recognized gain

Realized Gain

The amount by which the sale price of an asset exceeds its purchase price. Unless the realized gain came from a tax-exempt or tax-deferred asset, it is taxable. However, the type of taxation to which it is subject varies according to how long the asset has been owned. A realized gain from an asset owned longer than one year is usually taxed at the capital gains rate, while an asset owned for a period shorter than a year is often subject to the higher income tax rate. It is also called the recognized gain. See also: Unrealized gain.

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recognized gain

That portion of a sale profit that is taxable.When a person has a gain on the sale of property,it is said the person realizes gain. Under certain beneficial tax provisions,the seller may not have to pay taxes because the gain is not recognized at that time—the IRS chooses to ignore it for one reason or another.Normally,all gain is recognized unless it falls within one of the exceptions allowing deferral until a later date,such as a 1031 exchange, or excluded completely,such as sale of a principal residence for less than the ceiling amount of gain.