First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010! Plus...A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Home Owners!
Updated Nov. 6, 2009, to reflect new legislation
www.irs.gov
President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit
for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This
program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009.
In
addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000 through June 30,
2010, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who
are not buying a home for the first time.
So Who Gets What?
The program that has existed for FTHBs remains intact with the one
exception that more people are now eligible based on an increase in the
amount of income someone may now earn.
Additionally,
the program now gives those who already own a residence some additional
reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a
tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and
occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years
during the last eight years.
Deadlines
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect
no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.
Higher Income Caps in Effect
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.
Single
tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit
amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit.
However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.
Joint
filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit
amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit.
However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.
Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.
First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the tax credit.
What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an
individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes
are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit
an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this
credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the
first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual's primary
residence.
What is the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs)?
An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to
$8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the
home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is
$7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of
the credit may not exceed $8,000.
Who is eligible for the FTHB tax credit?
Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months,
prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible. This applies
both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there
is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in
the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an
individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence,
such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be
eligible.
As
mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing
homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period
of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible
for a tax credit of up to $6,500.
How do I claim the credit?
For those taking advantage of the tax credit in 2009, you may choose to
either apply for the credit with your 2009 tax return or you may apply
for the credit sooner by filing an amended 2008 tax return with Form
5405 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf).
Can you claim the tax credit in advance of purchasing a property?
No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.
Can
a taxpayer claim a credit if the property is purchased from a seller
with seller financing and the seller retains title to the property?
Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though
the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit.
Examples of this would include a land contract, contract for deed, etc.
According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of
the property would include: 1. the right of possession, 2. the right to
obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price, 3. the
right to construct improvements, 4. the obligation to pay property
taxes, 5. the risk of loss, 6. the responsibility to insure the
property and 7. the duty to maintain the property.
Are there other restrictions to taking the credit?
Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe your situation, a credit would not be due.
- You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.
- You do not use the home as your principal residence.
- You sell your home before the end of the year.
- You are a nonresident alien.
- You
are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time
homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home
purchased in 2009.)
- Your home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
- You
owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to
the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a
home on July 1, 2009, you cannot take the credit for that home if you
owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at
any time from July 2, 2006, through July 1, 2009.
Can you buy a home from a step-relative and be eligible for the credit?
Yes. Provided the person you are buying a home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.
Can
parent(s) who will not live in the property cosign for a mortgage for
their child and the child that is a qualifying FTHB still be eligible
for the credit?
Yes.
Can
a separated spouse who has not owned a home for four years qualify for
the FTHB tax credit if the spouse has owned a property anytime in the
last three years?
No. However, the spouse may be eligible for the repeat buyer credit.
The best path to take in any situation regarding income taxes is to
speak with a professional tax preparer.
Portland Tax Tips
info@anviltax.com
phone 971.227.9052
