Question

Steve Pratt, who is single, purchased a home in Spokane, Washington, for $347,500. He moved into the home on February 1 of year 1. He lived in the home as his primary residence until June 30 of year 5, when he sold the home for $705,000. (Leave no answer blank. Enter zero if applicable.) a. What amount of gain will Steve be required to recognize on the sale of the home

Answer 1

Answer: $107,500

Explanation:

There is an "Exclusion of gain on sale of home" provision by the IRS that allows for a single tax payer to exclude up to $250,000 from the sale of their primary home. A home qualifies as primary if the owner has lived in it for 2 years or more so Steve's home here is a primary home.

The gain he received was:

= 705,000 - 347,500

= $357,500

From this gain, $250,000 can be excluded so total gain recognized:

= 357,500 - 250,000

= $107,500