How to Get Your Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit

You've decided to purchase a home and take advantage of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit. Here's what you have to do to get your benefit:

1. Close on your home purchase between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, or have a binding written contract in place by April 30, 2010 with a closing date no later than September 30, 2010 (original date was June 30, 2010).
   
2. Decide whether to:
• apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010;
• file an amended 2009 return; or,
• apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011
  
3. Attach documentation of purchase to your return.

Documentation of Purchase

For more information on claiming the credit and on the documentation required for your 2009 or 2010 returns, see the IRS's First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Questions and Answers.

When to Apply the Credit

Buyers purchasing homes on or before December 31, 2009 may claim the credit on their 2009 tax returns.

Buyers purchasing in 2010 will have the option to:

• Claim the credit on their 2009 return, even if the purchase is completed after December 31, 2009;
• File an amended return for 2009 if their purchase is completed after April 15, 2010; or,
• Claim the credit on their 2010 tax returns.

Applying the Credit to Your 2009 Taxes

You will need to do three things to claim the credit on your 2009 tax return:

1. Fill out Form 5405 to determine the amount of your available credit;
2. Apply the credit when you file your 2009 tax return or file an amended return;
3. Attach documentation of purchase to your return or amended return.

If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Home Buyer Tax Credit.