first time home buyer – owner loan

March 23, 2011

Learn About the First Time Home Buyer Credit

Lokesh Nagpal asked:




There are a host of financial incentives provided by the federal government to encourage people to purchase their own home. The most important and biggest of these is the one included in the Worker, Home ownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. In accordance with the provisions of this act, an amount of USD 8000 is extended as a tax credit amount to qualified first time home buyers. It is big monetary benefit to the first time home buyers since one does not have to repay this amount until and unless the property is sold or is not used as principle residence of the beneficiary who claimed the tax credit.

What are the necessary conditions to be fulfilled in order to be eligible to avail this tax credit? In accordance with the IRS definition, a first time home buyer is a person who has not purchased a residence during the immediate three years preceding his purchase. Income levels of single buyers and married couples have been stipulated above which the tax credit is not available. For properties purchased between the periods Jan 1, 2009 to November 05 2009, the maximum income level of a single buyer has to be less than USD 75,000 and in case of couples who are joint holders, the income levels cannot exceed USD 150,000. Similarly for sale transactions executed from November 06 2009 to April 30, 2010, maximum income level could be USD 125,000 and USD 250,000 for single buyers and couples respectively. You can file for availing a joint credit only in case either spouse has not purchased a home within the last three years. The couple still has the option of taking a credit by purchasing the house as a single buyer in the name of the spouse who has not purchased a house in the last three years.

Some important points that you need to note about the first time home buyer credit include the fact that the amount of tax credit available depends upon the property price The tax credit available equals ten percent of the property purchase price with 8000 USD being the maximum amount that can be claimed. The other key point to be noted that not all homes purchased would qualify for this rebate. Only those houses with a maximum price of USD 800,000 would be considered for granting home buyer credit. To be included in the list of beneficiaries you have to ensure that you purchase a home by April 30, 2010, sign the necessary contract papers and complete the sale by June 30, 2010 in order to be eligible under this scheme.

The process of making a claim for the home buyer credit is easy. Submit two statements namely the HUD-1 settlement statement and the IRS from 5405 and walk away with a maximum credit of USD 8000 provided you fulfill the eligibility conditions stipulated by the federal government. IRS allows all those people who buy a home in 2010 to file an amendment to their 2009 tax return and stake their claim.

Colleen

January 7, 2011

First Time Home Buyer Stimulus

Sonia Less asked:




The first time homebuyer stimulus is a recently approved Tax Credit bill. The proposed $15,000 homebuyer tax credit between the House and the Senate did not prosper, but recently President Barack Obama signed into law a smaller measure to help revive the real estate market.

The tax credit for first time homebuyers is equivalent to getting a tax return of $8,000.00. This works great if you do not owe any money from the government and you usually get a tax return. When you purchase a home for the first time, the government is going to send you a tax refund of $8,000.00.

This is only good for the year 2009, so if you are planning to buy a home, do it now to avail of this tax credit refund.

Who can qualify for this? Below is some further information of the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Tax Credit.

1. All US Citizens who file for taxes can qualify. First time homebuyers mean that he or she has not owned a residence for at least three years before purchasing a house. The date of transfer is considered the actual date of purchase.

2. Only homebuyers who purchase a home between January 1 and December 1, 2009 can qualify for the credit. Those who purchase a home before the specified date will not be able to avail of it.

3. The home purchased must be used as the main or principal residence. This includes all kinds of houses such as townhouses, single-family detached homes, manufactured homes or mobile homes, condominiums and houseboats. The home buyers must live in the home for the next three years to fully take advantage of the tax credit.

4. The cost of the home should be at least $80,000.00 or more. According to the plan, a homebuyer receives ten percent of the home purchase. To receive the full $8,000.00 credit, the home should be bought for $80,000 or above. Married couples who file separately will receive a maximum of $4,000.00.

5. The tax credit has income limits attached to it. To qualify for the full credit, single buyers must have a gross income of $75,000.00 or less and $150,000.00 or less for married ones. Those earning more may qualify only for reduced credits.

6. The tax credit is refundable, so buyers can take full advantage of it even if they have lesser tax liability.

7. In order to capitalize on the credit, buyers have to maintain ownership of the home for at least three years. This means that you do not sell your home within those years. If you do sell before the three-year term is up, then you have to return the credit back to the government. There are exceptions however, such as divorce or death.

If you qualify, you can claim for the tax credit when you file your income tax return. For the tax credit, you can claim when you file your income tax return. Take into consideration that when you purchase a home this year, you will only see it reflected after you file your income tax in April 2010.

Jeanette

December 29, 2010

2008 Housing Stimulus Legislation – First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Karen List asked:




Who is Eligible

*The $7,500 tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
*The law defines a first-time home buyer as a buyer who has not owned a home during the past three years.
*All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.

Who is not Eligible

*First Time Buyers using a state or local housing agency tax-exempt bond mortgage to finance the property.
*Non-resident aliens

Types of Homes that Qualify for the Tax Credit

*All homes, whether single-family, townhomes or condominiums will qualify.
* However, there are several conditions: (a) The home must be used as a principal residence, and
(b) The buyer has not owned a home in the prior three years.
*The Tax Credit includes newly-constructed homes.

Income Limits

*Home buyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full $7,500 credit if their adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $75,000.
*For married couples filing a joint return, the income limit doubles to $150,000.
*Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 are eligible to receive a partial first-time home buyer tax credit.
*Married couples filing jointly who earn between $150,000 and $170,000 are eligible to receive a partial first-time home buyer tax credit.
*The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose AGI is greater than $95,000 and married couples filing jointly with an AGI that exceeds $170,000.

Effective Dates for the Tax Credit

First-time home buyers would receive a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase of any home on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. To qualify, you must actually close on the sale of the home during this period.

Tax Credit is Refundable

*A refundable credit means that if you pay less than $7,500 in federal income taxes, then the government will write you a check for the difference. (a) For example, if you owe $5,000 in federal income taxes, you would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $2,500 payment from the government. (b) If you are due to receive a $1,000 tax refund from the government, your refund would grow to $8,500 ($1,000 plus $7,500 from the home buyer tax credit).
*If you purchased the home in 2008, the tax credit is taken on your 2008 tax return.
*If you buy in 2009, you have the option of taking the credit on your 2008 or 2009 tax returns.

Payback Provisions

*The tax credit is an interest-free loan that must be repaid over 15 years.
*The minimum repayment amount must be 15 equal annual installments. For example, if the credit amount is $7,500, then the home buyer must repay a minimum of $500 each year for 15 years.

ALSO: On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed into law a new housing reform bill designed to help stimulate the recovery of the housing industry.NOW is the time to take advantage of existing home buying assistance programs before they expire later this year.

Two important changes are:

1. All government-sponsored zero down payment assistance programs are eliminated as of October 1, 2008.To be eligible for these programs, all home loans would need to be approved by September 30, 2008.
2. The minimum down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, the largest purchaser of mortgages in the United States, would increase from 3 percent to 3.5 percent after October 1, 2008.

Veronica

December 18, 2010

Benefits For First Time Home Buyers

Yanni A Raz asked:




Are you a first time home buyer in the market to purchase the home of your dreams? You may not be aware that there are many benefits in home purchasing as a first time buyer. The Government has been working together with first time home buyers, to help them save money and purchase something at a reasonable price, by giving them grants to be used toward the purchase of their first home.

A tax credit of up to $8000.00 is granted to first time buyers. This is all part of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, something that will not only benefit first time home buyers, but will also help to stimulate the economy and get out of this recession. IN order to qualify for this offer, you must first make a purchase on or before January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The purchase date will be the date the house closes escrow.

Qualifying for the credit is simple. You are considered a first time buyer if you have not purchased a property 3-years prior to the date of purchase. Keep in mind, if you are married, and your significant other has in fact made owned a home in the last 3 years, neither of you will qualify for the credit. If an unmarried couple wants to take advantage of the tax credit, and one of them owned a home in the last 3 years, the one who has not owned will still qualify, the tax credit will then be transferred to the qualifying party.

The tax credit is based on 10 percent of the purchase price, but will not exceed $8000.00.

Qualifying for this benefit is also based on your income. Married couples should have a joint income of at least $150,000 with unmarried couples at an income of $75,000. Also keep in mind, that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. The tax credit is claimed on your Federal tax return form 5405, this will determine your tax credit amount, which you will then want to claim on your 1040 income tax form, line 67. If you have purchased a house in 2009, and received the tax credit toward your purchase, you can choose to claim it against your 2008 tax return or wait to claim it on your 2009 return. If you have filed your 2008 return prior to your purchase, you may amend the tax return if you do not want to wait until the 2009 tax season. This is something you would want to ask your tax professional about prior to making a decision. Also, the home that you purchase, must be used for your principle residence for at least 3-years, or the IRS may try and take the $8000.00 credit back from you. Vacation homes do not count as a principle place of residence.

This $8000.00 tax credit can be used towards your down payment. Again, something you would want to speak to your tax professional about. Time is running out for this great opportunity, so seek the proper advice and make the choice that is right for you.

Stella

June 9, 2010

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit – How it Works

Nick Piscitelli asked:




Well, the market is all abuzz over the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008′s new $7,500 Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers. And well it should be! Right now, buyers should be out there buying! Rates are low, there is an excessive amount of inventory to choose from, and with this new tax credit it is clear that the time to act is NOW! But everyone seems to have a different idea about what this credit is all about. I’ve written this article to highlight this new tax credit and shed some light on exactly what the benefits are to the First Time Home Buyer who takes advantage of this credit. Below are the most common questions I am asked regarding the new credit, along with an easy to understand answer.

Who is eligible for this credit?

The $7,500 credit is available to first time home buyers only (a first time home buyer is defined as a buyer who has not owned a home during the past three years.) If you are a U.S. citizen, file taxes, and fit the definition of the first time home buyer, you are eligible to participate!

Are there any income limitations?

Yes. For a single individual (or head-of-household) the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must be less than $75,000. For a married couples filing a joint income tax return, the income limit is $150,000.

Single or head-of-household taxpayers making between $75,000 and $95,000 are eligible for a partial first-time home buyer tax credit. Married couples making between $150,000 and $170,000 are eligible for a partial first time home buyer tax credit.

What if I pay less than $7,500 in income taxes? Do I lose some of my credit?

No! The tax credit is refundable, meaning that if you pay less than $7,500 in taxes, the government will write you a check for the difference! As an example, if you owed $6,000 in federal income taxes, you would pay NOTHING and receive a check for $1,500 from the government. Another great example would be if you are due to receive a refund of $2,000 from the government. That refund would grow to $9,500 (the $2,000 original refund amount PLUS the $7,500 tax credit!)

What are the effective dates?

You must purchase a home after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. The home buyer must actually make settlement on the home during this time period.

What types of homes qualify for the tax credit?

Single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums all qualify, assuming that the home will be used as the primary residence and the buyer hasn’t owned a home in the prior three years.

Do I have to pay back this credit?

Yes, the credit is basically an interest free loan which will be repaid over 15 years. If you receive the whole $7,500 credit, you will pay it back at $500 per year for 15 years. A nice feature, though, is that the buyer doesn’t start repaying the credit until two years after the year in which they claimed the credit.

What if I sell the home in less than 15 years, before the credit is paid off?

The remaining balance would be due from the profit of the sale of the home. If you don’t earn enough profit on the sale, the balance of the credit payback would be forgiven.

So what are you waiting for? Even when the market is down, home prices will still appreciate more than the stock market! It’s time to get out there and buy the home of your dreams!! Contact your favorite local Realtor and get out there now!

Jean

October 25, 2009

Macomb County Realtors Advice: Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

Mark Goedert asked:


First-time home buyers purchasing a home are eligible for the tax credit.  The purchase must occur between 1/1/09 and 12/1/10.  The law defines a first-time home buyer as one who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period of time prior to the purchase.  With married couples, both spouses must meet the 3-year requirement to qualify for this credit.

The credit is a refundable income tax credit.  This means that if the amount of credit you claim on your 2009 income tax return is more than your tax liability, the difference is paid to you in your income tax refund.

The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to a maximum credit of $8,000.  There are modified gross income requirements to be eligible for the credit; single tax payers’ limit is $75,000 and married tax payers’ limit is $150,000.  The credit is reduced for tax payers whose income is higher and the phase out range is $20,000; therefore, reducing the credit to zero for those with income of $95,000 if single and $170,000 if married.

The tax credit is claimed by filling out the IRS tax Form 5405.  The IRS.gov website will have details and instructions for completing this form.

Revisions to Tax Credit for 2009

There were several modifications made to the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit for 2009.

Amount of maximum credit increased to $8,000 Purchasers utilizing revenue bond financing are eligible for the tax credit No repayment requirements on purchases from 1/1/09 – 12/1/09. Recapture provision states if your home is sold within 3 years of purchase, the entire amount of credit is recaptured on the sale (this applies only to homes purchased in 2009) The termination date is 12/1/09 and the effective date for all revisions is 1/1/09.

Other provisions of the Stimulus Plan include:

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits

Neighborhood Stabilization

Commercial Real Estate

Rural Housing Services

Low Income Housing Grants

Tax Exempt Housing Bonds

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits and Grants

Transportation Investments

Broadband Deployment



Maureen
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