Posts Tagged ‘obama tax credit’

Two Months Left for First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

The First Time Home Buyers tax credit provides an excellent incentive for new homeowners to take advantage of the extremely low home prices and interest rates being offered. However, there are less than two months left for new homeowners to take advantage of this tax credit, with the incentive program expiring on December 01, 2009.

The first time home buyers tax credit is part of a number of incentive programs designed to stimulate the US economy. Often dubbed the Obama Tax Credit or Obamas First Time Homebuyers Credit, what makes this tax credit unique is that it does not need to be paid back. Instead, the homeowner is given a check for up to $8,000 that can be used for whatever they want, providing the homeowner remains in the home for at least 3 years.

This amount of this tax credit is based off of 10% of the homes value, with a limit of $8,000. This means that any home priced below $80,000 will qualify for 10% of the homes value, while any home priced at or above $80,000 will qualify for $8,000.

One of the great things about this tax incentive is not just that it does not need to be repaid, but that it can be applied for on the 2008 tax return or the 2009 tax return. By claiming it on the 2008 tax return, it is possible to get the money early, by filing for an amended tax return. This is rather simple and involves submitting another IRS form 1040, as well as the required information for the First Time Home Buyers tax credit, tax form 5405.

Another option to receive the money early is to simply adjust the number of deductions claimed on your paycheck. So, for instance, if you normally claim 0, you could claim 2, so less money is taken out of your paycheck each week. However, when going this route, it is very important to keep track of how much money is being taken out, because if you exceed the first time home buyers tax credit, you will end up owing money to the IRS. After you have taken enough money out, it is also essential to switch your deductions back to normal.

It is very important to note, however, that if you owe any money to the IRS, this money will be deducted from the tax credit, with the balance returned to the customer.

Requirements for the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

  • Home Must Be Purchased Between January 01, 2009 and December 01, 2009
  • The home must be used as a primary residence for the home buyer and they can not have owned a home during the last three years
  • The Home Buyer must make less than $75,000 a year or $150,000 for couples
  • This tax credit can be applied to mobile homes, manufactured homes, new home construction, single-family homes, and multi-family homes.

Taking Advantage of the Current Housing Market and Financial Situation

In today’s housing market, homes prices are at a historic low, as are mortgage rates. For those who have been saving money and waiting to buy a home, there are a number of really great deals available. This includes, of course foreclosures, of which there are literally thousands and thousands across the United States, but even new home builders have been feeling the crunch, so getting a great deal on a home is possible.

In addition to these incentives, the government is also offering an incentive of its own to help make buying a home easier and less expensive for new home buyers. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit for first time home buyers, which can cover up to 10% of the homes cost, with a limit set at $8,000.

When figuring the amount of the tax credit, the lesser of the two values is used, so for a $60,000 home, only $6,000 would be received as part of the first time home buyers tax credit. For a $150,000 home, only $8,000 would be provided.

What Makes the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Different

This is not the first time the government has offered an incentive to those who have purchased a home, as they have previously offered a no-interest loan. However, the current tax credit for new home owners is different in that it does not need to be paid back. Instead, the tax credit, with its $8,000 limit, comes in the form of a check that can be used by the homeowner to help cover the cost repairs, bills, or anything else that the homeowner needs.

Who Can Receive Obamas Housing Credit

The first time home buyers tax credit, which is often referred to as Obamas Tax Credit or Obamas First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, is available to those who have purchased a home during 2009, specifically between January 01, 2009 and December 01, 2009.

What Types of Homes Are Covered

The home can be a traditional single family home, a modular home, a manufactured home, and even a house boat. Mobile homes and new construction are also covered by the Obama housing tax credit.

Special Requirements of the Obama Tax Credit

There are several other provisions to the First Time Buyers Tax Credit, most notably that the home owners must not have owned another primary residence over the last three years. For those that are married, this stipulation applies to both spouses.

An income cap is also set, with those who make more than $75,000, or $150,000 for married couples, not being able to receive the full $8,000, although a partial tax credit may be available.

Getting Your Check and Getting it When You Need It

The major difference between this and other stimulus plans, such as the 2008 First Time Hombuyer Credit, is that the tax credit will not need to be repaid by the home owner. Instead, it comes in the form of a check and can be applied for when you file your 2009 tax return in April. It is necessary to include a Form 5405, with your standard tax return.

However, it is not necessary to wait until April and it is also possible to file an amended tax return. Simply follow the instructions to amend your 2008 tax return, including the IRS Tax Form 5405, and it is possible to receive the Obama Housing Credit within 8 weeks.

It is also possible to change the number of dependents you claim at work, so that less money is taken from your paycheck every month. However, if you decide to go this route, make sure you are 100% certain you are eligible to receive the Obama Tax Credit, because otherwise you will end up owing the IRS money at the end of the year. It is also a good idea to calculate how much you have received, so you do not exceed the $8,000 first time home owners tax credit.

It is important to note, that the funds of Obamas Housing Credit will be applied to any money you owe the IRS first, with the balance returned to the homeowner. However, those who do not owe any taxes, even those who do not have any actual income, will receive the full $8,000 tax credit.

First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Update November 6, 2009: President Obama has just signed a new law extending this tax credit until April 2010. Under the new law, most of the requirements remain the same, but the income cap has been raised to $125,000 or $225,000 for couples and the home must be priced under $800,000 to qualify. An additional $6,500 tax credit was also added for existing home owners, providing they have owned the home for at least five years. **

Today, there are many incentives for new home buyers. It is possible to get some great deals on homes, as home values are at a historic low. There are many foreclosures as well, which can be a great way to save money, and mortgage interest rates are also the lowest they have been for many years. There is also an $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit available to Americans, which does not have to be repaid.

The First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is part of Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was passed in 2009. This tax incentive is designed to help jump start the economy and help make homes more affordable for first time home owners. This is not the first time a tax incentive has been offered to new home owners, however the Obama housing tax credit is different because it will not need to be repaid.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit?

  • Must be a United States Citizen, although legal non-residents may also be able to take advantage of the home buyers tax credit.
  • Must not have bought or owned a home in the last three years. For married couples, this must be true of both spouses.
  • Must have an income that is less than $75,000 or $150,000 jointly for married couples.For Homes Purchased after November 6, this income limit has been raised to $125,000 and $225,000 for married couples.
  • The home must have been purchased between January 01, 2009 and December 01, 2009.An extension has been passed, so homes purchased between January 01, 2009 and April, 30 2010 will be eligible for the tax credit*.

*Under the extension, as long as you have a binding sales contract in place before April 30, 2010, you have until June 30, 2010 to actually close on the home.

What Types of Homes Are Covered?

The Obama First Time Buyers Tax Incentive can be applied towards many types of homes, including mobile homes, manufactured homes, single family homes, condominiums, house boats, multi-family homes, and even new constructions.

How Much Money is Provided?

The Federal housing tax credit for first time home buyers provides for 10% of the value of the home, up to $8,000.

The $8,000 stimulus check does not need to repaid, providing you live in the home for at least three years. If the home is sold or is no longer used as your primary residence in the first three years, the $8,000 will need to be repaid.

How is the Stimulus Check Claimed?

The 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit can be claimed on either your 2008 or 2009 tax return. It is necessary to complete an IRS Form 5405 and submit it with your regular tax return.

If you have already submitted your 2008 tax return to the IRS, it is possible to file an amended tax return, to receive your money early. An amended tax return usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks for the IRS to process and will mean you can receive your stimulus check early, without having to wait.

What if I Owe the IRS Money?

If you owe the IRS money, then the stimulus check will be used towards this balance, with the remaining funds returned to the first time home owner.

What if I Do Not Owe the IRS Money?

Those that do not owe the IRS any money will receive the full balance of the stimulus check. This is true even of those who do not pay any income tax.

What About Homes Purchased in 2008

You would not qualify for Obama’s First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, but there is a different tax credit available.

For those who purchase a home between April 8, 2008, and Dec. 1, 2009, an $8,000 no interest loan is available. This loan is provided as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and will need to be repaid starting in 2010.

The First Time Homebuyers Credit has most of the same requirements as Obama’s Tax Incentive.

The 2009 Federal Housing Tax Credit

The 2009 Federal Housing Tax Credit for first time home owners is a new tax credit that can make buying a new home much more affordable. This tax credit is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is available for up to $8,000.

One of the things that sets this tax credit apart from other home buyers tax incentives is that it does not need to be repaid. As long as you keep the home as your primary residence for at least three years, the tax credit there is no obligation to repay this tax credit. Previously, the government has offered tax credits for new home buyers that were simply no-interest loans, but Obama’s First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is offered as a one time payment.

There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible to receive Obama’s First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. The main requirement is that neither you or your spouse has owned a primary residence in the last three years. The home must also have been purchased in 2009 between January 01 and December 01. Those who purchased a home in 2008 are also eligible to receive a tax credit, but this credit needs to be repaid.

The first time home buyers tax credit is based upon 10% of the homes selling price, up to $8,000. Even people who do not owe anything in income tax can receive this tax credit, providing they meet the other requirements.

There is an annual income level set at $75,000 for single home buyers and $150,000 for married couples. However, those who have an income higher than this may still be able to receive a partial tax credit.

In addition to traditional single family homes, Obama’s 2009 Tax Credit for first time home buyers can be used on mobile homes, condominiums, new construction, manufactured homes, and even house boats. However, the home can not be a gift from a family member.

Claiming the first time home buyers tax credit is very easy and can be done on either your 2008 or 2009 tax return. There is only one extra form that must be completed and even if you have already filed your 2008 tax return, it is possible to file an amended tax return and receive your tax credit check within 8 weeks of submitting your amended tax return.

This Federal Housing Tax Credit is mainly available to those who are American Citizens, although exceptions may be made for non-residents with valid visas.

Obama’s tax credit is designed to help stimulate the housing market and offer an incentive for first time home owners. This tax credit can be a great way for those applying for their first mortgage to help offset the cost of the down payment or to greatly increase the equity in their home. It is, however, important to note that if you currently owe the IRS money on your taxes, they will use the tax credit to pay this balance and refund you the difference.

Understanding the 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

Obama’s First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit can be a great way to help make a new home affordable, while taking advantage of historically low home prices and interest rates.

The First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is available for up to 10% of the homes purchase price or $8,000, whichever is greater. This tax credit is different from previous tax breaks for new home buyers in that it does not need to be repaid. Other tax credits for new home buyers, like the 2008 tax credit were simply no interest loans offered by the federal government. This tax credit, on the other hand, is provided to the homeowner and does not need to be repaid as long as the homeowner lives in the new home for at least three years.

This tax credit, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is a powerful tool that can be used to fix up the home, pay down the mortgage, or help out with bills. Since it does not need to be repaid, it can be a great way to increase equity in a home.

It is also not necessary to owe anything in taxes to receive the tax credit. This is because this is a tax credit and not a tax deduction, the latter of which would only count towards the taxes.

This first time buyers tax credit is a great tool for those who wish to purchase a new home. It can be used on almost any type of home, including manufactured homes, mobile homes, condominiums, town homes, traditional single family homes, and even houseboats.

Requirements to Receive 2009 Tax Credit

While the home buyers tax credit can be a great tool, there are several restrictions. In order to receive the tax credit, the homeowner must:

  • Be a United States Citizen, although exceptions are made for people who are NOT a non-resident alien.
  • Have an income lower than $75,000 for single buyers and $150,000 for married couples. Married couples incomes are added together.
  • Not have owned a home in the last 3 years.
  • The home must have been purchased between January 01, 2009 and December 01, 2009.
  • The home can not be purchased from family members, including spouses.

How do I Claim the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit?

Receiving the home owners tax credit is also relatively simple and it can be claimed on either the 2008 taxes or 2009 taxes. People who have already filed their 2008 taxes can choose to file an amended tax return, which allows the homeowner to typically receive the tax credit within eight weeks of the IRS receiving the amended return. Otherwise, the homeowner can wait until April 2010 and claim it on their 2009 taxes.

It is important to note that this tax credit will go towards any outstanding tax debts first, and the remainder will be refunded to the tax payer. For those that do not owe anything in taxes, the entire $8,000 credit is offered.

To take advantage of Obama’s First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, the homeowner will have to complete the IRS’s Form 5045. For those who wish to receive their tax credit early and decide to amend their 2008 tax return, it will be necessary to complete a 1040X Form, as well as the 5045.