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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.

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Joe & Missy Cleary
RE/MAX Alliance Group
5140 Ocean Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34242
Office: 941-954-5454
Fax: 941-954-5455
Missy Cell: 941-809-3410
Joe Cell: 941-650-8485
Email: clearygroup@gmail.com

Hello! We are The Cleary Group of RE/MAX Alliance Group in sunny Sarasota, Florida. Our team of agents includes Brenda Bradshaw, Matthew Donovan and Cheryl Torres. We also serve Siesta Key, Pelican Cove, Bradenton, Venice, Longboat Key, and Lido Key, and have been selling in this area for over 10 years! We specialize in residential and condominium sales on the mainland and The Keys of Sarasota, Florida. Our high tech approach to the business enables us to keep close contact with our clients and to constantly learn new marketing techniques for our listings. We particularly enjoy working with people who are relocating to the area for retirement or those who are just starting new careers in this lovely community. Please call us toll free 1-877-814-1233 or email us today at Clearygroup@gmail.com.

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