Time is running out to qualify for the refundable
First-Time Homebuyer Credit. To qualify for the credit, the completed
purchase must occur before December 1, 2009.
To qualify for this credit:
you must be a first-time homebuyer - that is, you,
and your spouse if you are married, must not have jointly or separately
owned another principal residence during the 3 years prior to the date
of purchase.
the home must be located in the United States
the home must be used as they taxpayer's principal
residence
the purchase must close after April 8, 2008 and
before December 1, 2009
on either the 2008 or 2009 tax return, for a
qualified 2009 purchase. The credit for 2008 purchases are claimed
on the 2008 tax return. For those who have filed a 2008 tax
return, IRS Form
1040X Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (pdf) can be filed
in order to get a refund in 2009.
Credit for homes purchased in 2009:
is either 10% of the purchase price or $8,000,
whichever is less, for single taxpayers or a married couple filing
jointly. The maximum is $4,000 for married filing separately.
begins to phase out for taxpayers whose modified
adjusted gross income (MAGI) is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint
filers
is reduced to zero for MAGI of $95,000 and more, or
$170,000 and more for joint filers
is fully refundable. A homebuyer with no
taxable income who qualifies for the credit may file for the sole
purpose of claiming the credit, and receive a full refund.
does not have to be repaid, as long as
the home remains your main home for 36 months after the purchase date.
Credit for homes purchased in 2008:
is either 10% of the purchase price or $7,500,
whichever is less, for single taxpayers or a married couple filing
jointly. The maximum is $3,500 for married filing separately.
begins to phase out for taxpayers whose MAGI is more
than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers
is reduced to zero for MAGI of $95,000 and more, or
$170,000 and more for joint filers
is fully refundable. A homebuyer with no
taxable income who qualifies for the credit may file for the sole
purpose of claiming the credit, and receive a full refund.
must be repaid over a period of 15
years
Repayment exceptions:
If you die, remaining installments are not due.
If you filed jointly and you die, the surviving spouse must repay his
half of the remaining repayment amounts.
All remaining annual installments become due on the
return for the year that you stop using the home as your main
home. This includes if the home becomes a vacation home, or its
use is changed to business or rental property. There are special
rules for involuntary conversions.
All remaining annual installments become due on the
return for the year in which the home is sold. If the home is sold
to an unrelated taxpayer, the repayment is limited to the amount of gain
on the sale. If there is a loss, the installments may be reduced
or even eliminated.
If your home is transferred to your spouse, or as
part of a divorce settlement, to your former spouse, that person must
make the remaining installment payments.
Tax Tip: For 2009 home
purchases, the credit can be claimed on either your 2008 or 2009 tax
return. Compare your 2008 and 2009 incomes (MAGI). You may
qualify for a higher credit on the 2009 return if your income is lower.
The information on this site is not intended to be a
substitute for professional advice. Each person's situation differs, and
a professional advisor can assist you in using the information on this web
site to your best advantage.
Please see our legal
disclaimer.
