How to defer taxes on a home sale?

In the current real estate market most people do not have to worry about paying capital gains taxes on the sale of their principal residence. A single person is able to have a gain of $250,000 before it would be taxed. Also, a married couple would have an exemption of $500,000 before tax would be paid.

You only have to document that you lived in the home for 2 out of the last 5 years. Any improvements you made to the home are added to the price you paid for the home before figuring out your loss or gain. That is why it is good to keep receipts!