AmyC
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Deductions & credits

Fees that were required to purchase the house, not the loan, are part of the basis.

 

Publication 551 (12/2022), Basis of Assets - IRS

Settlement costs.

Your basis includes the settlement fees and closing costs for buying property. You can't include in your basis the fees and costs for getting a loan on property. A fee for buying property is a cost that must be paid even if you bought the property for cash.

The following items are some of the settlement fees or closing costs you can include in the basis of your property.

Abstract fees (abstract of title fees).

Charges for installing utility services.

Legal fees (including title search and preparation of the sales contract and deed).

Recording fees.

Surveys.

Transfer taxes.

Owner's title insurance.

Any amounts the seller owes that you agree to pay, such as back taxes or interest, recording or mortgage fees, charges for improvements or repairs, and sales commissions.

 

Settlement costs don't include amounts placed in escrow for the future payment of items such as taxes and insurance.

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