Home FAQ Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit

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  • Introduced by the federal government to promote homeownership, the First-Time Homebuyer Credit was a tax benefit.
  • Eligible purchasers who bought a house between 2008 and 2010 had access to it.
  • Some homeowners, however, must repay the credit depending on the year it was claimed.

Who Must Pay Back the Credit?

  • 2008 Homebuyers:
    • Received up to $7,500.
    • Must repay over 15 years in equal annual payments as an interest-free loan.
  • 2009 and 2010 Homebuyers:
    • Do not have to repay the credit unless they sell the home or stop using it as a primary residence within 36 months of purchase.

Repaying the Credit

  • 2008 recipients repay the credit using Form 1040, Schedule 2, which adds an annual installment to their total tax liability.
  • If the house is sold before full repayment, the remaining balance is due in full, unless the home is sold at a loss.

Repayment Exceptions
Homeowners may be exempt from repayment if:

  • They sell the home at a loss.
  • They experience an involuntary conversion (e.g., a natural disaster damages the home).
  • They pass away (their estate is not responsible for repayment).

Examining Your Repayment Situation

  • Taxpayers can check their outstanding First-Time Homebuyer Credit balance using the IRS First-Time Homebuyer Credit Account Lookup Tool.

Key Takeaway

  • Understanding repayment rules ensures that eligible taxpayers stay compliant and avoid unexpected tax liabilities.

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