Generally, the amount by which you benefit from the discharge of indebtedness is included in your gross income. However, under certain circumstances described in section 108, you can exclude the amount of discharged indebtedness from your gross income.
You must file Form 982 to report the exclusion and the reduction of certain tax attributes either dollar for dollar or 331/3 cents per dollar.
What's New:
Discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness before 2026.
Qualified principal residence indebtedness can be excluded from income for discharges before January 1, 2026, or discharges subject to an arrangement that was entered into and evidenced in writing before January 1, 2026.
Amount eligible for the exclusion.
The maximum amount you can treat as qualified principal residence indebtedness is $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately).
For full instructions, exclusions and exceptions, please see: Instructions for Form 982 (12/2021) | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)