U.S. Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended, Expanded

The tax credit for U.S. homebuyers has been extended, and a new group of buyers has been made eligible.

The credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers, originally due to expire Nov. 30, has been extended into 2010. This is money that never has to be repaid, provided you live in the home for three years.

Homebuyers who owned and lived in their principal residence for five consecutive years of the last eight are eligible for a credit of up to $6,500.

Facts about the Homebuyer Tax Credit:

·         You must have a signed purchase agreement for your home no later than April 30, 2010, and the transaction must close before July 1.

·         First-time buyers receive a credit of 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $8,000. You are considered a first-time buyer if neither you nor your spouse has owned a principal residence in the U.S. within the last three years.

·         Buyers who owned and lived in their principal residence for at least five consecutive years of the last eight can receive credit of up to $6,500 when they contract to purchase a home before April 30, 2010, and close before July 1.

·         The upper income limit to receive the full credit is raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

·         If the purchase price is more than $800,000, the buyer is not eligible for the credit.

·         There is no minimum income for claiming the credit. You qualify for the full credit even if you won’t owe any taxes for 2009 or 2010.

·         You can claim the credit when you file your 2009 or 2010 tax return.. And you can even apply the credit to your down payment for the purchase of an FHA-insured home.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.
  

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.
   

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009,  single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

Contact Lew  today to assist you in your home purchase or to ask questions.