Liz Weston: It’s been 30 years since taxes and capital gains rules changed. Some people are still confused

Dear Liz: I thought I understood about taxes and house sales, but I am now confused.

It seems like the previous rules were that home sale profits could be rolled from one house to the next and one would take a one-time exemption for up to $500,000 or so, with capital gains only due on the amount above that amount.

Now the latest rule is that house sales are calculated on each sale, but still based on purchase price plus improvements as the basis. Or is it?

Answer: You are confused, but you’re not alone. Many people remember the old rules, and some think they’re still in effect.

The basic way that capital gains are calculated hasn’t changed. The homeowner’s tax basis — which is the amount they paid for the home, plus qualifying improvements — is subtracted from the net sale price to d