How many homeowners could owe capital gains tax when they sell?

Public data on how many homeowners owe capital gains tax when they sell does not break down by market the way a headline stat might suggest, since it depends entirely on each person's purchase price, improvements, and how long they owned and lived in the home. Joel Boss recommends any homeowner with significant appreciation talk to a CPA before listing rather than assuming either way. Your specific basis and gain are what actually determine the answer.