Capital Gains
A capital gain is the profit you make when you sell an asset (like stock, real estate, or equipment) for more than you paid for it. Capital gains are taxed differently than ordinary income.
Capital Gains Definition
A capital gain occurs when you sell an asset for more than its purchase price (cost basis). The gain is the difference between the sale price and what you originally paid, minus any improvements or selling costs.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Capital Gains for Businesses
Businesses encounter capital gains when selling:
How Capital Gains Show Up in QuickBooks
When you sell a fixed asset in QuickBooks, the gain or loss is calculated as: Sale Price – Book Value (original cost minus accumulated depreciation). Record the sale with a journal entry or through the asset disposal process.
FAQ
Q: Are capital gains different from regular business income?
A: Yes. Capital gains come from selling assets, not from your regular business operations. They're reported separately on your tax return and may qualify for lower tax rates if long-term.
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