Adjusted Basis - Increases and Decreases
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     **The information below has not been verified for the 2019 tax year as the IRS Pub. 551 has not yet been released by the IRS.**

Computing a property's adjusted basis is not limited to decreases due to depreciation, amortization, and depletion. A property's basis may also have to be increased or decreased by certain items depending on the type of property and its history. Below is a list of possible increases and decreases that affect a property's basis, per IRS Publication 551:

Increases to Basis

  • The cost of extending utility service lines to the property.
  • Impact fees.
  • Legal fees, such as the cost of defending and perfecting title.
  • Legal fees for obtaining a decrease in an assessment levied against property to pay for local improvements.
  • Zoning costs.
  • The capitalized value of a redeemable ground rent.

Decreases to Basis

  • Section 179 deduction.
  • Nontaxable corporate distributions.
  • Deductions previously allowed (or allowable) for amortization, depreciation, and depletion.
  • Exclusion of subsidies for energy conservation measures.
  • Vehicle credits.
  • Residential energy credits.
  • Postponed gain from sale of home.
  • Investment credit (part or all) taken.
  • Casualty and theft losses and insurance reimbursements.
  • Certain canceled debt excluded from income.
  • Rebates from a manufacturer or seller.
  • Easements.
  • Gas-guzzler tax.
  • Adoption tax benefits.
  • Credit for employer-provided child care.