Capital gains taxes are an important consideration when selling a home or investment property. Here's an overview of how capital gains taxes work in these two scenarios:

1. Sale of Your Home:

When you sell your primary residence, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax benefits that can reduce or eliminate capital gains tax liability:

• Exclusion for Primary Residence: If you've lived in the property as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years, you may qualify for a capital gains tax exclusion. As of my last knowledge update in 2022, you can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains from your taxable income if you're a single filer, and up to $500,000 if you're married and filing jointly. This means that if your capital gain is below these thresholds, you won't owe any capital gains tax.

• Exceptions: There are some exceptions to the two-out-of-five-year rule, such as job-related moves, health reasons, or unforeseen circumstances. In these cases, you may still qualify for a partial exclusion.

• Capital Gains Beyond the Exclusion: If your capital gain exceeds the exclusion limit, the excess amount is subject to capital gains tax. The tax rate depends on your income and can range from 0% to 20%.

2. Sale of Investment Property:

When selling an investment property, the tax treatment is different:

• Capital Gains Tax Rates: The capital gains from the sale of an investment property are subject to capital gains tax at rates that can range from 0% to 20% depending on your income and the length of time you held the property.

• Depreciation Recapture: If you claimed depreciation on the property, you'll need to recapture the depreciation as ordinary income, which is taxed at your regular income tax rate.

• 1031 Exchange: In some cases, you may be able to defer capital gains tax by using a 1031 exchange, which allows you to reinvest the proceeds from the sale into another investment property without recognizing the capital gain.

It's important to note that tax laws can change, and rates and rules may be different at the time of your property sale. Always consult with a tax professional or accountant to get the most up-to-date information and to understand your specific tax situation.

In summary, capital gains taxes on the sale of a home or investment property can be influenced by factors such as the property type, how long you've owned it, and your income. Understanding the tax implications and planning accordingly can help you minimize your tax liability.