The House of Representatives passed legislation yesterday to extend and expand the current first-time homebuyer tax credit.  The House action follows the Senate's approval on Wednesday and it is anticipated that President Obama is set to sign the bill today. The bill, part of the $24 billion econcomic stimulus bill, extends the current $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit (which was due to expire at the end of November) through April, 2010.  It also includes a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move up buyers and increases the borrower income limits for both credits to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples. 

Homebuyers will qualify for the full credit as long as they have entered a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and they close the transaction by June 30, 2009.  The tax credit is limited to homes with a purchase price of $800,000 and below.  The bill also includes anti-fraud language that gives the IRS the authority to do greater oversight during the processing of the return.

In addition, the legislation waives the recapture provision for members of the armed forces who are called on extended duty.  These members of our military and uniformed services, who are out of the country for at least 90 days, will also be eligible to use the tax credit upon their return through April 30, 2011.

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