How to Save Thousands on Taxes When Selling Your Home

By Peter Mancini, Pen Realty – Member of REBNY & BNYMLS

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, but are you leaving money on the table? According to The Wall Street Journal, thousands of homeowners miss out on major tax savings every year, simply because they’re unaware of simple strategies that could save them thousands.

From understanding IRS rules to leveraging home improvements, let’s dive into the essential steps to make sure your home sale is as profitable as possible.

Why Timing Is Everything in Real Estate Taxes

If there’s one thing to know about taxes, it’s that timing is key. The IRS works on a calendar year, and the deadline to maximize your deductions is December 31st. According to The New York Times, completing home improvements before this deadline could significantly reduce your tax liability.

Whether it’s upgrading to energy-efficient windows, adding a new roof, or installing that dreamy backyard deck, these improvements increase your home’s cost basis. Why does that matter? A higher cost basis means less taxable profit when you sell.

Pro Tip: Start a “home improvement file” to save receipts and invoices. Trust me, having these documents handy makes a world of difference when tax season rolls around.

The $500K Tax-Free Secret

Did you know you can keep up to $500,000 of your home sale profits completely tax-free? That’s right. For married couples, this benefit applies as long as you meet the IRS requirements:

• Ownership Rule: You must have owned the home for at least two of the last five years.
• Use Rule: You must have lived in the home as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years.
• Profit Limits: Singles can exclude up to $250,000, while married couples filing jointly can exclude up to $500,000.

According to The Real Deal, failing to document this can cost sellers thousands in avoidable taxes.

Pro Tip: Keep a record of every home improvement and renovation project—big or small. Even that bathroom update counts!

Avoid These Common Tax Mistakes

Selling a home is already stressful; don’t add to it by making avoidable mistakes. Based on research from The Wall Street Journal, here are the most common errors sellers make:

1. Forgetting to account for home improvements in their cost basis.
2. Overlooking potential deductions for moving expenses (some are still eligible!).
3. Selling multiple properties in the same year without a clear tax strategy.

Pro Tip: Always consult a real estate-savvy tax professional before selling. They’ll help you navigate tricky capital gains rules and avoid costly surprises.

Your Ultimate Home Seller Tax Prep Checklist

Ready to maximize your savings? Use this checklist to stay on top of your tax prep:

Before Selling Your Home

✅ Verify you’ve lived in your home for at least 2 of the last 5 years to qualify for tax-free profits.
✅ Gather receipts for all significant home improvements (kitchen upgrades, energy-efficient windows, etc.).
✅ Calculate your cost basis (purchase price + total improvements).
✅ Research your state-specific tax laws—every state has unique rules!
✅ Consult a trusted tax professional to review your capital gains situation.

After the Sale

✅ Document all selling costs, including agent commissions, staging expenses, and legal fees (these can reduce taxable gains).
✅ Save your final closing documents and settlement statement for future reference.
✅ Double-check if your moving expenses are deductible.

Pro Tip: Use tools like tax calculators to estimate your tax liability before filing.

What Experts Say About Real Estate Taxes

Here’s what the experts have to say:

"Every dollar counts in real estate transactions. Start early, stay organized, and consult a professional." – The Wall Street Journal

"Home improvements can be your biggest tax shield, but only if you document them properly." – The New York Times

"67% of sellers miss out on major tax benefits simply because they don’t know the rules." – The Real Deal

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Profits

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when taxes are involved. But with a little planning and the right strategy, you can save thousands and keep more of your hard-earned profits.

At Pen Realty, we specialize in making real estate transactions seamless and profitable. Need help navigating your sale or connecting with a tax pro? I’m here to help.

📩 Contact Me Today: Let’s make your home sale a signature success. Together, we’ll ensure the IRS isn’t your holiday Grinch!

About Peter Mancini

Peter Mancini is a trusted real estate professional with Pen Realty, a proud member of REBNY and BNYMLS. With years of experience in Brooklyn’s competitive real estate market, Peter brings #ASignatureExperience to every transaction, ensuring clients maximize their profits and minimize stress.