Is the money I made from a home sale taxable?

by TurboTax •   1441
Updated March 19, 2026 2:50 PM

You won't pay taxes on the first $250,000 (also known as a gain) you make from the sale of your home (or the first $500,000 if you're Married Filing Jointly).

That income is free and clear as long as:

  • You owned the home.

  • It was your main home for two years or more within the five years leading up to the sale.

  • You waited at least two years between selling your primary home and excluding your first $250,000 or $500,000 from taxes. In other words, you may buy and sell as many primary homes as you'd like, but you'll only get this tax benefit every two years.

When you sell a second home, however, the tax situation is different.

TurboTax will show you if your home sale is taxable by following the instructions provided:

  • Open or continue your return.

  • Navigate to the home sale section:

    • TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to home sale.

    • TurboTax Desktop: Select Search Topics. Search for and select home sale.

  • Answer Yes to Did you sell or have your home foreclosed in 2025? on the Sale of Your Main Home screen.

  • Follow the instructions to enter your info.

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