Retired couple seeks advice on capital gains tax on commercial real estate sale

Ans: Query require detailed discussion face to face. Please check with tax consultant.

Ans: (A). Let's first talk about F/Y 2023-24 :
You jointly sold a Property during the year for Rs.76.80 lakhs (64.80+10.00+2.00), & sold the same for Rs.100.00 lakhs.
You have jointly also purchased Property No.3 (I suppose it is Residential only), for Rs.140.00 lakhs.
You should avail exemption u/s-54 & file your ITR accordingly. Please disclose all details about sale & purchase in your ITR.
02. Now coming to the F/Y 2024-25 :
You intend to Sell Property No.2, which was acquired in 2023-24. Any Gain on Sale of it would be Short Term capital Gains & taxed accordingly.
Alternatively, you may hold this sale of property no.2 (for 2 years from its purchase) & avoid STCG
You are free to utilize the sale proceeds in a way you like, including paying off your housing Loan.
Please note to avail exemption u/s 54 only from investment in property no.3 & not 2.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: 01. Rental Income during last 7 years & declared in your ITRs is O.K. You have also paid taxes, if any, on the same. Matter finished here, as far as Rental Income is concerned.
02. Yes. You can use this Long Term Capital Loss of Rs.30,00,000.00, which can be carried forward & adjusted in your LTCG of next year.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: In the absence of exact dates, i will not be able to check calculation. Please cross check your indexed cost from income tax calculator available at https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Pages/tools/indexed-cost-of-acquisition-or-improvement.aspx.

Also your wife is required to show said transaction if at the time of acquisition of property she contributed.

Further, long term loss under the head capital gain from sale of house property can be set off against long term gain under the head income from capital gain subject to conditions

Ans: Understanding Your Capital Gains Scenario
You invested Rs. 93.5 lakhs in a commercial property in 2017. This property was jointly owned with your wife. The total cost, including expenses, was Rs. 1.09 crores. You sold the property in 2024 for Rs. 1.1 crore. This transaction resulted in a loss of Rs. 31.24 lakh, split equally between you and your wife.

Filing ITR2 with Capital Losses
The income tax system calculated a capital loss of Rs. 15.62 lakh for each of you. This loss has been set off against your long-term capital gains from other share transactions. The remaining loss can be carried forward.

Submit ITR2: Yes, you can finalize and submit ITR2 as shown. The system's calculation is correct.
Carry Forward and Set-Off of Capital Losses
The Income Tax Act allows you to carry forward capital losses for eight years. These losses can be set off against future capital gains.

Using Carried Forward Losses: Yes, you can use the carried forward losses to set off against future capital gains from share market transactions. This helps in reducing your taxable income in future years.
Analytical Insights
Loss Set-Off: By setting off the loss against your other gains, you reduce your tax liability for the current year. This is a strategic move.

Carry Forward Benefit: Carrying forward losses provides a cushion for future gains. It helps in managing tax liabilities efficiently.

Key Considerations
Record Keeping: Ensure you maintain all documents related to the sale and purchase of the property. This includes agreements, receipts, and tax filings. These documents are crucial for future reference and any tax scrutiny.

Tax Planning: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for comprehensive tax planning. They can help optimize your investments and tax liabilities.

Future Investment Strategy
Diversification: Diversify your investments to balance risk and return. Consider mutual funds, bonds, and fixed deposits.

Risk Management: Assess the risk of each investment. Balance high-risk investments with safer options to protect your capital.

Final Insights
Managing capital gains and losses is crucial for effective tax planning. You have used the tax provisions wisely by setting off the losses against other gains. Carrying forward the remaining losses will help reduce your future tax liabilities.

By diversifying your investments and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner, you can optimize your financial portfolio for better returns and risk management.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in