Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit

FEATURE

H.R. 3221
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

Amount of Credit 10% of cost of home, not to exceed $7,500
Eligible Property Any Single-family residence (including condos, co-ops) that will be used as a principle residence
Refundable Yes.  Reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase.  Claimed on tax return of that tax year
Income Limit Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return).  Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively)
First-time Homebuyer Only Yes.  Purchaser (and purchaser's spouse) may not have owned a principle residence in 3 years previous to purchase
Recapture Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit) to be repaid each year for 15 years.  If home sold before 15 years, then remainder of credit recaptured on sale
Impact on District of Columbia
Home Buyer Credit
DC credit not available if purchaser uses this credit
Effective Date Purchases on or after April 9, 2008
Termination July 1, 2009
Interaction with Alternative Minimum Tax Can be used against AMT, so credit will not throw individual into AMT

National Association of REALTORS®
Government Affairs Update