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Saturday, January 23, 2010

Home Buyer Tax Credit

first homeMy parents first house pictured above was purchased with the benefit of The G.I. bill. A cozy little house with no frills; just the basics. Government programs have a history of helping first time homeowners to stimulate the economy. Lots of fond memories thanks to the program that allowed my folks to purchase their first home.

The good news is First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and broadened. First time home buyer credit will help many young couples (or singles) as well as those wanting to move up. The extension allows for tax credits up to $8,000.00 for all first-time buyers who purchase a home on or after January 1, 2010 AND on or before April 30, 2010; (closing date deadline is June 30th).

Qualifying income limits have also been broaden to $125,000.00 from $75,000.00 for those filing single tax returns; and to $225,000.00 from $150,000.00 to married couples filing a joint return. Clearly this opens this benefit to more perspective buyers. Tax credits of $6,500.00 for current home owners wishing to move up are also available, with some restrictions about how long you've owned your current home.

Two most commonly asked questions are probably-- what's the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction, and if the credit is up to $8,000.00 how do I know how much my credit will be?
  • A tax credit reduces the amount of tax you owe, while a tax reduction lowers the income base you pay tax on. It's important you understand this difference.
  • The credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.00.
A friend of our daughters did this instead of watching rent fly out the window. Had our daughter not been moving at the time, we would have suggested she do the same.

File IRS form 5405 with your Federal Tax Return to take advantage of this program, and happy house hunting.

5 comments:

  1. My son & new wife want to buy a house, but need to save for a down payment first. Doubt they'll have enough saved to take advantage of this program. It's so hard for young people these days, but they are fortunate they both have good jobs :)

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  2. Right you are, it is fortunate they both have good jobs, perhaps things will fall into place sooner than they think.

    Good Luck
    Sandy

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  3. All this is good to know. Is Chrissy moved into the house yet? I hope so!

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  4. No, Jan...not yet; but fingers crossed it's getting close.

    I do hope people take advantage of the extension on this program, could really help lots of people.

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  5. Good news that the credit has been extended. I think the congress has offered as a result of the price slump in the national housing market.

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