Know the tax consequences of an installment sale

Description

Abstract: In a slow real estate market where financing can be tough to obtain, some investors are finding they have a better chance of disposing of real property in an installment sale. This type of transaction provides some financial benefits to both buyer and seller. But it’s important to understand the ins and outs before jumping in. This article discusses the potential pros and cons, and explains how to report an installment sale under the “installment method.” A sidebar notes that a wraparound mortgage can avoid the negative tax treatment that occurs when a buyer assumes an existing mortgage that’s more than their installment sale basis in the property.