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More Money, More Money—Improved $8000 Tax Credit

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Services for Real Estate Pros with On Maternity Leave

More Money, More Money-Improved $8000 Tax Credit

Education is the key - This is still a great opportunity for first time buyers.  I searched the web for valid information & found many sites, blogs and articles that are simply opinion & not facts. Get the FACTS from the National Association of Home Builders

Opinions Aside -This is what I learned:

  • The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only.
  • The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
  • The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home's purchase price up to a max of $8,000.
  • The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 & before December 1, 2009.
  • Check out the income requirements

Who can use it??? Who is considered a First Time Buyer

First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home-new or resale-are eligible for the tax credit. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner

The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the 3 year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

Income limits:

  • There are income limits ~ it can't exceed 10% of the purchase price of the home
  • $75,000 single tax payers
  • $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.

 The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phase out range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?

No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

If these sounds like complicated tax talk meet with your personal Tax Professional or CPA.

 Check out this site for more facts & a great Q & A section

Type this on your search bar for some unknown reason the link won't work  

www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Posted by

Jennifer Marks, Broker, CNE SFR

Mom To Be-- Loving Maternity Leave!

Show All Comments Sort:
Amanda Wilson
EWM International Realtors, Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Real Estate Advisor

Jennifer--I think this is a great deal--especially for the first-time home buyer; however, I'm finding many buyers don't totally understand the concept?  Let's get it out there.

Amanda Wilson, PA, GRI--Fort Lauderdale Realtor

Mar 16, 2009 03:32 AM
Jennifer Marks
On Maternity Leave - Garner, NC

Amanda -- Thanks for the comment -- I think you are right -- many potential buyers don't  understand it.   It can be disappointing to find out its not CASH to help with closing costs, inspections or down payment.  It is always hard to explain money when it is "on paper" and not "in your hand".

 

Mar 16, 2009 06:50 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Jennifer, thanks for the great post.  This is a great program for those considering purchasing their first home.  If it's not extended, they're missing a wonderful opportunity.

May 30, 2009 11:56 PM
Lonn Dugan
Toledo, OH

Jennifer:  Great run down.  One thing to add to your tax CREDIT vs DEDUCTION section: 

It's actually a "REFUNDABLE" TAX CREDIT, which means if the taxpayer owes, say $2000, and qualifies for this tax credit, they will get a $6,000 refurnd instead!

May 31, 2009 12:16 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

I may be wrong BUT I believe that the tax credit can go to anyone as long as they have not owned a home in over 3 years. I am not a lender but I heard "office talk" the other day saying that. Does anyone know?
Good Post

May 31, 2009 01:33 AM
#5
Richard Dolbeare
Inactive - Wailuku, HI
Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

Hi Jennifer.  With confusion rampant, I'm reading all posts on this topic today.  Your Q&A link sounded like a good place to visit but the link didn't work.

May 31, 2009 05:31 AM
Mike Henderson
Your complete source for buying HUD homes - Littleton, CO
HUD Home Hub - 303-949-5848

Yep that is a great website for consumers and agents.

May 31, 2009 05:32 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Good answer for the tax deduction vs. tax credit.  Made very clear, good post.  I've read a few posts on this and even I'M GETTING CONFUSED! That's why accountants are invaluable with this deduction/credit.

May 31, 2009 06:26 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Good solid information.

May 31, 2009 10:47 AM
Sheri Spain
Next Home Team - Raleigh, NC
Wake Co. NC REALTOR Apex to Raleigh to Wake Forest

Congrats Jen on the feature 2 1/2 month after you wrote it! It amazing to watch all the work you have done everywhere all coming together! 

May 31, 2009 11:33 PM
Jennifer Marks
On Maternity Leave - Garner, NC

Thank you for all of your positive feedback!  First time Buyers are so awesome to work with !!

Jun 01, 2009 01:49 AM
Dan Magstadt
Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc - Lake City, FL

Thanks for the info Jennifer! As a mortgage professional that gets questions on this issue nearly every day I appreciate all the info I can get.

Jun 01, 2009 02:40 AM
Mark Velasco
West Shores Realty - Whittier, CA
Top Producing Broker Associate

Jennifer. Thanks for helping clarify the income limits. I had a Client ask me about these limits the other day.

Jun 01, 2009 04:50 PM