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Saving Taxes on the Sale of a Farm or Ranch

November 5, 2013
  • Facts & Insights
  • Tips For Selling

There are many important financial issues to be aware of when selling a farm or ranch.  Planning for a sale with a team of advisors well in advance of a sale is critical for identifying these issues and for implementing strategies to effectively deal with them.  One of the biggest issues is the income tax that can result from a sale.

Selling highly appreciated (or depreciated) property can result in a large tax bill.  Taxes due on the sale may range from 20% to over 50% of the sale price depending on the cost basis of your property and how your property is owned.  Prior to listing your property, it is wise to have a CPA perform a tax projection on the sale.  Having an estimate of the tax bill you would face is valuable information when considering tax-saving strategies.

Two financial tools are commonly used to defer or avoid tax on the sale of highly appreciated (or depreciated) property:  IRC Section 1031 Exchange and IRC Section 664 Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT).  Using one or a combination of these tools with a sale can save tax.  Money that would have gone to paying tax can then be invested to help generate income for you and your family. 

A 1031 exchange can be a powerful tax saving and wealth building tool that allows a taxpayer to sell property and purchase other property without currently recognizing capital gain tax on the sale. To quote the tax code: “No gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment purposes if such property is exchanged solely for property of a like-kind which is to be held for either productive use in trade or business. 

There are specific rules and strict time frames pertaining to a 1031 exchange.  Replacement property must be identified within 45 days after closing on the sale of your farm and ranch and replacement property must be closed within 180 days after the sale.  It is best to work with an Qualified 1031 Exchange Intermediary to facilitate a 1031 exchange. 

A charitable remainder trust (CRT), sometimes referred to as a capital gains avoidance trust, can be another powerful tool to defer or entirely avoid capital gain tax on the sale of appreciated real estate.  In addition to avoiding tax on the sale of real estate, a CRT can also be used to avoid tax on the sale of other assets such as livestock, machinery and equipment. 

A CRT provides many potential benefits for an agricultural family:

  •  Saves tax on the sale of appreciated land and on the sale of livestock, machinery and equipment.
  • The full sales proceeds can be invested which allows a family to generate more retirement income as opposed to investing after tax proceeds from a straight sale.
  • Provides a vehicle to diversify assets for retirement income.
  • May reduce or avoid estate taxes.
  • Supports one’s favorite church and/or charities.
  • Provides a lasting legacy for the donors.

Using a combination of a 1031 exchange, charitable remainder trust and a direct sale for cash can often be an optimal strategy for reducing income and estate taxes and providing diversification of investment assets.

A home is typically involved with the sale of a farm or ranch.  The IRC Section 121 Personal Residence Exclusion allows an individual to exclude up to $250,000 of taxable gain from the sale of a principal residence and a married couple filing a joint return to exclude up to $500,000 of gain.  To help maximize the amount of tax-free cash you may receive from the sale of a farm or ranch containing a personal residence, it may be possible to include additional acreage with the home.  

If you are selling or considering selling a farm or ranch, now is the time to start the education and planning process.  There can be complex financial issues involved and if not addressed correctly and prior to a sale, the tax benefits and subsequent investment opportunities may be missed.  Working with a team of advisors who collaborate together on your behalf will ensure all areas are properly addressed and will help you achieve your financial goals in the most effective manner possible.

Article provided by: Chris Nolt – Solid Rock Wealth Management

To view Wealth Guide which describe strategies for saving taxes on the sale of a farm or ranch, click here:  http://solidrockwealth.com/wealth-guides/

About Solid Rock Wealth Management

Chris Nolt is the owner of Solid Rock Wealth Management and Solid Rock Realty Advisors, sister companies dedicated to working with families selling a farm or ranch.  Their strategies are designed to save tax on the sale, to create passive income from sale proceeds and to maximize inheritance for children and grandchildren.

For more information, contact: 

Solid Rock Wealth Management

2020 Charlotte Street

Bozeman, MT 59718

406-582-1264

www.solidrockwealth.com

www.solidrockproperty.com 

Securities and advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker dealer and investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.  IFG, Solid Rock Wealth Management and Solid Rock Realty Advisors, LLC are not affiliated entities.  This material was created to provide accurate and reliable information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific tax or legal advice, nor is it an offer to buy or sell securities. Tax information provided can be sourced at www.irs.gov or your state’s revenue department website.  Because individuals’ situations and objectives vary, this information is not intended to indicate suitability for any particular individual.  The 1031 exchange and charitable remainder trust are complex tax codes and the services of an appropriate tax or legal professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.