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

Individual retirement account (IRA)

A retirement account to which up to $4,000 (or $5,000 if you are 50 or over) may be contributed for 2007, but deductions for the contribution are restricted if you are covered by a company retirement plan. Earnings accumulate tax free.

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