Staging is Tax Deductible

Staging your home for sale can be considered an advertising expense and consequently function as a tax deduction. The following article, written by Connecticut stager, Kara Woods, in www.stagetomove.com explains it succinctly:

"You have already heard about the many benefits of staging a home to sell: it ensures an excellent first impression, shows buyers their potential home, makes a home stand out in a crowded luxury market, and much, much more. But did you know that the money you spend on home staging is tax deductible?The IRS considers home staging a part of advertising the home, and any fees invoiced (including rental furniture—anything you do not buy yourself with the intent to keep after selling) can be subtracted from the proceeds from selling your home for tax purposes. According to certified public accountant Rob Unger, “Since a home stager prepares your house for potential homebuyers, the IRS considers the service as an advertising expense, as long as the home stager has been hired for the sole purpose of selling your home. [S]taging costs are a legitimate selling expense for both primary and secondary homes and are therefore tax deductible.”The costs of staging are subtracted from the proceeds of the sale of the home and decrease the total realized profit. If the home you are selling counts as your main home, the first $250,000 of gain ($500,000 if you are married and filing jointly) is not taxable. However, if you sell your home at a significant profit over the non-taxable amount, the deduction for home staging—which can add thousands of dollars to your selling price—becomes even more valuable."

Knowing that the costs associated with the staging of your home can be tax deductible is further incentive to stage your home for the best presentation in your market.

Laurie Easterlin is a home stager and professional Masters preparation specialist. To learn more about her services, please visit: Staged2aTee.com.