Money Under 30

Good news for prospective home-buyers: It looks like Congress will extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit that was slated to end this month and add a $6,500 tax credit for those that have already owned a home.

The Senate voted 98-0 Wednesday to extend and expand the tax credit and the House could vote on the bill as early as today. If passed, the $8,000 tax credit would remain in effect for first-time home buyers — or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. [...]

The $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit program has been such a success, Washington is asking: Can we live without it? That credit is set to expire on December 1, 2009, but Sen. Johnny Isakson, (R-Ga.), has introduced legislation that would provide a $15,000 home buyer tax credit to any home buyer (not just first timers) who occupy the home they purchase for at least two years. Are you a prospective first-time home buyer? Here’s your gamble: Act quickly to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires, or wait to see if the $15,000 home buyer tax credit becomes law.

Isakson’s proposed legislation would make available up to a $15,000 tax credit for any home buyer of any home over the next year. It would also remove the income limits that currently apply to the first-time home buyer tax credit. In a press release on the Senator’s Website, he says:

“If we do this, home values will return, unemployment will go down, our economy will turn, and consumer price confidence will go up. I would submit it is a part of the main solution we need to take an economy that is on the bottom and move it back toward equilibrium and prosperity for America.”

Another bill recently introduced would extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit for another six months. If this bill passes, first-time home buyers would have more time to claim the existing credit, although the rules would remain the same. (The tax credit would only apply to first-time home buyers and income caps would remain in place).

I predict that the first-time home buyer tax credit will be extended but Congress debates expanding the program to a $15,000 home buyer tax credit for a long time. If the expansion passes, I would bet it will include limitations (or even be for less than $15,000). What do you think? Is expanding the credit a good idea, or has the first-time home buyer tax credit run its course?

PS: If you’re looking for answers on the existing tax credit, visit my FAQ on the first-time home buyer tax credit or brief guide on how to buy your first home.

My father drives an old Lincoln town car that has over 300,000 miles on it. That’s right, 300,000. Not only does he drive it, but he commutes over 90 miles each way in it, every day. Everybody who knows him thinks he should have gotten a new car oh, about 100,000 miles ago. But my dad is fanatically frugal and, perhaps more importantly, he simply likes his car. He’s determined to drive that old Lincoln until it simply doesn’t want to drive anymore. Unless the so-called “cash-for-clunkers” bill becomes law. The bill (which the House passed it today) could offer drivers like my dad up to $4,500 towards a new, more fuel-efficient ride. What’s the cash-for-clunkers bill all about? And could you benefit? [...]

I think the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit is one of the greatest financial opportunities young people have going these days. Unfortunately, unless Congress extends it past December 1, 2009, it won’t be around for long. [...]

Happy Tax Day! That’s right it’s April 15th, and hopefully you’ve already put last year’s tax return to bed. If not, you still have a few hours left to file your return or an extension (here’s a link to TurboTax Free Edition for those who really need it!) But just in case you’re considering trying to dodge filing a tax return (or paying Uncle Sam), here a few reasons to think again. [...]

Taxes are due in just a week (April 15th). Do you need to request an extension to file your federal income tax return? Filing an individual federal tax extension is easy if you know what you’re doing. [...]

For many Americans, tax-time means a refund check. But others may owe Uncle Sam a big chunk of change. Happened to you? You’ll want to make quarterly estimated tax payments this year so it doesn’t happen again. But what if you owe the IRS but don’t have the money now? (Hint: You can’t just file an extension until you have the money to pay). [...]

Around tax time, the mere utterance of the “A” word is enough to make even the most honest taxpayers break into a cold sweat. Tax codes are so complicated, and the IRS so stringent, that an auditor could probably find an error or two in almost anybody’s return. But don’t sweat; understanding how the IRS selects tax returns to audits may just decrease your chances of being selected. [...]

If you will be able to claim the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit this year or next, here’s some helpful information. A recently released revision to IRS Form 5405 will help you through the steps required to claim the credit. Here’s some more information that will help: [...]

Bundled in the 2009 economic stimulus plan is the $400 ($800 for couples) Making Work Pay tax credit that will provide a tax credit in 2009 and 2010 equal to 6.2 percent of your earned income up to a maximum of $400 for individual filers and $800 for couples. Here’s what you need to know. [...]