The Federal Tax Code has significantly improved the American taxpayer's ability to profit by selling a principal residence. Prior to 1997, homeowners could take advantage of a tax benefit termed the "rollover", which granted exemption from capital gains taxes on the net profit from the sale of a home. Homeowners who used profits to purchase a bigger and better home did not have to pay tax. And homeowners over the age of 55 were given a once-in-a-lifetime exclusion from taxes on profits of up to $125,000 on the sale of their principal residence.

Compare those tax breaks with our current, streamlined and potentially more profitable arrangement that replaced both the rollover and the one-time exemption. If you are a married home-seller filing jointly, you may enjoy up to $500,000 in tax-free home sale profits, provided you have occupied the property as your principal residence during two of the last five years. Taxpayers who file singly get a $250,000 capital gains exclusion. Homeowners are eligible to exclude capital gains on the sale of a principal residence as often as once every two years.

The law allows capital gain exclusions whether you "buy up" to a more expensive home or "buy down" to a less expensive one. The tax-free dollars can be used in any way you want. Consult your tax advisor for detailed advice about your particular circumstance.

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Brenda Fontaine
Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader
336 Center Street
Auburn, ME. 04210
Office: 207-784-3800
Fax: 207-786-2957
Email: WebForm@FontaineTeam.com

Brenda Fontaine became a Real Estate Agent in 1983. Brenda has helped over 4000 families buy and sell their home. Brenda ranked NUMBER 1 for a nationwide franchise for "Top All Around Realtor" for 6 years. Brenda's success is due in part, to her caring attitude, her consistent follow through and also her strong work ethic. Brenda is supported by an experienced and dedicated team of licensed professionals that consist of a client care manager, Melissa Field, marketing manager, Crystal Bergeron, showing/feedback coordinator, Angie Larochelle, field Coordinator, Claude Fontaine, marketing assistant, Marilyn Larochelle, listing manager, Marie Beaulieu and eight Listing & Buyer agents, Bill Bergeron, Clayton Larochelle, Beth Favreau, Deb Morin, Nick Trider, Harriet Cummings, Matt Lavallee & Pat Long-Cressey. The Family team of fifteen licensed professionals work together to help families buy and sell their property. They want to be your "Realtors for life" and they will give you superior service to earn that honor. The Wall Street Journal recently posted America's Top Performing Real Estate Professionals on their website. (wsj.com) Amongst the top 400 is local real estate professional Brenda Fontaine. Fontaine who ranked 44th on America's Top Performer list, is broker owner of Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader located at 336 Center St. Auburn, Maine.

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