Significant tax reform legislation was signed into law with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. This legislation replaced both the one-time $125,000 tax-free exclusion for homeowners aged 55 and older, and the "rollover" deferment of capital gains tax requiring the purchase of a replacement home of higher or equal cost within two years of the sale of your principal residence.

With this change, a married couple filing their taxes jointly pays capital gains taxes only on that portion of home sales profits that exceeds $500,000. Single taxpayers, heads of households, and married persons filing separately may exclude up to $250,000. The exclusion is available for all sales of homes that occurred on or after May 6, 1997. Homeowners can use this tax-free provision every two years.

You are allowed to keep these tax-free profits only if you have owned and used the home as your principal residence for two out of the five years prior to the sale of the property. Although the regulations do not require continuous occupancy, the IRS specifies that your principal residence must be the home you use for the majority of time during the year. Consult your tax advisor about your personal circumstance.

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Jim, Caroline and the Davis Team
Realty World South
1874 C Slaughter Road
Madison, AL 35758
Phone: 256-325-8500
Fax: 256-325 8504
Email: HomeJames@knology.net

Absolutely Accessible -- Marketing, Promotion, and Profit for Property Owners. When you need the assistance of a Realtor, Realty World South and our team of professionals are Absolutely Accessible. We don’t just sell homes (even though we do it faster) we give quality, competent representation for buyers. Our track record of exceptional representation for Buyers and Sellers is unparallel in the market today. The old ways of sticking a sign in the yard and waiting for a call are gone. Information on our new proactive approach is found in our complete marketing package that is available to prospective customers free of charge and obligation. Call or email us today for your free package. 800-515-9959 /256-325-8500