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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 4:54:01 PM

If I sell a musical instrument for 50,000.00, what taxes will I pay?

I bought it forty years ago for $10,000.00, after inflation and $5000.00 in repairs, I am breaking even. Will I owe tax?

0 12 7498
12 Replies
New Member
May 31, 2019 4:54:03 PM

Yes you will because you have a profit ( inflation doesn't come into play here) of $35K which is taxed at the max rate of 28% since this is a collectible due to the age. 

Level 15
May 31, 2019 4:54:04 PM

Antiques are considered to be collectibles.  The maximum capital gains rate on collectibles is 28%.  If your ordinary tax rate is lower than 28%, the income will be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.

New Member
May 31, 2019 4:54:06 PM

Thanks for the correct %, answer adjusted.

Level 15
May 31, 2019 4:54:07 PM

Although it's still a capital gain, collectibles are not eligible for the favorable capital gains tax rates (0-15%). But, if you have any other capital losses, then can offset the gain on the collectible. The sale is reported on form 8949 and sch. D and the tax calculated on the Schedule D worksheet.

Alumni
May 31, 2019 4:54:11 PM

What was the musical instrument purchased for?  For example, was it to use in your trade or business and depreciation claimed on your tax return?

New Member
May 31, 2019 4:54:14 PM

I thought for a musical instrument to be considered a collectible, it had to be made by a famous maker i.e. Stradivarius

Level 15
May 31, 2019 4:54:15 PM

A collectible, for tax purposes, is an item that is worth far more than it appears because of its rarity and/or demand. If new versions on your musical instrument typically sell for more than $50,000, you may not have a collectible. Old cars, antiques and even toys like "beanie babies" are examples of collectibles.

Level 15
May 31, 2019 4:54:17 PM
New Member
Feb 22, 2021 7:14:37 PM

Buy rare violin in 1959  for $1,000, sell in 2021 for $44,000 minus commission and repairs.  What is taxable?

 

New Member
Feb 22, 2021 7:18:34 PM

Violin used professionally until 1968, then never played again.  No depreciation ever claimed.

Level 8
Feb 22, 2021 8:02:45 PM

The IRS views most collectibles, other than those held for sale by dealers, as capital assets. As a result, any gain on the sale of a collectible that you’ve had for more than one year generally is treated as a long-term capital gain. 

 

But while long-term capital gains on most types of assets are taxed at either 15% or 20% (or 0% for taxpayers in the 10% or 15% ordinary-income tax bracket), capital gains on collectibles are taxed at 28% (or your ordinary-income rate, if lower). As with other short-term capital gains, the tax rate when you sell a collectible that you’ve held for one year or less typically will be your ordinary-income tax rate. 

 

Determining the gain on a sale requires first determining your “basis” — generally, your cost to acquire the collectible. If you purchased it, your basis is the amount you paid for the item, including any brokers’ fees. 

If you inherited the collectible, your basis is its fair market value at the time you inherited it. The fair market value can be determined in several ways, such as by an appraisal or through an analysis of the prices obtained in sales of similar items at about the same time. 

 

The IRS required you to fill out a Form 8949 and a Schedule D for the sale of this item. These can be found under the section "Personal" tab, "Personal Income" section (which should be the first page that opens up, then scroll down the page to find "Investment Income" 1099-B. This will guide you through the process.

 

Here is a link to some neat information I thought you'd also like to read over. Congrats on the sale, by the way! 

 

Advice On Depreciation To Reduce Gain On Sale Of Instrument

 

New Member
Feb 22, 2021 8:35:04 PM

Thank you for the articulate answer.  Much appreciated.  Sandie Thomas