BREAKING NEWS!

Tax Credit Extension & Expansion is Approved!

President Obama has approved a bill for the Housing Tax Credit Expansion and Extension. Here’s what it means:

The $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is Extended!

· Now, qualified first-time home buyers would receive their $8000 tax credit if they sign a purchase contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.

· The home purchased must be their primary residence

· Buyer cannot have owned a home during the past three years

· Tax credit is up to 10% of the home value (not to exceed $8,000)

· Annual income caps to qualify for the tax credit have increased ($125K for single filers / $225K for joint filers). Partial tax credit can be granted for incomes up to $145K for single filers / $245K for joint filers.

PLUS New $6,500 Tax Credit for Current Home Owners Purchasing a Primary Residence

· Eligible home buyers must have lived in their current home for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 years.

· The new home does not have to cost more than the old home.

· Eligible for homes with purchase agreements signed between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010

· Annual income caps to qualify for the full tax credit are $125K for single filers / $225K for joint filers. Partial tax credit can be granted for incomes up to $145K for single filers / $245 for joint filers.

Changes Chart and FAQs from www.realtor.org (National Association of Realtors® website) are attached.