Important Update on Status of California Short Sale Tax Issue

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I wrote last week that the federal tax exemption for mortgage debt forgiveness had been extended for one year as part of the “fiscal cliff” settlement between Congress and the White House.

  • California’s Homeowners Exemption has Expired

At that time, I also wrote that the California tax exemption expired on December 31, 2012, without having been extended by the state legislature.  Consequently, mortgage debt forgiveness is currently subject to California state income tax.

  • Senate Bill Introduced to Reinstate the California Exemption

To remedy this inconsistency between federal and state tax law, the California Association of Realtors is sponsoring Senate Bill 30 (Calderon, D-Montebello).  SB 30 will conform state law to the federal law passed last week.  Upon passage of SB 30, the measure as currently drafted will be effective retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013.

  • Contact Your Local State Representative

If you believe the state tax exemption should be reinstated, contact your local state senator and ask that he/she support SB 30.

I will report further as the bill moves its way through the legislative process.

 

URGENT: Homeowners Tax Exemption Extended Through 2013

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The 2007 Mortgage Debt Relief Act, which was scheduled to expire at midnight on December 31, 2012, has been extended for one year as a result of the “fiscal cliff” deal struck between Congress and the president.

The Senate included the extension as a part of the bill that passed at 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.  After House Republicans failed to pass a separate bill modifying the Senate plan, that plan was presented for a full house vote late last night and passed 257-167.  President Obama has stated he will sign the bill.

EXTENDS TAX FORGIVENESS FOR MANY HOMEOWNERS WHO COMPLETE A SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE, “DEED IN LIEU”  OR LOAN MODIFICATION IN 2013.

This is very important news for homeowners whose short sales and “deeds in lieu of foreclosure” had not been concluded by December 31st, and who were facing a substantial income tax bill if the exemption had expired and not been renewed.  It also will benefit many homeowners whose properties are foreclosed in 2013, as well as individuals who obtain a “principle reduction” loan modification on their home mortgages.

EXEMPTION DOES NOT COVER ALL FORGIVEN MORTGAGE DEBT

As I have previously explained, the tax exemption does not apply to all forgiven mortgage debt.  Specifically, the debt must have been on a primary home, and the debt must have been used to either buy the property, to pay off purchase debt, or to repair/renovate the home.  It does not apply to debt on second homes or income property, or on “cash out” refi debt.

STATUS OF CALIFORNIA’S SEPARATE TAX EXEMPTION NOT YET CLEAR

Keep in mind that the separate California tax exemption for mortgage debt relief also was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012.  Whether that state exemption will be extended as a result of the federal extension is not yet known.  I will report further once that information becomes available.

I recommend you immediately contact your local representative if you feel the California tax exemption should also be extended.

CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY OR TAX ADVISER NOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU QUALIFY

For “underwater” homeowners that have been “sitting on the fence”, now is a good time to speak with a qualified real estate attorney or tax adviser to determine whether and to what extent you qualify for the extended tax exemption.  Keep in mind that it can take many months for a short sale, loan modification, “deed in lieu” or foreclosure to be completed.  For that reason, it’s important to get the process started as soon as possible.  That way you can implement your best strategy without having to worry about losing the tax exemption at the end of 2013.