I don't know about you but I have been searching the internet looking for this information. To think this has been changed in July and no formal announcement was formulated.
Mortgage Banking/Finance - General Finance
QUESTION:
Re: Land Contracts and the first-time homebuyer tax credit.
ANSWER:
Here is the new addition from the IRS on their Q and A page at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206291,00.html.
Q. Can a taxpayer claim the first-time homebuyer credit if the purchase is pursuant to a seller financing arrangement (for example, a contract for deed, installment land sale contract, or long-term land contract), and the seller retains legal title to secure the taxpayer's payment obligations?
A. If the taxpayer obtains the "benefits and burdens" of ownership of a residence in a seller financing arrangement, then the taxpayer can claim the credit even though the seller retains legal title. Factors that indicate that a taxpayer has the benefits and burdens of ownership 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. (New 7/2/09)
READ MORE ABOUT IT:
For more information about the homebuyer tax credit visit the WRA’s new Wisconsin Homebuyer Microsite @ http://www.wisconsinhomebuyer.org/taxcredit.html and the IRS information @ http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206291,00.html.



