Tax implications of selling property
The saying that ‘nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes’, has more than a grain of truth when it comes to selling property in Australia.
As a vendor, taxes are one of many costs you need to budget for when you sell a property.
Some of these include your real estate agent’s commission, advertising and auction fees as well as other ‘voluntary’ costs such as renovation and house cleaning.
The most obvious tax you are likely to incur when selling is Capital Gains Tax (CGT), though in some cases you could actually be exempt. This will depend on your individual circumstances.
Read on to find out what taxes you may be liable for and what exactly applies to your situation.
Understanding Capital Gains Tax
You are liable to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any profit (gain), you make on an investment. This includes the sale of an investment property and if you decide to gift a property to someone. CGT also applies to other investments such as shares. Because of the term many people think that CGT is a separate tax – this is not the case. It is simply part of your annual income tax assessment and submission for the tax year.
You are liable to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any profit (gain), you make on an investment
In what situations will you pay CGT?
You will generally only pay CGT when you sell any property that you do not live in. Examples of this include a rental or investment property as well as industrial and commercial premises.
What is ‘the main residence’ exemption?
According to the ATO, ‘in general, your main residence (your home) is exempt from capital gains tax (CGT)’. You do need to meet certain criteria for a dwelling/property to be classed as your main residence or home. These include:
- Living there (the longer you live there the better)
- Having all your possessions there
- Getting your mail delivered there
- Having the address on the electoral roll
That means if you sell the property where you live, you do not have to pay CGT. You are only liable to pay CGT on a property that is not your primary residence.
You are only liable to pay CGT on a property that is not your primary residence
Selling a rental property
If you are selling a rental or investment property CGT should be included in your list of unavoidable costs. Working out what you are liable for in an income year is easier if you keep detailed records. This includes receipts of all expenses related to your investment, valuations of the property and all sale documents.
Working out your capital gain
Working out your capital gain (or loss) is as easy as taking the selling price and subtracting what you paid for the property plus any expenses you have incurred doing renovation works or maintenance. The balance is your capital gain/loss and is the amount which the ATO will assess. If you co-own a property, your capital gain or loss will be proportional to the holding you have in the property.
If you co-own a property, your capital gain or loss will be proportional to the holding you have in the property
What if you make a loss on your investment property?
As we have seen again is when you make a profit on your investment property. You can also just as easily make a capital loss. If you sell a property for less than what you paid for it, it is classed as a capital loss. This may sound far fetched in the current market, but it is a reality that many investors are finding in post-boom mining towns across WA.
Who is exempt from Capital Gains Tax?
As detailed above, if you have sold a property that you have lived in, ‘the main residence’ exemption applies. If you bought a property before 20 September 1985 you are also exempt from paying CGT if you decide to sell it. This is the date CGT was introduced and any assets purchased prior to this are referred to as ‘pre-CGT assets’.
Are there other ways to avoid CGT?
There are ways to minimise your CGT obligations. Not selling your investment property is an obvious strategy. Keeping the property for longer than a year also helps to reduce your CGT obligations by 50 per cent, as does holding it in in a SMSF.
What about stamp duty?
Stamp duty is a tax that all states and territories levy on property purchases. It only applies if you buy a property.
Get advice on your CGT status
Taxation can be a complex area to navigate, and everyone’s circumstances are different. Make sure you get the appropriate advice around your CGT obligations. The ATO has resources to help you understand and work out your CGT.
