Tax Breaks for Homeowners: Section 54 Explained.!

Sindujaa D N
When selling or buying a house, individuals often grapple with various tax-related queries. Here are some answers to common questions regarding taxation on property transactions:

Capital Gains Tax: If you sell a residential property and make a profit, you'll likely be subject to taxation. As per Section 48 of the Income Tax Act, if you sell a house within 2 years of purchase, the profit is considered Short Term capital Gain (STCG) and is taxed at your applicable income tax rate. However, if the house is sold after 2 years, the profit is classified as Long Term capital Gain (LTCG), and a capital gains tax of 20% applies.


Exemption on Buying a Second House: Section 54 of the Income Tax Act provides exemptions for long-term capital gains tax if you use the proceeds from selling your house to purchase another residential property. This exemption is available to individual taxpayers and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). The new property must be purchased within 2 years or constructed within 3 years from the sale of the old property.


 The exemption is applicable for properties valued up to Rs 10 crore. Additionally, if you purchase two houses within 2 years, you may also qualify for an exemption, provided your total LTCG does not exceed Rs 2 crore.


Deductions and Expenses: When calculating the profit from selling a house, you can deduct certain expenses. These include the purchase price, registration charges, expenses related to property development, and costs incurred in selling the house, such as brokerage and legal fees. These deductions help reduce the taxable amount, thereby potentially lowering your tax liability.


Navigating the taxation aspect of property transactions requires careful consideration of various factors and adherence to relevant tax laws and regulations. Consulting with a tax advisor or financial expert can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and help optimize tax-saving opportunities.

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