Want a free $8,000 tax credit just for buying a home? Well, if you’re a first-time home buyer, you may be eligible for a first-time home buyer tax credit of up to $8,000. If you ever thought about buying a home, now might be a good time to go for it.
I know this credit has been around for some time now. But earlier in the year I wasn’t too interested in it. Truthfully, I was mad that I didn’t get 8 Gs towards my home purchase, which I bought back in 2007. But, I’m over it now, and there’s been enough changes with this thing to warrant a fresh post from me. So, here goes.
About the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
Back in 2008, in attempts to spend our way out of trouble, the US Government passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act. Included in the act was a credit for all first-time home buyers of $7,500. That credit was then replaced by a $8,000 tax credit as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The credit, as you can tell by the name, is meant to encourage the purchase of homes by people who don’t already have them. I guess the theory is that all these newbies get out there and buy the homes lost in foreclosure.
How Much is the Home Buyer Tax Credit?
The 2008 credit was for $7,500, and unfortunately needed to be paid back. The current 2009 version is for $8,000, and never has to be paid back. That’s amazing, isn’t it? I’m so jealous.
To clarify, the credit is “up to” $8,000. It’s actually the lesser of 10% of the home price or $8,000. That’s a nice chuck of free cash. I can think of a lot of things I could do with that credit.
It should also be noted that the credit is refundable. So, it does more than just offset taxes owed. You get the extra cash in had.
Who is Considered a First-Time Home Buyer?
Okay, so if I don’t qualify for this credit, who does? First-time home buyers according to the IRS guidelines are taxpayers who have not owned a principle residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of the purchase. So, really, it should be called “it’s been a while” home buyer credit.
And you must be purchasing the home. It can’t be a gift.
Another stipulation is that you must stay in the home for three years. (How is the IRS going to audit that one?)
Important Dates
The home purchase should be made between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009 to be eligible for the 2009 credit of up to $8,000. Purchases prior to January 1, 2009 are only eligible for the 2008 version.
So, the key thing to take away from this is to make sure you purchase your home before December 1, 2009. I bet that will be a hectic closing day for some. Although, I’m thinking this credit might get extended, cash-for-clunkers style. UPDATE: The credit was extended as predicted.
How to Apply to Get the Credit Now
Getting the credit is extremely easy. The IRS has created a form to be filed with your return. It’s Form 5405, and it essentially only requires that you list the date of the purchase, purchase price, and the address of the home. The 2009 credit can be taken against your 2008 return. So, if you buy a home today and qualify for this credit, you can file an amended 2008 return and receive your $8,000 credit now. Actually, the process apparently takes around six weeks. Still, that’s fast action.
Income Limits
In it’s continued assault on high earners, our government required that this credit only be given to those under certain income levels. Joe the Plumber would be proud. Anyway, here are the specs: the credit phases out for incomes between $75,000 to $95,000 for a single filer, and $150,000 to $170,000 for couples.
Fraudulent First-Timer Claims
When I first looked into this credit and how easy it was to make the claim, I thought surely the IRS must be getting flooded with fraudulent claims. After all, you don’t need to turn in anything but the one Form 5405. No closing documents. No sales contracts. Nothing.
Recent news is saying that there is fraud out there. And the IRS is cracking down on the tax preparers that are caught over-doing it, and/or skimming from the top. Tax preparers are obviously held to a higher standard. If the IRS catches you, you’ll likely just face back taxes and penalties. That makes me think many taxpayers might be cheating the system here and taking their chances for the $8,000.
Regardless, this looks to be another tax payer funded program that could legitimately put cash in your pocket, if you’re in the right place at the right time. I wish I was.
I’d love to hear your story of buying a home this year as a first timer. If you recieved your $8,000 credit already, or if you are planning on getting it before the deadline, let us hear about it in the comments below.
Related posts:
- Quick! Go Buy a New Home! New $6,500 Homebuyer Tax Credit for Existing Owners and $8,000 for First-Timers Gets Extended
- Questions About the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
- Would You Consider a Home Refinance to Pay Off Credit Cards?
- Tuesday Tax Tip: Recovery Rebate Credit (Economic Stimulus 2nd Chance)
- Free Golf Cart with the Government’s Golf Cart Tax Credit?
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I am actually one of those that is hoping to close before December 1 in order to get my $8k. I just put in an offer for a short sale property on monday, and as far as my agent has told me it could take 1-2 months for the bank to get back to me. Add on the 30 days it could take to get all the closing paperwork and everyhting together, and i’m pushing the envelope on that deadline. So we’ll see how it goes! $8k in my pocket would be mighty nice, but I want to have a house of my own no matter what!
Hey PT – It’s PYF Betsy!
I actually closed on a house April 16th… and after filing an extension on my taxes, I officially filed on the 18th… and promptly received my tax credit! I must say – as a first time home buyer that money can really come in handy – ESPECIALLY if you buy a home that’s a total fixer-up project!
You’d also be proud to here I put half away into an emergency savings account! Way to pay myself first!
GOOD WORK ON THE CREDIT UPDATE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FRAUD ISSUE AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE THE POLITICIANS JUST WANT TO LOOK GOOD AT ALL COSTS TO THE TAXPAYERS….THEN WE HAVE THE NEW HEALTH CARE PLAN….WONDER WHY THE POLITICIANS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM THE NEW PLAN?
I am buying a house with my boyfriend. We’re not married. How would we go about filing for the tax credit since we do our income taxes separately?
From IRS.gov:
“Q. If two unmarried people buy a house together, how do they determine how much each may take of the credit?
A. IRS Notice 2009-12 provides guidance for allocating the first-time homebuyer credit between taxpayers who are not married.”
Link to Notice 2009-12: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-09-12.pdf
Hope that helps.
I have enjoyed reading these posts. We just started the purchasing of a short sale today. I am also worried about the time crunch, the tax credit is what really motivated me to ‘take the plunge’. I was worried that I could not get the tax credit if it was a short sale deal and that is what lead me to this site. Thanks!
hi
I am planning to buy condo this year. do they consider homebuyer and can I can tax credit benifit? or that applicable for house only?
@jay – any type of home will do.
Can a home buyer who pays cash for the home receive the $8,000 tax credit? You don’t need a loan, correct?
Does anyone know if there is going to be a 2010 tax credit????
@Cheryl – Yes, cash or loan, you get the credit. Congrats on having that kind of cash!
@JDD – I have no idea. I would bet that Congress will try to continue it.
Do I not get the tax credit with my taxes that I file in 2009. I just bought a house that’s suppost to close September 25th but I was on school in 2008 so I didn’t file taxes. What do I do?
@Mattm – Yes, you’ll get the credit when you file your 2009 tax return.
I think you may have the option of filing your 2008 return late. But please contact a CPA for this answer.
My father passed away in July and we have come to find out that my mother’s name is not on the mortgage loan (but is on the deed) to their home. According to our our lawyer and to the bank, she is not legally obligated to make the mortgage payments. She cannot afford to anyway, so the house will go into foreclosure. She would then like to buy a smaller house or condo. Is she eligible for the first time home buyer tax credit since she is not on the mortgage of her home?
@Amy – I’m sorry to head about your Dad.
That’s a tricky scenario you describe. I’m not sure I have an answer. I’d consult a CPA.
Did she file “jointly” with your Dad in 2008?
My guess is that she could take advantage of the credit because she will be a single filer on the date of the purchase and at year end.
The IRS literature doesn’t speak on this particular scenario from what I can tell. Sorry.
My wife and I bought our house May 5th and filed an amended return that day. It has now been 17 weeks and when we called today they said we had been chosen for verification. They said that they will notify us within 45 days what documents they want and where to send them. Maybe we will get it by next year. The agent I talked to today said they are asking for verification on very high percentages of them.
Good to know, Keith. Thanks for sharing. Please let us know what documents they require.
We inherited an old farm house when we were married from my husband’s father about 20 years ago. We lost the house in June to a fire. We are building a house now. Do we qualify for the tax credit since we have never purchased a house?
Hi,
Great post! I’m about to go into contract to purchase a home. Do you know if there is any way to apply the $8k tax credit to my closing costs? Thanks.
I purchased my home back in March and didn’t know that I could amend my taxes for 08 and go ahead and get the 8000.00 tax credit. So I amended them in July. I called the IRS to find out how long this process will take and they told me anywhere from 12-16 weeks. They said they have alot of people getting the tax credit so its backing everything up. So it may be November before I receive it. Hope this helps with anyone who has questions about how long the procedure will take.
@Kim – That’s a good question. I would think so. I would ask your CPA to be sure though.
@Lisa – I’m not sure. I think some lenders will give you a short term loan for that amount.
@MICHELLE – Thanks so much for the info.
My husband and I have an expected closing date on the purchase of our new home 9-20-09. Our accountant said if we file the amendment on ‘08 taxes, we have to pay back the $8000. He says we need to wait until 2010 and file on our ‘09 taxes in order to not have to pay it back. Is this true??
@jodie – No, that is not true. The ‘08 credit must be repaid. The ‘09 credit (new legislation) is not repaid. You are eligible for the ‘09 credit since you are buying your house in ‘09. But you can get this ‘09 credit early by amending your ‘08 return. It’s the best of both worlds. Make sense?
We are building our house, they are trying to push to get it done in time for the deadline, but if it doesnt get done then we wont get the 8000 dollar tax credit. Do we know if they are extending it? I hope so, that was the main reason for us buying our house this year. Although it will still be nice to be in our own home!:) BUT who wouldnt want $8000!?!
@samantha – no official word yet, but the industry is lobbying pretty aggressively. seems the only barriers are the health care focus and the desire to quit spending as much. here’s more http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/08/24/will-congress-extend-the-first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit/
My daughter doesn’t qualify for a loan, so we are going to use the equity in our house to pay for her house, in her name. So that would be a cash purchase and she will have to pay us back. My assumption is she would get the credit, but my question is, would there be a repercussion by us giving her the loan instead of a mortgage company? Thanks!
I purchased my home on March 27th and quickly filed the paper work required. Beginning of July I called to find out why it was so delayed. They told me mine was chosen to be verified and that I would receive paper work in the mail within 30 days. Then Sept 4th I finally get a letter in the mail asking for a copy of my closing document. They want proof of purchase price, closing date, buyer and seller names, and the address again. Once you mail that paper work in it again says to wait another 30 days. Just FYI
Is there any way that you can tell me if Contract-for-deed houses qualify for this credit as well? We have an excellent opportunity to get a new house this way and so far the legal side looks good as well as interest rate. We were a little worried about how the IRS defined home purchase. Any help would be appreciated.
I purchased a house with my dad this year however my name was not on the mortgage, only the deed of trust. My dad is not able to claim the tax credit due to his income. Would I be eligible to claim this credit if I am not on the mortgage but only the deed of trust?
I have two questions – is the $8,000 tax credit an actually check that is sent to the buyers?
Also, what is the limit a person can make to qualify for the credit.
We are US residents (not citizens) who pay US taxes and have just bought our first home in the US. I was just wondering if we would qualify?
We closed on our home May 1st 2009. We were told 16 weeks before we’d see anything from the IRS. Received a letter September 4th 2009 telling us to expect another letter from the Fresno IRS office requesting more information. Received the letter asking for 3 items: 1)closing document showing all signatures, 2)tax stamp proof, 3) an offial letter from our city.
We are gathering the info to send in. We thought we had sent in the correct forms with the correct paper. We haven’t owned a home since 1995. It has been a royal hassle. Now we are told it could be another 60 days!
I MADE SETTLEMENT ON MY FIRST HOME THIS MONTH. HOWEVER, I HAVE PURCHASED THIS HOME WITH MY SON AND HE GAVE ME THE MONEY FOR THE CLOSING COSTS. HE IS MOVING IN RIGHT AWAY BUT I DO NOT INTEND TO MOVE IN FOR A FEW MONTHS AT LEAST. CAN I STILL CLAIM THE FIRST TIME BUYERS TAX CREDIT?
My mother is considering buying her first home and is currently renting. She does not file a tax return each year because she falls below the income guidelines; her only income is SSI and SSD; Would she still be able to qualify since she does not file? And do you know how this would work?
We sold our home and closed Sept 2006 gave the keys to the new owner and had to be out. Well we got a call a couple of days later saying we needed to reclose due to financing. So, 2 wks later (after we’ve moved) we reclosed Oct. 12, 2006. Well we just built a new house and have moved in but will not close until Oct 1, 2009. I cannot move the Oct. 1st closing due to our construction loan has matured Will we be able to get any kind of credit?
if i purchased a mobile home for 20000 would i get a 8000$ credit?
if i purchased a mobile home for 20000 would i get a 8000$ credit?
sorry i forgot to hit the emai box
Seller wanna rent the house for 10 days after closing. We plan and should be able to cloase on late Oct. My qestion is will the 10 day renting disqualify us to get $8000. We are otherwise qualified for that credit.
Only my name that is on the deed of a house we recently purchased. To qualify for $8000 tax credit, should we have to file singularly, or as a married couple?
Thanks
I bought my first home April 10,2009. I got a loan for the cost $55,000 plus $17,000 to make repairs to make it habitable. The lender took a 1st deed of trust for the 72,000 loan The house is over 100 years old and it was gutted when I bought it. All the repairs were make by july 15th 2009 and the city issued an Occupancy permit. Do I base the credit on $72,000 or the actual cost of $55,000.
Hey everyone. I just finished a post where I tried to answer all the unanswered questions. Sorry it took so long. Good luck on your purchases. Follow this link for your answers: http://ptmoney.com/2009/10/01/questions-about-the-8000-first-time-homebuyer-tax-credit/
Hello,
I got married in 8-09. Closing on a house in 10-09. i have previously bought a home that is not my primary residence but my husband has not. if we file separately and his name is the only name on the contract, can we be eligible for the 8k credit? what if he files ammendment to his 2008 taxes?
I’m just curious as to if anyone has sent there return to the Kansas City, MO office and if so when and how fast did you get your 8K
My husband and I are under contract to buy a house by October 30th, 2009. We just got married, however he is international (Argentina), and he can’t work until he gets his papers. I have to purchase the house in my name only.
I will be filing singly for 2009, and am within the income limits for the $8000 tax credit. I have a trust fund that was left to me which is where 1/2 of the down payment will come from. He will be providing the other 1/2 to me. (total around 54K) Will this still allow me to be eligible for the tax credit?
My husband and I are selling our house to our daughter and her fiance before the deadline (although they will not be married until next year.) Is her fiance eligible to claim the tax credit?
The info required is the settlement statement when you close on your house. The address ,name of seller and buyer ,date and amount of purchase. My husband and I signed June 15th and filed our 2008 amended return June 19th. On the 16th of Sept. we recieved a letter requesting this info. I have called several times to check on the status and they tell me they recieved the info (we faxed it the next day) but they have not looked at it. I am to call by the 20th of Oct. if I haven’t recieved it. Unfortunatly my husband is barely working and we can barely afford the mortgage ,we desperatly need the money! Was told originaly it would take 8-12 weeks then found out it is taking up to 16 weeks for amended. I pray it comes soon, or we may lose our home.
I’m told that to apply for the 8,000 dollars, one has to have HUD ONE (both seller and buyer sides), the #5405, and a warranty deed???? Is this correct? Tks
what state do you live in? my husband and i closed on our house august 24th. we then filed for the tax credit, and it is now october 15th and still no refund. how long did it take you to actually get yours back? it states….very shortly.
thanks
allison
I purchased a condo on Aug 28th and the same day filed for the tax credit. It is now Oct 20th and I haven’t received it in the mail. Is this normal? Who should I contact to find out the status for the credit?
Thanks
My wife and I had to obtain a mortgage on a home we received through a living trust. The neighbor (not related) had no living family members and willed the house to us through the trust. She passed in October of 2008 and had a reverse mortgage of approx. $165k on the house. We had to obtain a first on this house to pay off the reverse mortgage balance and this loan only covered that, plus closing costs. The loan closed around July of 2009.
I have been unable to determine if this home loan qualifies for the first-time buyer tax credit. And, before the question is asked – yes, it is our primary residence. We did not own before this…
I saw in the IRS form a reference to inheritance –
Are you out of luck on the credit?
Hello, I’m a firts time home buyer and I have the form fill up. But would like to know the address where to sent it. I live in central Maryland.
thanks,
$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
Carmen Arruda
If I’m a first time home buyer and I purchase a home after december but before june, when would I claim that? Would I have to wait until 2010 tax season, or would I get the credit after I closed even though it may be after 2009 tax season?
On Nov 2009 we contracted with a builder to build our home on a lot we own. If for some reason there is a construction delay and we are not able to take occupancy by July 1, 2010, will we still be entitled to get the first time home buyer tax credit.
Dane,
Like with homes built in 2009 that were able to be claimed on 2008 returns, the same will be available for homes purchased in 2010. If you settle on your new home after Jan 1, 2010 you can still claim it on your 2009 tax return. If you have already filed your return by your settlement date, simply amend your return.
I am curious if it makes a difference if you paid cash for home (modular) also wonder if you can include a porch that was added after home was delivered and set up?
A question about principle residence: We owned and lived in a very, very old mobile home on a rented lot. We recently sold, (very cheaply) the mobile and bought a house. Does the mobile home on a rented lot count as a principle residence?
I closed Jan 5, 2009. I filed for early reciept of 7500 credit on my original tax return. I tried filing an amended 2008 tax return after the law changed the max amount from 7500 to 8000. I was hoping to get another 500. My amendment was denied. I’m filing again for 8000 on my 2009 return. What will happen? Will I get 8000 minus the 7500 I received last year? Will I get both and pay the original 7500 back over 15 years?
@Carleen – It makes no difference if you paid cash. I don’t think you can include the add on porch as part of the home price. I’m not quite sure though. See the IRS website.
@Stdisam – Did you pay property taxes? and deduct mortgage interest?
@Rex – Yours is a very unique situation. I just found this on the IRS website:
“Q. I bought my home in 2009 (early) and filed my 2008 tax return claiming the $7,500 first-time homebuyer credit that has to be repaid. Now the expanded law provides for an $8,000 credit that doesn’t have to be repaid. What do I need to do to get the $8,000 credit that doesn’t have to be paid back?
A. You can file an amended return.”
To me that says that the IRS owes you $500. I don’t know why they rejected your amended return though. I suggest you visit a CPA.
I did a amended return on my 08 taxes to file for the tax credit since I purchased my home in August. I filed for the tax credit via mail soon after, and Today January 1-19 I was told I was randomly audited? And the IRS agent couldnt tell me the # to call to check on that or what it was for..they just told me to call back in a week for updates. Anyone else know what this means?
I am closing on my home on 1/27/10 and am a little confused about the first time homebuyer tax credit. A relative does me and my fiance’s taxes and she said that because we are not married we only qualify for $7500 max credit but every site I check shows that as the amount for 2008 and $8000 max for 2009-2010. Which amount is it?
Hi..I have a question. If I had a foreclosure in Feb 2006 will I qualify for this tax credit if I close on a home in March of 2010?
I am about to inherit a house that my grandfather passed on to me. I am in the process of purchasing a house in another state. Do i need to buy the new house before the inherited house is put in my name or does it matter since i wont be buying a house but inheriting it. I can prolong the passing of the title into my name. Is this necessary?
followup: We had no mortgage and only paid a small fee for a tag sticker (just like for a car) on the old mobile home.
if i made over 150k filing single do i qualify for the firs time home buyer 8000 tax credit
@ereic – no, you made too much money. the top of the threshold is 95K