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.

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The Tony and Libby Kelly Group
Keller Williams Realty, Portland Premiere
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Tony and Libby Kelly, MBA, M.Ed. are ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS in Portland Metro. and are Diamond-Platinum members of the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS Million Dollar Club. They have been featured on HGTV's "House Hunters" (3 EPISODES) & "My House is Worth What?" (4 EPISODES). They specialize in providing a superior level of professional real estate services combining today's technology with yesterday's hands-on personalized care. As top producing listing and marketing specialists, they will get your home sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Read what past clients have to say on the Testimonials Page on this site. “Client feedback is the best endorsement we can imagine. We are dedicated to making your home selling and buying experience as easy and hassle free as possible. Satisfied customers are the foundation of our success!” *Licensed in the State of Oregon

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