Page 43 - Homeowners Manual - Napa County
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FIRPTA WITHHOLDING RULE
        Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) of 1980, a foreign person who sells a real
        property interest located in the U.S. is subject to a tax withholding at disposition. This regulation requires the
        buyer in such a transaction to withhold 10-15% of the “amount realized” from the sale and remit it to the Internal
        Revenue Service (IRS) unless one or more exemptions apply to the seller or the transaction.

        Although the requirement to withhold and remit funds to the IRS falls on the buyer, typically the closing agent
        does withhold and remit funds or prepare exemption affidavit forms to be delivered to the IRS at the time of
        closing. The seller’s real estate agent plays an important role in encouraging the seller to consult with their tax
        professional early in the transaction process to address any potential issues that may delay their closing. Some
        tax professionals may recommend submitting an early tax return application for any excess withholding. This is
        particularly important as the IRS has reported that refunds filed after withholding may take up to 12 months to
        process.


                       Property                    Amount Realized                  Withholding Rate
                Not acquired to be        Any amount                            15%
                buyer’s residence

                                          Up to $300,000                        0%
                Acquired to be            Over $300,000 and up to $1,000,000    10%
                buyer’s residence

                                          Over $1,000,000                       15%


        If a foreign person is selling a U.S. real property interest, a withholding is required as noted above, unless one or
        more of the following exceptions apply (this is not a complete list of exceptions):

        •   Buyer acquires the real property as a personal residence and the sales price does not exceed $300,000
        •   Seller provides a Non-Foreign Affidavit
        •   Seller provides a Withholding Certificate from the IRS which excuses the withholding
        •   The amount realized by the seller is zero
        •   The property is acquired by the United States, a U.S. state or possession, a political subdivision, or the
            District of Columbia



        This content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and does not purport to offer tax
        advice or legal advice of any kind. A complete understanding of FIRPTA is critical to determining the buyer’s tax
        withholding and reporting obligations. Questions concerning the applicability of the provisions of any state or
        federal tax legislation should be directed to a licensed and qualified tax professional.

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