The Federal Tax Code allows married taxpayers to exclude from capital gains taxes up to $500,000 in profits from selling a home (singles can exclude $250,000). In order to qualify for this exemption, you must prove that that the home has been your principal residence for at least two out of the last five years. The establishment of the home as a principal residence depends on the facts of each homeowner's circumstance. Here are two cases to consider.

Homeowner A has lived at 25 Pine Drive for 12 years. Although he stays at his vacation cottage in another town for up to three months out of each year (sometimes more), 25 Pine Drive is his principal residence, where he lives most of the time. When he sells the home, Homeowner A (filing as a single individual) can keep up to $250,000 in tax-free profit.

Homeowner B buys 108 Maple Street, intending to live there. He rents it out while waiting to sell his current home, where he has lived for six years. His principal residence sells at the end of two years. Homeowner B moves into his new house, lives there for three months, and then decides to travel. After a six-month trip, he regrets buying 108 Maple Street and sells it. Even though he has owned the house on Maple Street for over two years, it won't qualify as "owner-occupied", because he only lived in it for a few months. Thus Homeowner B is not eligible to claim the tax exemption when he sells the house on Maple Street.

Consult your tax advisor for advice about your particular circumstance.

	See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Pat Chrysler
RE/MAX Unlimited REALTORS
7870 E. Kemper Road, Ste 100
Cincinnati, OH 45249
800-899-4629
Fax: 513-766-0707
athomewithpat@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Pat Chrysler is here to serve you in all aspects of the buying and selling process. She is licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky. Communication is a very important element in this transaction process and she is here to serve this in every aspect. She gives each and every client personalized attention. Before or after the sale, she is here when you need her! Pat treats her clients the way she would like to be treated--with respect, empathy, fairness and honesty. Client satisfaction is how she measures her success!

www.athomewithpat.com is brought to you by Pat Chrysler
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for West Chester, Mason and Liberty Township, Ohio

Read Pat Chrysler's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge