Joy Bender, a San Diego short sale realtor and a Certified Distressed Property Expert, educates homeowners on loan modification, short sale, or foreclosure tax ramifications
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 3, 2012 — Indicating most homeowners awaiting loan modification approval and contemplating short sale or foreclosure are not aware of all consequences with regard to their decision, San Diego short sale realtor Joy Bender has launched a campaign to educate defaulting homeowners on potential tax repercussions.
Bender, who currently works as a short sale realtor in San Diego and is affiliated with Trinity Homes and Investments, informs distressed homeowners the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act is expiring December 31st, 2012.
"In general homeowners believe the government will extend this tax provision," Bender said. "However, as evidenced by the First Time Homebuyer Credit expiration in 2010, you can't always count on the government to bail you out."
When banks write off debt it is considered a taxable event. Your lender should send Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt at the end of the year. This will need to be filed with your taxes the following tax year.
For example, if you owe $750,000 on a property and the lender takes a loss of $375,000 through a loan modification principal reduction, short sale, or foreclosure you would owe the IRS $131,250 in a 35% tax bracket, $93,750 in a 25% tax bracket, or conservatively $56,250 in a 15% tax bracket.
"Most homeowners in default today are waiting on a loan modification approval. They fail to recognize that most loan modifications never get approved with acceptable terms. Inevitably most loan modifications permanently fail after months of negotiating and processing paperwork. This could leave you vulnerable with no time left to take advantage of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act," Bender indicates.
Generally short sales can take from 3-6 months to close. However, there are always exceptions where they can take upwards of 12 months or more to close.
"It is important that homeowners switch from being reactive to proactive. If you continue to procrastinate you are jeopardizing your family's future with a potential large IRS debt," Bender advises. "It is essential to consult with an attorney and tax advisor regarding potential recourse and tax liability."
As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and short sale realtor in San Diego, Bender offers alternatives to loan modifications and foreclosure in San Diego.
To learn more about Joy Bender and to read client testimonials, visit http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&georestrict=input_srcid:887e23950ec59d78&dtab=2. For a copy of the free report, "Are You Living Under A Cloud Of An Unmanageable Mortgage?," call (760) 212-2717 or log on to .
About Joy Bender:
Joy Bender is a San Diego short sale realtor and a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) who has helped over 1,000 clients over the past 12 years. She currently provides real estate solutions for distressed homeowners facing foreclosure or homeowners opting for a strategic short sale. For free real estate advice, visit http://www.luxurysocalshortsale.com or call her direct line at (760) 212-2717.
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