Thursday, July 30, 2009

Stimulus Tax Credit - Laughing all the way to the bank!

You've probably heard that now is the best time to buy a house, especially for first time home buyers. Why? It's simple - interest rates are at all time lows, real estate inventories are abundant and the US government is offerring up to an $8,000 tax credit.

What is a tax credit?
  • Incentive for first time home buyers.
  • Applies to home purchases for use as a principle residence of $80,000 and up between now and 12/1/2009 (for homes under $80,000 the credit would be 10% of the purchase price)

Who is eligible?

  • 1st time homebuyers (any person who has not owned or purchased a home in the 3 years prior to the day of purchase)

How does it work?

  • Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income taxes by $1 In other words the tax is directly applied against the total tax owed.

Is there an income restriction?

  • Yes, for those filing form 1040 as single or head of household the income cannot exceed $75,000. Married couples who file jointly may have income of no more than $150,000.

What is a principal residence?

  • Generally it is the home wherean individual resides at least 50% of the time.

Are there property location restrictions?

  • Yes, the home must be located in the United States.

Do I have to repay the 2009 Tax Credit?

  • No. There is no repayment for 2009 tax credits.