What is the Expanded First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit?
Save money whether you’re a first-time home buyer or not.
Laura Adams, MBA
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What is the Expanded First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit?
This week, I will tell you how to save money by claiming the new and improved tax credit for home buyers.
The Original First-Time Homebuyer Credit Rules
You may have heard about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. That’s the $8,000 tax incentive that was created earlier this year to stimulate the U.S. economy by enticing some people to buy or build a home. It’s part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The rule was that you had to close on a home before December 1st of 2009 and that neither you nor your spouse could have owned a home within the prior three years. But the rules have now changed for the better.
The Expanded First-Time Homebuyer Credit Rules
The new legislation is part of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was signed into law on November 6th. It expands eligibility for the home-buyer credit to those who already own a home and extends the deadline to qualify. Here are three major changes to the law:
1. There are now two deadlines to meet. The first is when you have to enter into a binding purchase contract for a primary residence–that deadline is on or before April 30th of 2010. The second deadline is when you have to complete the legal closing–that’s by midnight on June 30th of 2010. So now you have five additional months to get a home under contract and two more months to secure financing and do everything to get a deal closed.
2. The second major new rule is what many people were hoping for–that current homeowners could also take advantage of the credit. The catch is that a new home must be a replacement for your primary residence, not a second home or a rental property. You also must have lived in your current home for five consecutive years during the eight years that precede a purchase. For long-time homeowners, the maximum credit you can receive is 10% of the purchase price up to $6,500. That’s $1,500 less than the credit for first-timers.
3. The third change is that those with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit for homes purchased after November 6th of 2009. Modified adjusted gross income can go as high as $145,000 for individuals and up to $245,000 for joint filers.
What Happens if You Leave the Home?
When you claim the home-buyer credit, you’re making a deal with the government that you’re going to stay in the new home for a minimum of three years. If you take the credit, but then stop using the property as your primary residence within 36 months after the purchase, you forfeit the credit. Repayment would be due in full in the tax year the home ceased to be your principal residence.
How to Claim the Home-Buyer Tax Credit
If your qualifying home purchase was or will be in 2009, you have the choice of claiming the credit on either your 2008 or 2009 tax return. If you already filed your 2008 return, you can file an amended return. If you make a qualifying home purchase in 2010, you have the choice of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.
You claim the credit on IRS Form 5405opens PDF file and send it in along with your regular tax return. The credit is fully refundable, which means that you get it even if you don’t owe any taxes. So the credit will reduce your tax bill or increase your tax refund dollar for dollar.
Other Restrictions for the Home-Buyer Tax Credit
There are a few more important restrictions to keep in mind. You can’t buy your home from a family member, nor can you purchase a home that exceeds $800,000 to qualify for the credit. And remember that you can’t claim the credit in anticipation of a home purchase–the sale must be finalized.
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If you’re interested in buying or building a new home for your primary residence, be sure to find out if you’re eligible for this tax incentive. For more information see the links that I’ve included at the bottom of the show transcript at moneygirl.quickanddirtytips.com.
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With my favorite holiday—Thanksgiving–just around the corner in the U.S., I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to have you as a listener or reader. Whether you subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, have purchased one of my audiobooks, like Money Girl’s 10 Steps to a Debt Free Life, or recommend the show to friends or family during conversation over a Thanksgiving feast, it means a lot to me. Your support is what makes the weekly podcast and blog column possible.
I’m glad you’re listening. Chi-Ching, that’s all for now, courtesy of Money Girl, your guide to a richer life.
More Resources:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center
First-Time Homebuyer Credit
federalhousingtaxcredit.com
Money Girl Podcast 113
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About the Author
Laura Adams received an MBA from the University of Florida. She’s an award-winning personal finance author, speaker, and consumer advocate who is a frequent, trusted source for the national media. Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers is her newest title. Laura’s previous book, Debt-Free Blueprint: How to Get Out of Debt and Build a Financial Life You Love, was an Amazon #1 New Release. Do you have a money question? Call the Money Girl listener line at 302-364-0308. Your question could be featured on the show.