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Level 2
March 12, 2026
Question

Form 6252 miscalculation

  • March 12, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 24 views

Line 19, the gross profit percentage is using the wrong calculation.   On my  return it shows 100% profit when it should be 89%.  I compared it to an installment sale in 2017 and the IRS form has changed since then but the Turbotax calculation didn't change.  

 

The big problem is the form is treating the entire gain as reportable in 2025.  Turbotax in Line 22 has me add line 20 +21 (contract price + installment payment). 

Line 20 ( the gross profit) is being entered, which is recognizing the full gain.  

This is the first year of the sale so the line 20 says " If this is the year of the sale, enter the amount from line 17. Otherwise, enter 0" .   I think I need to enter 0 to have it calculate correctly.     I could really use some help!

    1 reply

    AmyC
    Level 15
    March 16, 2026

    The way depreciation is handled changed. Now, any section 1245 or 1250 gains must be recognized in the year of sale. All of your depreciation is hitting you this year, instead of being spread out as it was in the past.

    If the home was fully depreciated, that is a big hit for this year.

    Key lines:

    Line 5 - selling price - total value

    Line 16 is the gross profit.

    Line 18 contract price

    Line 19 profit % - verify your numbers on lines 16 and 18

    Line 20 - Form 6252 instructions state: If this is the year of sale, enter the amount from line 17. Really, for the rest of the calculations. Do not enter zero.

    Line 21 - verify the payments you received  towards principal in 2025 only

    Line 24 -actual income for this year to be taxed.

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    Level 2
    March 16, 2026

    Thanks for replying.  This sale has no depreciation.  It is the sale of a business.  This is how it is showing up on my TurboTax form 6252

    Line 5 - Selling price - total value , Say $100,000

    Line 16- Gross profit   $90,000

    Line 18 - Contract price - The same a sell price in this case  $100,000

    Line 19 profit %  Turbotax says 1.0  even though it is really .90

    Line A1  Install made  $15,000

    A2  Interest  $5,000

    Line 21  $15,000

    Line 22    $105,000   ( it is adding gross profit and installment payment)

    Line 24  $105,000  

     

    This problem is corrected if I answer differently in the TurboTax step by step questions.  If I input  the sale date of 12.31.2024 instead of 1.1.25  it gives my an installment payment of $15,000.

     

    Help!  What am I doing wrong?    I really appreciate your help!