Selling a home can be a smart financial choice. However, there are tax issues to think about. In India, any profit from selling property is called a Capital Gain. It is taxed under the Income Tax Act of 1961. Knowing how to save tax on sale of property when selling property is important. This applies to everyone, including regular people and investors. Understanding this can help you save money over time.
In this article, we will talk about how to reduce your tax payments. We will follow the laws. We will cover capital gains tax, long-term capital gains, and income tax on house sales. We will also discuss exemptions.

How to Save Tax on Sale of Property
The money you make from selling a house is called Capital Gain. The tax you pay depends on how long you have owned the property.
- Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG): If you sell the property within two years of buying it, the profit will be considered STCG. This profit will be taxed based on your income tax rate.
- Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG): If you sell after 24 months of buying, the profit is called LTCG. It is taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
To lower the tax on selling property, you can use different deductions and exemptions. You can also reinvest under the Income Tax Act.
How to Save Capital Gain Tax on Sale of Property
For people who want to save on capital gains tax, the Income Tax Act has some exceptions:
1. Reinvest Under Section 54
- If you sell a home and use the money to buy another home within 2 years, you can get an exemption. You can also build a new home within 3 years to qualify for this exemption.
- The exemption only applies to long-term capital gains.
- The new property must be in India. The investment needs to be made on time.
2. Invest in Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS)
- If you cannot buy another property right away, put the gains in a CGAS before the filing deadline.
- The previously deposited amount must be used in the future to buy or build a new house for exemption 49/12 CET.
3. Utilize Section 54EC Bonds
- If you invest your long-term capital gains (LTCG) in specific bonds, you can benefit. These bonds include those from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
- The bonds have a maximum investment limit of ₹50 lakh. You must hold them for 5 years.
These options help lower or remove LTCG tax when selling a property.

How to Save Tax on Sale of Property In India – Contact Number +91-9654852919
How to Save LTCG Tax on Sale of Property
Tax on LTCG can affect the profits from selling real estate. Here are some ways to reduce or avoid LTCG tax:
1. Reinvest in Residential Property
- This lets you avoid the LTCG tax. You can do this by investing the sale proceeds into another property. You have until July 31st or until you use the income.
2. Claim Exemption with Section 54F
- If you sell any asset, like land, commercial real estate, or shares, that is not a residential house, you can still claim the LTCG exemption. You can do this by buying a residential property.
- To get this exemption, you should own no more than one residential house when you invest.
3. Use Section 54EC Bonds
- You can save on taxes by reinvesting LTCG in government-approved bonds. Do this within 6 months of selling the property. This option does not require buying a new property.
How to Save Tax on Sale of House Property
These methods work well when selling a house:
Purchase a New House (Section 54):
- If you sell your main house, you can get a tax exemption. To qualify, you must use the money to buy or build another home in India. This must be done within 2 to 3 years.
Renovate an Existing House:
- Some costs for fixing or building a house can be claimed for tax exemption. This is allowed under Section 54. However, certain conditions must be met.
Avail Indexation Benefit:
- Indexation increases the purchase price to account for inflation. This lowers your taxable gain and reduces your LTCG tax in India.
Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS):
- If you can’t find a new property right away, you can use the CGAS option. This lets you keep the money from the sale until you buy a house.
How to Save Income Tax on Sale of House Property
Selling property can affect your income tax. AIG applies to both short-term capital gains (STCG) and long-term capital gains (LTCG). Here are some ways to save on each type:
1. For Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG):
- Your STCG is added to your income and taxed at the slab rate. Because of this, there are not many exemptions.
2. For Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG):
- “Use the exemptions we talked about for part of his house property in Sections 54, 54F, and 54EC.”
- Use indexation to raise acquisition costs and improve them. This will lower the amount of taxable gains.
Key Exemptions Under the Income Tax Act
Here is a simple table of important items that can help you save on taxes when selling property:
Section | Applicable To | Exemption Condition |
---|---|---|
54 | Sale of a home | Reinvest the money in another residential property. |
54F | Sale of any asset | Proposition one: A person investing in homes should own no more than one house. |
54EC | LTCG from any property | Buy NHAI or REC bonds in six months. |
CGAS | LTCG from property | Deposit earnings in the Capital Gains Account Scheme. |
Documents Required to Claim Exemptions
To get exemptions and save on taxes, you should keep these documents ready:
- Registered Sale Deed for the property sold by the general power of attorney (original snap copy).
- New property purchase and sale agreement, if needed.
- Confirmation of a new property purchase or investment in bonds has been paid for.
- Capital Gains Account Scheme Deposit Receipt
- Indexation calculation documents
- Notes on: costs, extra summarizing, expenses for the receiving party, legal service fees, and issue.
It helps your claims for exemptions when you file your income tax return.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the Investment Deadline: For Sections 54, 54F, and 54EC exemptions, there are rules about when to invest.
- Incomplete Documentation: Proof of expenses or investments that are not kept can lead to an exempt trust.
- Buying Property Outside India: Relief under Section 54 and 54F: These rules apply to the sale of properties bought or built in India.
- Ignoring CGAS: “Here’s why not using the Capital Gains Account Scheme before the ITR filing deadline could lead to losing exemptions.”
Tips to Maximize Tax Savings
- Be ready to think about reinvesting before you sell the property.
- You should select indexation benefits for properties owned for over 24 months.
- “Please meet the deadline and send CGAS.”
- You should file your taxes with help from a tax advisor or a chartered accountant.
✅ FAQ Section – How to Save Tax on Sale of Property
Q1. How can I save tax on the sale of a property in India?
Tax exemptions can help you save money. You can use them when you reinvest in residential property. You can also use them to buy capital gain bonds. This is possible through Sections 54, 54F, and 54EC.
Q2. What is the difference between STCG and LTCG on property?
If you sell property within 24 months of buying it, you will face short-term capital gains. These gains will be taxed based on your income level. If you sell after 24 months, you will have long-term capital gains. These gains will be taxed at 20% with indexation.
Q3. Can I save tax if I sell a commercial property?
Yes, you can get tax exemptions if you reinvest in capital gain bonds.
Q4. How long do I have to reinvest sale proceeds to save tax?
To get tax exemptions, you can buy a new home within 2 years or build one within 3 years.
Q5. Is it compulsory to deposit gains in the Capital Gains Account Scheme?
Yes, as long as the money is in the CGAS account.
Q6. What are Section 54EC bonds?
You can invest in REC and NHAI bonds. They have a 5-year lock-in period. This helps you save on long-term capital gains tax.
Q7. Can I claim both Section 54 and 54EC exemptions together?
Sure, as long as you meet the requirements.
Conclusion – How to Save Tax on Sale of Property
Selling property in India can lead to high taxes. However, with good planning and knowledge of the Income Tax Act, you can avoid or greatly lower these taxes.
Key approaches include reinvesting in another residential property. You can also invest in Section 54EC bonds. Another option is to use the Capital Gains Account Scheme. Lastly, you can take advantage of indexation benefits.
By working with real estate experts like TriArtEstate.com, you can avoid slow property sales. You will stay on track and get the best returns.
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