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 >

Bradley Vogdes
Atlantis Realty
5604 Pacific Avenue
Wildwood Crest, NJ. 08260
Phone: 609-522-8000
Fax: 609-522-8001
Email: info@AtlantisNJ.com

We are seasoned Realtors recognized and respected locally and nationally. We bring the breadth and depth of our experience, expertise and personal commitment to our clients every day. The families that we serve say that our greatest strengths are our negotiating and marketing skills. Our clients also thank us for our availability, accountability and tenacity in problem solving. We are proud of the fact that we have never placed personal interests above those of our clients

www.BradVogdes.com is brought to you by Bradley Vogdes
NUMBER1EXPERT™ in real estate for Wildwood, Ocean City and Cape May, New Jersey, Oceanside Properties, Condos

Read Bradley Vogdes' Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge