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Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended for Some in the Military
Although home buyers need to sign sales contracts by the end of April to qualify for the $8,000 first-time and $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credits, qualified active military servicemen and women have an additional year to take advantage of these incentives.
Under a legislative provision targeting active members of the military, the Foreign Service and the intelligence communities, the tax credit was extended for one year beyond the current deadlines of April 30, 2010 for a binding sales contract and June 30, 2010 for settlement and closing.
The provision only applies to home buyers in the above mentioned groups who have served on official extended duty for 90 days or more outside the U.S. from Jan. 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.
Also, service members who must sell their home because of official extended duty are excluded from a rule that requires buyers to repay the credit if they move out of their home within three years.
Builders — particularly in cities and towns with a large population of military personnel — should take advantage of the opportunity to market the tax credit extension to qualified military families that are looking to purchase a home.
Resources geared to helping builders spread the word about the benefits of both the tax credit and homeownership are available at www.nahb.org/taxcreditmaterials.
More information on the special provision for military service members can also be found at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.
 Web Site Is One-Stop Shop for Tax Credit Info
Builders and other industry professionals can help spur home sales by referring prospective home buyers to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. The NAHB Web site provides detailed information on both the extended $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the new $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit signed into law by President Obama.
Consumers can use the Web site to find information on both tax credits — including frequently asked questions and links to social media sites that provide updated information as it becomes available. It also includes a number of home-buying resources for consumers.
Industry professionals are encouraged to highlight the tax credit Web site when marketing to their potential home buyer market.
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