an inheritance at the date of the decedent’s death, or, in the case of a gift, the donor’s adjusted basis at the time of making the gift. As you can see, it is extremely important that you keep track of your basis, since it is a key factor in determining gain or loss upon the sale of the property. Failure to keep a record and substantiating documentation could cost you dearly in income tax. Passive Loss Carryover - If the property was a rental and the rental operated at a loss, there is a chance that the losses were not fully deductible in the year(s) of the loss because of the passive loss limitation rules; in this case, you will have a passive loss carryover that can be used to offset the gain. In addition, current year passive losses and passive loss carryovers you may have from other properties can also be used to offset any gain from selling a rental property. Next, you have to decide whether you want to take (i.e., report on your tax return) all the income in one year or whether to attempt to spread the income over a period of years with an installment sale (by carrying back a loan) or defer the income into a replacement property through a tax-deferred exchange. Installment Sale - In an installment sale, the seller acts as the lender to the buyer. That can entail holding the first trust deed or taking back a second trust deed for only a portion of the loan amount. However, second trust deeds are as the name implies: They are second in line to be paid if the buyer defaults on the loan and thus are riskier. When set up as an installment sale, part of the gain is reported for each year that payments are received, generally as capital-gain income. In addition, the interest that the buyer pays the seller is taxable as ordinary income to the seller. Installment sales can be structured as short- or long-term loans, but remember, the buyer can always pay off the loan early or refinance. Either of these actions would make the balance of the profit from the sale taxable at that time.

Tax and Financial Insights
by NR CPAs & Business Advisors

Explore practical articles that explain tax strategies, financial considerations, and important topics that may affect your business decisions.

2026 IRS Mileage Rates: Key Updates and Insights

The IRS has rolled out the inflation-adjusted mileage rates for 2026, offering taxpayers an efficient way to claim deductions for vehicle-related expenses incurred for business, charity, medical, or moving purposes. These adjustments reflect the continued economic shifts impacting car operation costs.

Effective January 1, 2026, the new standard mileage rates are established as follows:

  • Business Travel: Increased to 72.5 cents per mile, inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks a rise from the 70 cents per mile rate set for 2025
  • Medical/Moving Purposes: Reduced slightly to 20.5 cents per mile, down from 21 cents in the previous year, reflecting the variable cost considerations.
  • Charitable Contributions: Consistent at 14 cents per mile, a fixed rate unchanged for over a quarter-century.

As is typical, the business mileage rate considers the integral fixed and variable costs of automobile operation. Meanwhile, the medical and moving rates remain contingent on variable expenses as determined by the IRS study.

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It is critical to note that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) held firm on disallowing moving expense deductions except for specific cases within the Armed Forces and intelligence community, marking a substantial shift since 2017.

When engaging in charitable work, taxpayers might opt for a direct expense deduction over the per-mile method, covering gas and oil costs. However, comprehensive upkeep and insurance costs are non-deductible expenses.

Business Vehicle Use Considerations: Taxpayers can alternatively compute vehicle expenses using actual costs, which might benefit from shifting depreciation rules, particularly through bonuses and first-year advantages. Keep in mind, however, reverting from actual cost calculations to standard rates in subsequent years is restricted, particularly per vehicle protocol and when exceeding four vehicles in concurrent use.

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Additionally, parking, tolls, and property taxes attributable to business can be deducted independently of the general rate, an often-overlooked advantage by many business owners.

Tax Strategies for Employers and Employees: Reimbursements based on the standard mileage framework, providing the right documentation is in place, remain tax-free for employees. Meanwhile, the elimination and continued prohibition of unreimbursed employee deductions continue, with particular exceptions offered to qualified personnel across specific occupations.

Opportunities for Self-employed Individuals: Entrepreneurs remain eligible for deductions on business-related vehicle use via Schedule C, with potential to account for business-use interest on auto loans.

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Heavy SUVs and Deduction Advantages: Heavier vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds but under 14,000 pounds open opportunities for substantial tax deductions through Section 179 and bonus depreciation avenues. The lifecycle of such a vehicle bears implications on recapturing initially claimed deductions, urging cautious tax planning.

For professional guidance on optimizing your vehicle-related tax deductions and understanding their implications on tax strategies, contact our office in Coral Gables, Florida, where expert advice and strategic insights are just a call away.

Educator's Deduction Reform: Key Changes Under OBBBA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant enhancements for educators' tax deductions starting in 2026, offering both strategic opportunities and planning considerations for educators who qualify. With the reinstated itemized deduction for qualified unreimbursed expenses, educators have a broader spectrum of financial relief. This is complemented by the retention of the $350 above-the-line deduction, allowing educators to maximize their tax benefits by selectively allocating expenses between these avenues.

Understanding the nuances of these changes is crucial for educators and financial advisors alike. The dual-option deduction strategy can potentially enhance tax efficiency, thereby aligning with broader financial planning goals.

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At NR CPAs & Business Advisors, based in Coral Gables, Florida, our expertise in tax preparation and planning provides invaluable support to educators navigating these changes. Our comprehensive approach, combined with personalized advice from our experienced team, ensures compliance and optimization in line with the latest tax legislations.

Given these updates, it is imperative to engage with seasoned professionals to fully leverage your deduction strategies. Contact us today to streamline your tax planning under OBBBA's new guidelines and maximize your deductions for upcoming tax years.

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