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Taxes

Adjusted Basis

Definition

The original cost of a property plus capital improvements, minus depreciation taken and certain other adjustments.

Example

A $310,000 purchase plus a $40,000 addition minus $55,000 of depreciation gives an adjusted basis of $295,000.

Frequently asked questions

What does Adjusted Basis mean in real estate?

The original cost of a property plus capital improvements, minus depreciation taken and certain other adjustments.

How is Adjusted Basis used in practice?

A $310,000 purchase plus a $40,000 addition minus $55,000 of depreciation gives an adjusted basis of $295,000.

This definition is provided for educational purposes. Legal and tax terminology can carry jurisdiction-specific meaning — confirm with a licensed professional before relying on it in a transaction.