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 >

thinkNMhomes Team
Realty
505-252-7979
Fax: 505-944-1073
info@thinkNMhomes.com

Albuquerque West Side Properties The thinkNMhomes Team offers an Albuquerque West Side Properties Division. We are Your Albuquerque West Side Lifestyle Specialists for the Petroglyphs, Stormcloud, Sundoro North, Sundoro South, Prima Entrada, and Watershed. In our 6th year of knowing and loving the Albuquerque West Side market, we can provide information and resources whether you are new or moving up or down within the area. From new construction to resale homes… Our network within the community proves to help every one of our clients succeed in their real estate goals.

www.thinkNMhomes.com is brought to you by thinkNMhomes Team
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for Albuquerque, Albuquerque West Side and Santa Fe, New Mexico

Read thinkNMhomes Team's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge