Capital Gains

A capital gain occurs when you sell or exchange a capital asset for more than the cost or other basis. A capital gain can be short-term (one year or less) or long-term (more than one year), and you must report it on your income tax return.

A capital loss occurs when you sell or exchange a capital asset for less than the cost or other basis. 

Idaho allows a capital gains deduction for qualifying property located in Idaho.

Forms

Form CG – Capital Gains Deduction and Instructions

Qualifying property

Gains from the sale of the following Idaho property qualify for the capital gains deduction:

  • Real property. The property must be held for at least 12 months and sold on or after January 1, 2005. Real property sold before January 1, 2005, must have been held for at least 18 months. For purposes of this deduction, “real property” means land and includes easements, grazing permits, and any other property defined in section 1250(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Tangible personal property. The property must be used in a revenue-producing enterprise and held for at least 12 months. A revenue-producing enterprise means:
    • Producing, assembling, fabricating, manufacturing, or processing any agricultural, mineral, or manufactured product;
    • Storing, warehousing, distributing, or selling at wholesale any products of agriculture, mining, or manufacturing;
    • Feeding livestock at a feedlot;
    • Operating laboratories or other facilities for scientific, agricultural, animal husbandry, or industrial research (developmental or testing).
  • Cattle and horses. The animals must be held for at least 24 months.
  • Livestock used for breeding. The livestock must be held for at least 12 months.
  • Timber. The timber must be grown in Idaho and held for at least 24 months.

Property that doesn’t qualify

Gains from the sale of the following don’t qualify for the deduction:

  • Real or tangible personal property not located in Idaho
  • Tangible personal property not used by a revenue-producing enterprise
  • Intangible property. Some examples of intangible property include, but are not limited to:
    • Stocks and bonds;
    • Interests in a partnership, LLC, or S corporation.

Idaho’s capital gains deduction

Idaho allows a deduction of up to 60% of the capital gain net income from the sale or exchange of qualifying Idaho property. For tax year 2001 only, the deduction was increased to 80% of the qualifying capital gain net income. You must complete Form CG to compute your Idaho capital gains deduction.

Laws and rules