Capital gains tax on an inherited home with a sibling

[wkostka]

My sister and I inherited a home from our mother 5 years ago. The house has appreciated from the assessed value at the time of my mother's death. We will each receive half of the proceeds when we sell the house. 

My question is- am I only responsible for capital gains on my half of the proceeds from the sale?

Also- if I reinvest the my half of the proceeds from the sale of the house in another home- can I avoid paying capital gains on my half? 

[Bsch4477]

If you both owned it each would pay any gain on their half. If either of you lived in it that person may be eligible for a capital gain exclusion. If rented recapture of depreciation would apply. 

[MayaD]

You only need to report your share of the proceed and cost basis. 

Did you live in the inherited property? Was it your primary residence in the past 5 years? If yes, you may qualify for the principal residence exclusion:

• Individuals can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains from the sale of their primary residence.
• Married couples can exclude up to $500,000.

If not, you can defer paying taxes on the sale of the inherited property by reinvesting the proceeds into another investment property by using a 1031 exchange. 

Like-Kind Exchanges Under IRC Section 1031

[Bsch4477]

If you both owned it each would pay any gain on their half. If either of you lived in it that person may be eligible for a capital gain exclusion. If rented recapture of depreciation would apply. There is no tax advantage by investing in another property.