The clock is ticking for Lehigh Valleuy buyers who want to take advantage of a $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit because all sales must close by the Nov. 30 deadline.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 of this year. Eligible buyers include those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years, and who plan to live in the home for 36 months after closing.

The maximum credit is either 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000 for a single taxpayer or married couple filing jointly, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.

The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000, while the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act … extended the first-time home buyer credit into the current year and expanded it from the old amount of $7,500 as the maximum benefit,” said Bill Brunson, Internal Revenue Service spokesman in Phoenix. “That in essence was an interest-free loan that you had 15 years to pay back. This is an $8,000 credit and you’re not required to pay that item back as long as you reside in that home, that’s your principal, primary home, for the next 36 months.”

Taxpayers can claim the credit on their 2008 or 2009 income tax returns, even if they’ve already filed their 2008 returns, he said. IRS Form 1040X can be used to amend your 2008 return, he said.

“Now is a good time to start looking for a new home or to start to close on the paperwork if you qualify for the credit,” Brunson said.

Closing is when all parties sign the papers officially finalizing the deal, and ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.

FOR MORE INORMATION, OR TO SEE IF YOU CAN STILL QUALIFY – CALL ME TODAY 610-533-4549
Chris Hoffman, Realtor

WASHINGTON) – HUD has announced that consumers may now use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover their downpayment and closing costs on FHA-insured mortgages.
The move will allow FHA-approved lenders; federal, state and local government agencies; and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to supply home buyers short-term or “bridge loans” up to the amount of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

Previously, the home buyer would have been unable to access the tax credit until they filed their next annual tax return or an amended 2008 tax return and received the refund from the IRS.

Housing industry leaders are applauding the move as certain to help boost the number of first-time home buyers coming into the market.

If you are planning to buy a home her ein the Lehigh Valley, an dyou would like more informnation on how to use the $8,000 tax credit for yoru down payment – CALL ME 610-533-4549 to see if you qualify! Chris Hoffman, Keller Williams Real Estate. www.GoValleyHomeFinder.com