The Federal Tax Code has significantly improved the American taxpayer's ability to profit by selling a principal residence. Prior to 1997, homeowners could take advantage of a tax benefit termed the "rollover", which granted exemption from capital gains taxes on the net profit from the sale of a home. Homeowners who used profits to purchase a bigger and better home did not have to pay tax. And homeowners over the age of 55 were given a once-in-a-lifetime exclusion from taxes on profits of up to $125,000 on the sale of their principal residence.

Compare those tax breaks with our current, streamlined and potentially more profitable arrangement that replaced both the rollover and the one-time exemption. If you are a married home-seller filing jointly, you may enjoy up to $500,000 in tax-free home sale profits, provided you have occupied the property as your principal residence during two of the last five years. Taxpayers who file singly get a $250,000 capital gains exclusion. Homeowners are eligible to exclude capital gains on the sale of a principal residence as often as once every two years.

The law allows capital gain exclusions whether you "buy up" to a more expensive home or "buy down" to a less expensive one. The tax-free dollars can be used in any way you want. Consult your tax advisor for detailed advice about your particular circumstance.

	See All Tips In The "Tax Considerations" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Neoma Rowell
Keller Williams
1514 Market Street, Suite B-100
Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: 501-320-2814
Cell: 501-580-8823
Fax: 501-907-5958
Email: Neoma@NeomaRowell.com

Neoma has consistently been in the top half of 1% of all REALTORS throughout the State of Arkansas and in the top four in sales volume in the Little Rock and surrounding areas. She has been a full time REALTOR since 1986 and has closed over $200 million in sales during that time.

www.NeomaRowell.com is brought to you by Neoma Rowell
NUMBER1EXPERT™ in real estate for Little Rock, Chenal Valley and Maumelle, Arkansas

Read Neoma Rowell's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge