As part of the Treasury Department’s consumer outreach effort and
with the April 15 individual tax filing deadline approaching, the
Internal Revenue Service today began a concerted effort to educate
taxpayers about additional options at their disposal to claim the new
$8,000 first-time homebuyer credit for 2009 home purchases. For people
who recently purchased a home or are considering buying in the next few
months, there are several different ways that they can get this tax
credit even if they’ve already filed their tax return.
The Treasury Department encourages taxpayers to explore these
options to maximize their credit and get their money back as fast as
possible.
“The new credit can get money in the pockets of first-time
homebuyers quickly,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “For people
who recently purchased a home or are considering buying in the next few
months, there are several different ways that they can get this tax
credit even if they’ve already filed their tax return.”
First-time homebuyers represent a significant portion of existing
single-family home sales. The expansion in the first-time homebuyer
credit will make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the
housing market this year.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, qualifying
taxpayers who purchase a home before Dec. 1 receive up to $8,000, or
$4,000 for married individuals filing separately. People can claim the
credit either on their 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on their 2009
tax returns next year.