My primary residence sold at a loss in 2016 and the condo where my dependent student lives without rent will sell at a gain in 2017. Can I use the loss to offset the gain

[MargaretL · Accepted solution]

No, you cannot offset the gain with the primary's residence loss.  Per IRS, losses on the primary residence are not allowed at all and are not even reported on the tax return. So, when you report the condo sale gain, the primary home losses will not be listed as carryover losses on your 2017 tax return.