As a first-time buyer, I bought a 45-year-old primary home in Illinois in February 2017. Then, I had to leave the United States due to a change in my visa status and a job loss. I rented my primary house in June 2018 to manage the expenses, relocated to Canada and lived till 2021. I tried to come back to Illinois. But I only got the job in Arkansas. So, I moved to Arkansas. I let my Illinois home continue as a Rental home. Since I could not find a job in Illinois, I got a permanent job in Arkansas. I bought another house in AR as a primary in September 2022 and received my Green card in December 2021. Since my tenant, who has been renting since 2020, moved out in 2024, I listed my Illinois home for sale, which has not yet been sold. I am expecting to get sold in this year.
Now the question is, am I eligible to be exempt from the capital gain taxes under unforeseen circumstances for the sale of the IL home since it was intended for primary home use, and I cannot live there due to my job loss and could not able to return to the house?
