When to seek planning
Ideally before an offer is accepted, a listing is signed, or a closing is scheduled — while timing and structure can still be adjusted.
Capital-gains planning
Understand the tax impact before the sale.
Plan for the potential federal and New Jersey consequences of selling appreciated real estate, investments, or a business interest before the transaction is complete.
How we approach it
A structured review of the numbers and the timing.
A capital-gains review is a focused engagement. We work through the facts of the transaction, estimate the exposure, and lay out the practical next steps — including what to coordinate with your attorney or advisor.
Request a Pre-Sale Tax ReviewTax treatment depends on each client's facts. Nothing on this page constitutes tax, legal, or investment advice, and no specific outcome is guaranteed.
Short-term vs. long-term gains
The holding period determines federal treatment. Assets held one year or less generally receive short-term treatment; assets held more than one year, long-term.
Adjusted basis
Original cost, plus qualifying capital improvements, less depreciation and certain adjustments. Basis frequently drives the size of the taxable gain.
Real estate transactions
Primary residence, rental property, and inherited property each have their own considerations, from depreciation recapture to step-up in basis.
Investment sales
Cost basis method, wash-sale exposure, and coordination with brokerage 1099s all shape the reportable gain.
Business-interest sales
Structure of the sale (asset vs. equity), allocation, and timing all materially affect tax outcomes.
Capital losses
Realized losses may offset gains and, within limits, ordinary income. Carryforwards can matter for years.
Estimated payments
Large gains often create underpayment exposure. Estimated payments may be needed in the quarter of sale, not just at filing.
New Jersey considerations
New Jersey generally taxes capital gains as ordinary income and has its own residency and sourcing rules to consider.
Coordination
We work alongside your other advisors.
Depending on the transaction, we coordinate with your attorney, real estate broker, financial advisor, or qualified intermediary so the tax picture is consistent with the deal structure.
- Attorneys
- Real estate brokers
- Financial advisors
- Qualified intermediaries
What to prepare
A short list to bring to the first conversation.
- Purchase documents and closing statements
- Records of capital improvements
- Depreciation schedules for rental or business property
- Brokerage statements and cost basis records
- Prior-year tax returns
- Draft terms of the proposed transaction, if available
Frequently asked
Questions we hear often.
When should I involve you in a potential sale?+
As early as possible — ideally before a listing agreement or letter of intent. Planning has the most impact when timing and structure are still flexible.
Do you guarantee tax savings?+
No. Tax treatment depends on each client's facts and circumstances. We provide analysis and recommendations; we do not promise specific outcomes.
Do you provide legal or investment advice?+
No. We coordinate with your attorney, broker, financial advisor, or qualified intermediary as needed, but we do not act as legal counsel or an investment adviser.
Do you help with New Jersey-specific issues?+
Yes. New Jersey has its own approach to capital gains, residency, and sourcing, and we build these considerations into every pre-sale review for New Jersey clients.
Before the decision is final
Before you sell, restructure, respond, or file — understand the tax impact.
Start with a focused conversation about what is changing and what you need to know before moving forward.
Personal guidance · Secure process · Clear next steps