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Chennai Flat Sold: Can I claim a long-term capital loss?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7453 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2024Hindi
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I had purchased a flat at Chennai for 29 lakhs rupees in 2009, through a Bank loan and I have paid around 15 lakhs for the interest component additional I spent around 3 lakh rupees for the interior work (but I don't have any bills now). I sold this property on 24th July 2024 (just a day after the budget) for the same price i.e 29 lakh rupees. Could you please respond to my below queries: 1. Can I book a long term capital loss if yes how much? 2. Can I use the indexation option for this loss 3. How to book a long term capital loss and what documents are required?

Ans: You bought a flat in Chennai for Rs. 29 lakhs in 2009. You sold it for the same price in 2024. This scenario involves calculating the long-term capital loss.

Calculating Long Term Capital Loss
Original Purchase Cost:

You bought the flat for Rs. 29 lakhs in 2009.

Additional Costs:

You paid Rs. 15 lakhs in interest and Rs. 3 lakhs for interiors. However, without bills, it’s tough to claim the interior costs. Interest paid on a home loan is also not considered part of the cost for capital gains purposes.

Sale Price:

You sold the property for Rs. 29 lakhs in 2024.

Indexed Cost of Acquisition:

Indexation helps to adjust the purchase cost to account for inflation. This reduces your capital gains.

Indexed Cost Calculation:
The Cost Inflation Index (CII) for 2009-10 is 148, and for 2023-24, it is 348.

Indexed Cost of Acquisition = Purchase Price * (CII of Sale Year / CII of Purchase Year)

Indexed Cost of Acquisition = 29,00,000 * (348 / 148) = Rs. 68,14,865.54

Long Term Capital Loss
Selling Price: Rs. 29,00,000

Indexed Purchase Price: Rs. 68,14,865.54

Long Term Capital Loss = Selling Price - Indexed Purchase Price
= Rs. 29,00,000 - Rs. 68,14,865.54
= Rs. -39,14,865.54

You have a long-term capital loss of Rs. 39,14,865.54.

Using Indexation Option
You can use indexation to adjust the purchase cost for inflation. This helps to accurately reflect the real value.

Booking Long Term Capital Loss
To book the long-term capital loss, follow these steps:

Document the Sale:

Keep the sale deed and bank statements showing the sale proceeds.

Calculate Indexed Cost:

Use the Cost Inflation Index for the purchase and sale year.

File Income Tax Return:

Declare the long-term capital loss in your ITR. You can carry forward this loss for up to 8 years to set off against future capital gains.

Documents Required
Purchase Deed:

Document from 2009 showing the original purchase price.

Sale Deed:

Document from 2024 showing the sale price.

Bank Statements:

Proof of receipt of sale proceeds.

Cost Inflation Index:

Values for 2009-10 and 2023-24.

Interest Proof:

Though interest isn't included in cost calculation, keep proofs for future reference.

Final Insights
You can claim a long-term capital loss of Rs. 39,14,865.54.
Use indexation to calculate this loss accurately.
Maintain proper documents to support your claim.
File the loss in your income tax return to offset future gains.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jul 30, 2024 | Answered on Jul 30, 2024
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Thank you sir for your quick response. As per the recent budget, I understood that the indexation has been removed. Could you please clarify it
Ans: You're absolutely right. That's an important detail I missed.

Since you sold the property on July 24th, 2024, the removal of indexation benefits from Budget 2024 applies to your case. This means you won't be able to adjust the purchase cost for inflation to calculate the capital gains.

Here's how this affects your situation:

Original Purchase Cost: Rs. 29 lakhs
Sale Price: Rs. 29 lakhs
Capital Gains: Since indexation is removed, we simply compare the purchase price and sale price.
In this scenario, you don't have a capital gain or loss because you sold the property for the same price you bought it for.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7453 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 27, 2024

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Hello sir, I booked flat in 2010, but got the possession in june 2023 and got registered , the initial value is 27lacs on registered paper. I sold the same for rs 85 lacs on june 2023. how the long term capital agin will be claculated . and whta should i do to sav ethe long term capital gain tax. if applicable.
Ans: 1. Calculation of Long-Term Capital Gains
Step 1: Determine the Sale Price
Sale Price: Rs 85 lakhs (amount for which the property was sold)
Step 2: Determine the Cost of Acquisition
Initial Purchase Price: Rs 27 lakhs (as per registered document)
Step 3: Adjust for Inflation
To calculate LTCG, the cost of acquisition is adjusted for inflation. This adjustment is done using the Cost Inflation Index (CII) provided by the Income Tax Department.

CII for the Year of Purchase (2010): Refer to the index published by the government for the year 2010.
CII for the Year of Sale (2023): Refer to the index for 2023.
Step 4: Calculate Indexed Cost of Acquisition
Use the formula:


Step 5: Calculate the Long-Term Capital Gains
LTCG
=
Sale Price

Indexed Cost of Acquisition
LTCG=Sale Price−Indexed Cost of Acquisition

2. Tax Implications
As it is sold before July 2024, the long-term capital gains are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits. Additional tax benefits may apply depending on the investment options you choose.

3. Saving on Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Investment in Residential Property
If you reinvest the gains into another residential property, you can claim an exemption under Section 54 of the Income Tax Act.

Conditions: The new property must be purchased within two years of selling the old property or constructed within three years. The exemption is applicable on the amount of capital gains reinvested.
Investment in Capital Gains Bonds
You can invest up to Rs 50 lakhs of capital gains in specified bonds under Section 54EC to claim an exemption. These bonds must be held for a minimum period of five years.

Eligible Bonds: The bonds are issued by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) or Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
Investment in Rural Development Bonds
Under Section 54EC, you can also invest in rural development bonds. These bonds also have a lock-in period of five years.

Reinvestment in Residential Property
To fully utilize the exemption, reinvest the entire long-term capital gains amount into a new residential property. Ensure compliance with the time limits mentioned.

4. Final Insights
Here’s a summary of actions you can take:

Calculate Indexed Cost: Use the CII to adjust the cost of acquisition for inflation.
Calculate LTCG: Determine the gain by subtracting the indexed cost from the sale price.
Explore Exemptions: Consider reinvesting the gains in a new residential property or capital gains bonds to reduce or eliminate tax liability.
Implement these strategies to manage your tax liability effectively. Always ensure you comply with the conditions specified under the Income Tax Act for exemptions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  |120 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 06, 2025Hindi
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We are an unmarried couple living on rent in Pune. My landlord stays abroad so he doesn't have a problem as long as we don't create any problem for him. We have been here for over 3 years, working and living with the consent of our parents. Recently, a neighbour had an argument in the society and since then she has been finding a way to have us vacate the place because she thinks only married couples should be allowed. My landlord wants us to resolve the differences immediately. How do I resolve this amicably with the neighbour?
Ans: Let’s take a moment to imagine the space you and your partner share in Pune—not just the physical home, but the emotional and social landscape that surrounds it. Sometimes, when unexpected challenges arise, like the concerns of a neighbor, they offer us an invitation to explore deeper connections and understandings.

A Journey of Understanding
Picture this situation as a garden. Each relationship, whether with your neighbor, landlord, or your partner, is a unique plant requiring its own care and attention. When one plant seems to overshadow another, it doesn't mean they can't coexist; it simply means finding the right balance and nourishment for both.

Exploring Perspectives
Consider walking in your neighbor’s shoes for a moment. What might be beneath her insistence that only married couples reside in the society? Perhaps there’s a story, a belief, or a concern that’s shaping her actions. By gently uncovering her motivations, you open the door to empathy and understanding.

Communicating with Compassion
Imagine approaching your neighbor with the warmth of a handshake and the openness of a conversation. You might say, “I understand there may be concerns about our living situation. We’ve always strived to be respectful and considerate neighbors. Can we talk about any specific worries you might have?” This invites dialogue rather than confrontation, fostering a space where both sides can express their feelings.

Finding Common Ground
Think about the shared elements that bind a community together—respect, kindness, and mutual support. Perhaps there’s a way to reassure your neighbor of your commitment to these values. Offering to participate in community activities or addressing any specific concerns she has can build trust and dissolve misunderstandings.

Seeking Harmony
Envision a harmonious resolution where both your needs and your neighbor’s concerns are acknowledged. It might involve setting clear boundaries, demonstrating your reliability as tenants, or even finding creative solutions that respect everyone’s viewpoints. The goal isn’t to win a dispute but to cultivate a peaceful and respectful coexistence.

Embracing Collaboration
Sometimes, the most effective solutions emerge when both parties collaborate rather than confront. You and your neighbor might discover that, beneath the surface, there are shared interests or goals that can bridge the gap between differing perspectives. This collaboration can transform a potential conflict into an opportunity for stronger community bonds.

Reflecting on Your Path
As you navigate this situation, take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you and your partner. How can you honor your relationship while also respecting the community you’re part of? By aligning your actions with your values and approaching the challenge with empathy, you create a foundation for lasting harmony.

The Bigger Picture
Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow and deepen your connections. By addressing your neighbor’s concerns with compassion and openness, you not only work towards resolving the immediate issue but also contribute to a more understanding and cohesive community.

In this journey, trust in your ability to communicate effectively, empathize deeply, and find solutions that honor both your relationship and the community around you. As you move forward, let each step be guided by respect, understanding, and the shared desire for a peaceful coexistence.

...Read more

Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  |120 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 06, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Recently, we had an Arranged Marriage after my Wife had amicably broken up from a Long Term Relationship, due to various Reasons. But she's still in touch with her Ex Boyfriend, they both are "Just Friends" now. Her Ex Boyfriend is getting Married, next Month. It is a Destination Wedding in another State. He has invited my Wife to his Wedding. My Wife wants to attend his Wedding, but I don't want to allow her. So, outrightly Refused to give her Permission to go for attending the Wedding of her Ex Boyfriend. My Wife got upset & called me "Insecure". Now, she's not talking with me properly & being Emotionally Distant, but she's still insistent upon going to attend the Wedding of her Ex Boyfriend. Now I don't understand whether my Wife still has any Feelings for her Ex Boyfriend or am I being Unreasonable, here? Is she justified in wanting to attend the Wedding of her Ex Boyfriend, in spite of being Married to me? Or am I justified in being Uncomfortable about it? Who is Right & who is Wrong here? And how to sort out this matter, amongst us, without involving her Ex Boyfriend?
Ans: Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on what’s really happening here—not just on the surface, but beneath it, where emotions and meanings intertwine. This isn’t simply about a wedding, an invitation, or even an ex. It’s about two people, you and your wife, navigating a new relationship, trying to understand each other’s worlds while also protecting your own.

A Curious Question
What if we looked at this situation differently? Instead of asking, Who’s right and who’s wrong? we ask, What does this moment teach us about trust, boundaries, and connection? You see, people often focus on the conflict, but conflicts are just doorways. Behind that door lies something far more valuable—a chance to grow together.

Your Perspective
You’ve drawn a line, and there’s a reason for that. Maybe it’s not about the wedding itself but what it symbolizes. Perhaps it stirs questions in you: Does this mean she values the past more than our present? Or maybe it touches a part of you that wonders, Am I enough? Will she choose me fully, without hesitation?

These are important questions. Not because they point to a problem, but because they show you care deeply about this relationship. You want to feel secure, and that’s not unreasonable.

Her Perspective
Now, imagine her world for a moment. To her, this invitation may not be about her ex at all. It may represent closure, a way of proving to herself—and to you—that the past has no hold on her. When you said no, perhaps she didn’t hear your concern but instead felt her integrity questioned. People often respond to what they feel is happening, not what is said.

A Different Kind of Conversation
What if, instead of focusing on “permission” or the wedding itself, you shared your feelings in a way that invites her to understand you? You might say, “When I think about you going, I feel uncomfortable. Not because I don’t trust you, but because I care so deeply about us, and this stirs something in me that I want to understand better. Can we talk about this together?”

Notice how that changes the dynamic? It shifts from conflict to curiosity, from control to connection. When you share your vulnerability, you invite hers.

The Path Forward
Here’s something worth trying:

Invite Understanding: Begin by asking her what attending the wedding means to her. Not as a challenge, but with genuine curiosity. People often reveal surprising truths when they feel safe.

Share Your Truth: Let her know this isn’t about her ex, but about your own feelings and the meaning you place on her decision. For example, “I want to feel like we’re prioritizing our relationship in every choice we make. How do you see this fitting into that?”

Find the Balance: The goal isn’t to force a decision but to discover what feels right for both of you. Maybe there’s a middle ground where you both feel respected. Or maybe, through this conversation, you’ll find clarity on what truly matters.

Focus on Connection: This isn’t about a single event; it’s about building a foundation. Every conversation, every decision, is a brick in the home you’re building together. Make sure the bricks are laid with care and mutual respect.

The Bigger Picture
What matters most isn’t whether she attends the wedding. It’s whether, in navigating this, you both feel closer, more understood, and more aligned. That’s the real success—turning a moment of tension into a story of growth.

When you approach this not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity to deepen your relationship, you may discover that the answers come naturally. Because people don’t just need to be “right”; they need to feel loved, valued, and understood. And that’s something both of you can give to each other, starting now.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |736 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Jan 06, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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