Understanding How Wholesalers Are Taxed

When it comes to taxation, wholesalers are taxed on their gross profit (markup), not the resale value of the home. This means that the tax liability is based on the difference between the price they pay for a property and the price they sell it for at a wholesale price. The After Repair Value (ARV) is not a factor in determining taxable income.

Taxable Income for Wholesalers

If a wholesaler purchases a home for $15,000 and sells it for $18,000, they are taxed on the $3,000 profit—not the potential ARV of the home. The investor or end buyer is responsible for any taxes related to the resale value.

Example:

A wholesaler buys 10 homes at $50,000 per home = $500,000 total cost
They sell those homes at $80,000 per home to investors = $800,000 total revenue
$300,000 profit is taxable income

How Business Structure Affects Taxation

The way wholesalers are taxed depends on their business entity type. Each entity has different tax obligations and reporting requirements:

✅ Sole Proprietorship & Single-Member LLCs

Income is reported on Schedule C (Form 1040).
Subject to self-employment tax (15.3%) in addition to regular income tax.

✅ Partnerships & Multi-Member LLCs

Must file Form 1065 and issue K-1 forms to partners.
Income flows through to partners’ personal tax returns.

✅ S-Corporations (S-Corp)

Owners take a salary (W-2), and remaining profits are passed through on a K-1.
Helps reduce self-employment tax but requires payroll compliance.

✅ C-Corporations (C-Corp)

Pays a corporate income tax of 21%.
Owners also pay tax on dividends, leading to double taxation.

Quarterly Estimated Taxes

Wholesalers who expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes must pay quarterly estimated taxes using Form 1040-ES. This prevents IRS penalties and ensures compliance with tax laws.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how wholesalers are taxed helps in making informed financial decisions and avoiding unexpected tax liabilities. Choosing the right business structure and staying compliant with estimated tax payments are crucial steps in managing your tax obligations effectively.