Selling below market to a relative

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  • Jaron WallingPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11mo

    @Linda Cunliffe Did you live the property during that time? If so you can exclude $250k (single) or $500k (married) in capital gains. Meaning it should have no influence on your taxes. 

    Better questions; Why sell it for so cheap? If it's generosity thing that's great but I'd consider the relatives financial position. Can they qualify for a $220k house on there own? Do you have a low interest rate mortgage on the property? What about seller financing closer to market value? Buying a house can be a blessing or a curse. I would consider that before doing deals with family. 

  • G. Brian DavisPro Member
    Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 886 votes
    11mo

    Hi @Linda Cunliffe, If you sell to a relative below market, the IRS treats the discount as a gift, not a deductible loss. You generally can’t claim the $80k loss, and you may need to file a gift-tax form (though you likely owe no tax).

  • Linda CunliffePro Member
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 7 posts · 5 votes
    10mo

    Thank you Jaron and Brian. I will look into other options.

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