Good news for home buyers: the 2009 first-time home buyers tax credit of $8,000 has been extended, plus a $6,500 tax credit has been introduced for move-up or repeat buyers.

Details on the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit:

• 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 unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
  
  
• The tax credit is equal to 10% 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.

Details on the Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit:

• 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 unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
  
  
• The tax credit is equal to 10% 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.

For more information about the tax credit, contact our Mortgage Loan professionals at (402) 323-1128 or (800) 220-7504.


*This material is intended to provide accurate information, but does contain summary explanations. You should consult your tax and/or investment advisor.