Reporting Gains and Losses

Gains and losses fall into two broad categories: ordinary and capital. The classification determines: Whether the gain/loss is recognized How it is taxed Which rate applies Capital gains generally receive more favorable tax treatment than ordinary gains. To analyze...

Disposition or Sale of Property

A disposition occurs when a taxpayer sells, exchanges, abandons, or otherwise transfers property. Gain or loss is generally: Amount realized includes selling price minus selling expenses such as commissions, advertising, legal fees, and seller‑paid loan charges....

Basis of Property

Basis represents a taxpayer’s investment in property for tax purposes. It determines gain or loss on disposition and affects deductions for depreciation, amortization, depletion, and casualty losses. When property is used partly for business or investment and partly...

Additional Income

Taxpayers report various types of income on Schedule 1 (Additional Income). These items may require separate forms, depending on the source. Farm, business, and rental income are also reported on Schedule 1 but are covered in other sections. Refund of State and Local...

Business Income and Loss

A trade or business exists when the taxpayer engages in an activity with a profit motive and participates with continuity and regularity. Profit is not required every year, but the taxpayer must make ongoing, good‑faith efforts to operate the activity for income....