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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Gina Donnelly
THE DONNELLY GROUP REAL ESTATE SERVICES
1256 W. Chandler Blvd. #19
Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone 1: 480-792-9700
Fax: 480-603-3603
ginadonnelly@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Gina Donnelly is the Designated Broker for The Donnelly Group Real Estate Services and is one of the East Valley's top selling agents. She has sold dozens of homes in the area and knows the local amenities, schools and services. She is outgoing and energetic and champions her clients by defending and maintaining their best interests while pursuing their most ardent desires. This she does with a personal enthusiasm that comes from a real enjoyment of the real estate business. Her personal style though dynamic and outgoing is based on a foundation of trust. "We're dealing with a big financial and emotional investment," she says, "and I want my clients to have complete assurance regarding my character and abilities." "My experience allows you to focus on your move while I manage your home sale and everything it entails." From initial consultation to closing the deal, Gina represents your best interests. Her plan is for her clients to “ Come home in Style”