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 >

Marlene Ginsberg
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
2200 Route 10 West
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Direct: 973-290-7903
Office: 973-267-3030 x 112
Evening: 973-895-3391
Fax: 973-285-5186
maginsberg@aol.com

Marlene has lived in Morris County for over 30 years and has been an active licensed real estate professional for over 20 years.... She has generated over $140 MM in real estate sales while successfully helping hundreds of families move. A perennial multi-million dollar producer (Gold Level - $15 MM in annual sales), Marlene has been a member of the prestigious Coldwell Bankers International President's Elite, which recognizes the top 1% of the company for the last six years. Marlene received an award for being #1 IN CUSTOMER SERVICE and is ranked among the top 50 out of 3500 Coldwell Banker agents in New Jersey year in and year out. As your NUMBER1EXPERTTM for the Randolph, Parsippany, Denville and Morristown/Morris Township areas of Morris County, Marlene heads a team of real estate professionals that are very well equipped to provide you the finest service for all your real estate needs. Put her and her entire team to work for you! Call or email Marlene today!

www.marleneginsberg.com is brought to you by Marlene Ginsberg
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for Parsippany, Randolph, Denville and Morristown, New Jersey

Read Marlene Ginsberg's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge