California First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit--First Come First Serve

The Federal tax credit is gone. However, California enacted a new first time (FTB) and "Brand New" Home Buyer Tax credit 5 percent of the purchase price or a maximum of $10,000 that began on May 1, 2010 that requires you to act now because the credit will only be available on a first come first serve basis. $100 million was allocated to FTB's and $100 million was allocated for buyers of New, never lived in, home buyers.

While these credit are available for taxpayers who purchase a qualified principal residence until the end of the year, the California Association Realtors® expects "the money will be used up very quickly".

Besides the limited funds, another issue that has come to light is the refunds are divided over 3 years and applied towards what the home buyers owe in state taxes. So many taxpayers may not be able to utilize the entire credit, if they don't owe as much as the credit. Taxpayers should consult their tax accountants to see how to take full advantage of the tax credit.

Please see the State of California Franchise Tax Board website for more detailed information.

So if are wondering if now is the time to buy a home and take advantage of the tax credit. Now is definitely the time, before the money runs out.

--Virginia Hall
ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, SFR
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Direct (619)258-8585

Limited Time $18,000 in Combined Homebuyer Tax Credits

Wow! What an opportunity for first time California homebuyers and move-up buyers purchasing brand new homes. Between now and April 30, 2010, if a first time buyer enters into an accepted contract and closes before June 30, 2010, they may qualify for up to $18,000 total in Federal and California State tax credits during a brief window of opportunity.

Move-up buyers, who are not first-time buyers, purchasing a brand new home and have lived in their present home for at least five years, may also use the same time frames to receive up to $16,500 in combined tax credits as permitted under the federal law.

According to the California Association of Realtors, "Under a newly enacted California law, a home buyer may receive up to $10,000 in tax credits as a first-time buyer or buyer of a property that has never been occupied. The new California law applies to certain purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010 (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(a)(4)). California law generally allows buyers of never-occupied properties to reserve their credits before closing escrow, but buyers seeking to combine the federal and state tax credits will not be able to satisfy the timing requirements for such reservations (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(c)(1)(A)). Other terms and restrictions apply to both tax credits."

California lawmakers allocated $100 million to first time buyers and another $100 million for buyers of brand new homes to be applied in equal amounts over a period of three taxable years. So the new tax credits will only be available until the funds run out and there are certain limitations. The funds are limited, so don't dally.

For more information and details, visit the official
California Franchise Tax Board website


--Virginia Hall
ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, SFR
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Direct (619)258-8585
DRE#01409760