Selling Your Home and Capital Gains Tax

Selling Your Home and Capital Gains Tax
Many factors go into determining the capital gains tax rate on your home. topseller/ShutterStock
Anne Johnson
Updated:
0:00

Buying a new home is exciting, but selling that same home elicits mixed emotions. Whether it’s a good move or whether life has taken a turn, the last thing you want to worry about is a capital gains tax.

But what amount qualifies for a capital gains tax? And, more important, when are you excluded from a capital gains tax?

Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate

Many factors go into determining the capital gains tax rate on your home. First, it depends on your:
  • income bracket
  • marital status
  • how long you’ve owned the home
  • whether it’s a primary residence or a secondary residence as investment property
The threshold for capital gains tax on a primary home is $250,000 for a single tax filer and $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly.
Anne Johnson
Anne Johnson
Author
Anne Johnson was a commercial property & casualty insurance agent for nine years. She was also licensed in health and life insurance. Anne went on to own an advertising agency where she worked with businesses. She has been writing about personal finance for 10 years.