Wife and I married in May 2018 and purchased a home together. Before being married, my then fiancé sold her home Jan 18. Can we file jointly to reflect the above?

[MichaelL1]

Congratulations on getting married in 2018.

[wetcharge]

Thanks much.  Have additional question.  When we file jointly, can Turbotax compute that she sold her house while we were NOT married or does that even matter when we file jointly?  Just want to make sure we file correctly.

[MichaelL1]

If she has a gain over $250K on the sale if could matter, is that the case?

If it is below $250K gain then it does not matter

[wetcharge]

Thanks.  CG is below $250k.  

[Zbucklyo]

The 250K exclusion only applies if she lived in and owned the house for two of the five years prior to sale, and did not take the exclusion anytime else during the two years prior to the sale.  It is not a blanket exclusion that applies to all personal residence sales. @TurboTaxMichaelL1

[MichaelL1]

I agree and should have mentioned that also.  Thank you  @Zbucklyo

[MichaelL1 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can, and when you are married by December 31st you are considered married for the entire year for tax purposes.