Section 121 home sale exclusion checker

You may exclude gain if you owned and used the home as your principal residence for at least 2 years during the 5-year period ending on the sale date, up to $250,000, or $500,000 for certain joint returns [CGT2-3044]. The $500,000 limit needs either spouse to meet ownership, both spouses to meet use, and neither spouse to be barred by the 2-year rule [CGT2-0028]. The exclusion does not apply if you used it on another sale in the 2 years ending on this sale date [CGT2-0029]. This checker does not cover reduced exclusions, nonqualified use, or depreciation after May 6, 1997.

Filing statusSingle or otherMarried filing jointly Years you (or either spouse) owned the home in the 5 years before sale Years you used it as your main home in those 5 years If joint: years your spouse used it as main home in those 5 years Did you (or your spouse, if joint) exclude gain on another home sold in the 2 years before this sale?NoYes Gain on the sale ($) Check

As of October 20, 2026, based on rp-05-14.pdf, 26 U.S. Code § 121 - Exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence and Questions and answers on the net investment income tax, our research shows this may be the case. The law changes, so this could be outdated or wrong. Confirm with a licensed tax attorney or CPA before acting. This page is general education, not tax or legal advice for your situation.