Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit. The modifications in the column labeled
“December 1 – April 30, 2010” become effective when President Obama signs the bill. All changes made
to the current credit become effective on that date, as well.
|
FEATURE
|
Jan 1 – November 30, 2009
Rules as enacted February 2009 |
December 1 – April 30,
2010 Rules as enacted November 2009 |
|
Firsttime Buyer –
Amount of Credit |
$8000
($4000 married filing separate) |
$8000
($4000 married filing separate) |
|
Firsttime Buyer –
Definition for Eligibility |
May not have had an interest
in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase |
Same
|
|
Current Homeowner –
Amount of Credit |
No Provision
|
$6500
($3250 married filing separate) |
|
Effective Date –
Current Owner |
No Provision
|
Date of Enactment
|
|
Current Homeowner –
Definition for Eligibility |
No Provision
|
Must have used the home
sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years |
|
Termination of Credit
|
Purchases after
November 30, 2009. (Becomes April 30, 2010 on Date of Enactment.) |
Purchases after
April 30, 2010 |
|
Binding Contract Rule
|
None
|
So long as a written binding
contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close. |
|
Income Limits
(Note: Increased income limits are effective as of date of enactment of bill) |
$75,000 – single
$150,000 – married Additional $20,000 phase out |
$125,000 – single
$225,000 – married Additional $20,000 phase out |
|
Limitation on Cost of
Purchased Home |
None
|
$800,000
Effective Date of Enactment |
|
Purchase by a Dependent
|
No Provision
|
Ineligible
Effective Date of Enactment |
|
Antifraud
Rule |
None
|
Purchaser must attach
documentation of purchase to tax return |
Source: National Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Division