Does the New Tax Credit Extension Apply to Me?

Here it is: in a nutshell, the new rules of the tax credit!

The tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline.

First-time home buyers will continue to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will receive a credit of up to $6,500. Existing homeowners will be eligible for the $6,500 if they have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also will increase the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000.

Under additional provisions in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The bill maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.

Still confused? Check out this handy chart from the National Association of Realtors. NAR's Government Affairs Division has compiled facts on the changes made to the current tax credit.