How do you calculate capital gains on rental property?
John Hall
Updated on March 09, 2026
To calculate the capital gain and capital gains tax liability, subtract your adjusted basis from the sales price of the property, then multiply by the applicable long-term capital gains tax rate: Capital gain = $134,400 sales price – $74,910 adjusted basis = $59,490 gains subject to tax.
How do you calculate capital gains on a duplex?
Residential Duplex Capital Gain Taxes To calculate your profit, total what you paid for the property with the cost of any major improvements and subtract that sum from your selling price after closing costs, commissions and transfer taxes.
Does rental property count as capital gains?
Capital gains taxes Most rental properties are held for over a year. But if you sell real estate at a profit after owning it for one year or less, the profit is a short-term capital gain. So it’s taxable as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate.
Are duplex taxes higher?
When you sell an owner-occupied duplex, you can come out ahead of selling a rental-only duplex. Rental properties are subject to capital gains tax and depreciation recapture tax when they get sold. Since your duplex gets treated as two properties, only half of your sale proceeds will be subject to taxes.
At what age do you not pay capital gains?
The over-55 home sale exemption was a tax law that provided homeowners over the age of 55 with a one-time capital gains exclusion. The seller, or at least one title holder, had to be 55 or older on the day the home was sold to qualify.
How are capital gains calculated on a duplex?
If you claimed $40,000 in depreciation, your adjusted basis is $22,500. If the property sells for $250,000 net of costs, your selling price for the duplex side is $125,000 and your gain is $102,500, of which $40,000 is depreciation recapture. The recapture is taxed at a maximum of 25 percent, which would be $10,000 in tax.
How are capital gains calculated on sale of rental property?
Improvements — or capital improvements — increase the tax basis of the property and are added to the purchase price. There have been $25,000 in renovations made, and they must be “ a material part of ” the property. These are physical improvements, and they must add “real” value.
When do you defer capital gains on a rental property?
Section 1031 of the tax code allows you to defer your taxes on the capital game, with some conditions: The deferral of capital gains taxes will occur after selling a rental property. Then, the seller can purchase a like-kind property.
What’s the tax rate on selling a duplex?
If the property sells for $250,000 net of costs, your selling price for the duplex side is $125,000 and your gain is $102,500, of which $40,000 is depreciation recapture. The recapture is taxed at a maximum of 25 percent, which would be $10,000 in tax. The remaining $62,500 in gain is taxed at a maximum of 15 percent, or $9,375 in tax.