- A refundable credit means that if you pay less than $8,000 in federal income taxes, then the government will write you a check for the difference
- In the case that you owe $4,000 in income taxes at the end of the year you would pay nothing to the IRS and and receive a $4,000 payment from the government.
- If you are due to receive a $1,000 tax refund from the government, your refund would grow to a whopping $9,000. ($1,000 plus $8,000 from the home buyer tax credit)
- If your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've underpaid through your payroll witholding by $1,000. Normally, you would have to write the IRS a $1,000 check. This time, the first $1,000 of the tax credit pays your bill, and you get the remaining $7,000 as a refund.
Additionally, there are income restrictions: To qualify, buyers must make less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. (Higher-income buyers may receive a partial credit.)
This is short and sweet this week so you will have time to run on down and get all your ducks in a row so you can get that house. I like to think of this as a little house warming present. Some of my buyers are looking at it as a discount so to speak on their home and with money being tight that is a welcome and one more reason to purchase their first home. I will leave you with some resources that may help you clear up the process and navigate you to a successful purchase.
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit information from the IRS.
State Housing Agencies with programs that provide short-term loans that may be used to fund a downpayment in conjunction with the tax credit.
Buying and Owning a Home Freddie Mac
Buying a Home Department of Housing and Urban Development
Buying and Owning a Home Freddie Mac
Buying a Home Department of Housing and Urban Development
The Home Buying Process Federal Housing Administration
FHA Loans Federal Housing Administration
Homeownership Resources Fannie Mae
NOTE: Please know that much of this knowledge is general in nature and your local lender will let you know what is available in your location.
ShareThis