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How to File for $8,000 Tax Credit

Reblogger Christine Bohn
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Professionals BK659643

 

Original content by Leslie Ebersole

From CNNMoney.com, we have just learned that the way the IRS is "handling" the tax credit is turning into yet another stumbling block to helping the real estate market recover. This seems to me to be so unfair! Anyone who qualified for the credit probably could really use that money, whether to repay mom and dad for the down payment loan or as cash to repair that fixer-upper they bought. I'm going to email the article and link this out to my clients IRS Form 5405.

Home Buyer Tax Credit: No e-file and four month delays

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By CNNMoney.com Les Christie staff writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Good news homebuyers: You can file for your $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit again. Bad news: You still can't e-file your taxes if you want the cash. And there are long delays.

On Thursday, CNNMoney revealed that buyers who purchased their properties after Nov. 6 were unable to claim the refund because the Internal Revenue Service had yet to release a new form and instructions. But on Friday, the IRS finally posted the new form 5405.

The two-month delay was frustrating to Florida resident Charles Teschke. "We are not broke or anything, but nevertheless we were still counting on getting the tax refund to help pay for the appliances and stuff we needed for our new home," he said. "The IRS told me they estimate it will take four months for me to get my refund!"

First-time buyers were able to immediately file for the tax credit after Congress approved it last February as part of the stimulus program. All they had to do was file an amendment to their 2008 tax returns (the ones they filed last April) and claim the promised refund of 10% of the purchase price, up to $8,000.

 

Comments(4)

Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Christine, I had not heard of the delay. One of my buyers who closed in October had his credit for Thanksgiving. Hopefully they get this mess straighten out and fast.

Jan 19, 2010 04:37 AM
Christine Bohn
RE/MAX Professionals - Gainesville, FL
The Bohn Team, Gainesville FL

Frank - I have re-blogged this from a featured post today.  It's great info to share, but it makes me curious to see if all of my buyers last year have gotten their money???  I will be making some calls to find out. 

Jan 19, 2010 04:42 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I'm wondering if it was really a four-month delay. When I file my taxes electronically, I get my refund about three weeks later. When I file my taxes via paper and snail mail, I get my refund about four months later. That's why I now use e-file when possible. Otherwise I simply budget for my refund to get here four months later.

Jan 19, 2010 10:37 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

yes, I have heard that there are all kinds of delays - too bad, since so many are really counting on that money!

Jan 21, 2010 09:03 AM