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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-sale-exclusion

A married couple filing jointly can exclude up to how much gain from selling their main home?

$500,000 (or $250,000 for a single filer).

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  1. $250,000
  2. $500,000 ✔
  3. $1,000,000

Why: If you meet the ownership and use tests, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or up to $500,000 on a joint return. This is the IRS home sale exclusion.

Huh, didn't know that: You must still report the sale if you get Form 1099-S, even when the gain is excludable.

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Which superhero pays no tax? Spider-Man. All his income is net.
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References

Answer: $500,000. If you meet the ownership and use tests, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or up to $500,000 on a joint return. This is the IRS home sale exclusion.

  1. IRS Topic 701: Home sale exclusion www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc701
    up to $500,000 of that gain if you file a joint return with your spouse
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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