Taxes That You May Owe When Selling a House

1. Capital Gains Tax:
   One of the most common taxes associated with selling a house is the capital gains tax. This tax applies to the profit you make from selling your home. To calculate the capital gains, you subtract your home's purchase price (adjusted basis) from the selling price. The difference is your capital gain.
   
   However, not all home sales are subject to capital gains tax. In the United States, for instance, there are tax exemptions available for primary residences. The most well-known exemption is the "Primary Residence Exclusion," which allows individuals to exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains from taxation ($500,000 for married couples) if they meet certain criteria.
   
   To qualify for this exemption, you must have owned and lived in the property as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years. Keep in mind that any gains exceeding these limits will be subject to capital gains tax.
2. Depreciation Recapture Tax:
   If you've claimed depreciation deductions on your home as a rental property or for business purposes, you may be required to pay depreciation recapture tax when you sell it. Depreciation deductions can significantly reduce your tax liability while you own the property, but when you sell, you'll need to recapture some of those deductions.
   
   The depreciation recapture tax rate is typically 25%, and it applies to the amount of depreciation you claimed on your property. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to accurately calculate and plan for any depreciation recapture taxes when selling a property.
3. State and Local Taxes:
   In addition to federal taxes, you should also consider state and local taxes. These can vary significantly depending on where you live. Some states have their own capital gains tax rates or other taxes related to the sale of real estate. It's crucial to research and understand the tax laws in your specific jurisdiction to avoid any surprises when selling your home.
4. Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT):
   The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is a 3.8% tax that applies to individuals with high investment income, including capital gains. If your adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds ($200,000 for individuals, $250,000 for married couples filing jointly), you may be subject to this additional tax on your capital gains.
5. Inheritance and Gift Taxes:
   While not directly related to the sale of a house, it's worth mentioning that inheritance and gift taxes can come into play when transferring property to heirs or giving it as a gift. The rules and exemptions for these taxes can vary by country and region, so it's essential to consult with an estate planning expert to navigate this aspect of property transfers.