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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Bonnie Fagoh
C21 Beggins
6542 US Hwy 41 N
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
813-658-1344
Fax: 813-645-8892
BonnieFagoh@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Bonnie Fagoh Awarded Centurion ** Bonnie Fagoh of Tampa Coastal Homes at Century 21 Beggins in Apollo Beach Florida has been awarded Centurion level recognition for 2009*** In a year that experts have noted as a difficult one, Bonnie has quietly gone on with what she loves and that is helping families find fantastic opportunity in this coastal community and it shows! She had her best year yet in 2009. "What I have found in 2009 is that many people are very frustrated with the "foreclosure bargains" that they have considered, only to find after many aggravating months and much frustration with the lenders that it is just not worth the wait. They miss out on some great buys waiting on short sale approval, or are outbid on a bank owned property. Of course, these distressed properties are "as is", in need of repair and neglected so they may not be the "best deal". I have helped families buy brand new homes with full warranties and close in 30 to 45 days. (Many short sales take 4 to 6 months or more and can "fall apart" right at closing). Some big national builders need to keep the scaled down workforce busy even if that means selling at a loss (under replacement cost). Several builders have bought lots at a drastically discounted price from other builders, so now thay can offer a buyer a new home at a very attractive price." "The hassle of liens and second mortgages etc... does not exist with these brand new bargains." Of course all the normal due diligence has to be performed. For example, what is the history of the neighborhood? Many of these factors cannot be determined from photos or a written description... No, in today's market as competitive as it is it pays to go with a pro that is very knowledgeable about the local area. You need to know that a realtor is serious about the profession. " I have lived in my area over 20 years and in Tampa Bay for over 44 years so the trends to me are clear, says Bonnie. Ask how was your 2009?"

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