Submitted By: Amy
Answered: July 27, 2015 11:19 am

Several years ago we bought land and built a vacation home on it. Now we’re selling it. What is our cost basis for purposes of determining gain or loss?

When you sell property, the difference between what you receive and your tax basis in the property produces gain or loss. When selling property, include what you paid for this, such as the land and the cost of constructing the home as well as the initial closing costs (e.g., attorney’s fees, etc.).

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Tax Glossary

Adjusted basis

A statutory term describing the cost used to determine your profit or loss from a sale or exchange of property. It is generally your original cost, increased by capital improvements, and decreased by depreciation, depletion, and other capital write-offs.

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