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Health & Fitness

What is the 3.8% Medicare Tax? How Does it Affect Real Estate?

We are eager to hear from you! We'll start off with answering the very basics of the new 3.8 % Medicare tax, and how it affects real estate.

By Daphne Hendricks and Robin Butle

 

Q What is the 3.8% Medicare Tax?  Is this a Real Estate Transfer Tax?

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A No, this is not a real estate transfer tax.  That is a common misconception.   


Q Will I pay a 3.8% tax when I sell my home?

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A  For an individual filer: If you sell it for a profit of more than $250,000, then maybe. 

For joint filers: If you sell it for a profit of more than $500,000, then maybe. We recommend that you ask a tax advisor, this tax will depend on the mix of ALL the elements that make up your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

Q I own an investment property, will my rental income be included in my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?

A You are not subject to the 3.8% tax if your AGI does not exceed $200,00 (individual filer), or $250,000 (joint filers).

If your income exceeds these earnings levels, then you may be subject to the 3.8% tax. Remember your AGI includes only Net, not Gross, Rental Income.

Again, we recommend that you speak with a tax advisor.

Q When does this go into effect?

A January 1, 2013

Why is this tax called the Medicare Tax?

A  Passed by Congress in 2010 with the intent of generating an estimated $210 billion to help fund President Barack Obama’s health care and Medicare overhaul plans.


More information can be found on the National Association of Realtors Website:

http://speakingofrealestate.blogs.realtor.org/2010/11/24/the-3-8-tax-is-not-a-real-estate-transfer-tax/

 

Daphne Hendricks & Robin Butler
REALTORS
Prudential PenFed Realty
361 Maple Avenue Suite 100
Vienna, VA 22180
Daphne's mobile: 703-328-7290
Robin's mobile: 703-932-9299
robinbdaphneh@gmail.com

Welcome to our first post!  We are eager to hear from you! Please email your real estate questions to robinbdaphneh@gmail.com. We've begun with answering the very basics of this new 3.8 % Medicare tax, and how it affects real estate.  Daphne and Robin, Realtors at Prudential PenFed Realty, specialize in Residential Real Estate in Vienna, with a combined experience of 20+ years.   Both Daphne and Robin have property management experience as well, and have worked with investors.  

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