The document summarizes changes made to the homebuyer tax credit. It extends the first-time homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 until April 30, 2010 and increases the income limits. It also creates a new $6,500 "step-up" tax credit for homeowners who have lived in the same home for 5 years to purchase a new home between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. Both credits phase out for single and joint filers with incomes over $125,000 and $225,000 respectively.

1. Homebuyer Tax Credit Information
As amended by the Senate, H.R. 3548 extends
the Homebuyer Tax Credit for first-time buyers and creates a
new “step-up” program for homeowners.
First-time Homebuyers Step-up Buyers
• The measure will extend the first-time homebuyer tax • Those who have owned the same home for 5
credit until April 30, 2010. In addition, those who have consecutive of the last 8 years will be eligible for a
signed a contract before May 1, 2010 will have 60 days $6,500 tax credit.
to close on the home. • The $6,500 tax credit will be eligible for purchases
• Increases the income limits to $125,000 on a single between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. The
return and $225,000 on a joint return (from $75,000 same opportunity to close within 60 days applies.
and $150,000, respectively). As with the current • The income limits are also $125,000 on a single return
credit, the extended credit has a $20,000 phase-out and $225,000 on a joint return and have a $20,000
after those limits are reached. phase-out thereafter.
• Those who purchase in 2010 will be able to claim • Those who purchase in 2010 will be able to claim the
credit on 2009 tax return. credit on 2009 tax return.
• Definition of first-time buyer remains the same as
those who have not owned a home in the last three
years.
• The credit will remain at $8,000.
Other provisions regarding the homebuyer tax credit in the bill.
• No homes over $800,000 will be eligible for the tax credit.
• It will extend the tax credit for the military and other Foreign Service Officers serving abroad through
April 30, 2011. It also waves the recapture fee for all military personnel should the individual move and sells the
home within 3 years.
• Cuts down on tax credit fraud by providing authority to the IRS to do greater electronic oversight and requires that
the taxpayer claiming the credit be 18 or older.
Information Provided By:
Dean Wegner, Broker "Miracles Made Daily!"
TEAM-HOTLINE 602-432-6388 | dean@teamdean.com | Fax 480-648-2202
9237 East Via de Ventura, #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 | BK# 0115166
Equal Housing Lender. Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Consult a professional Tax Advisor for complete details.