First-time Homebuyer Credit

 You may be able to take the first-time homebuyer credit if you are an eligible buyer who purchased a home as your primary residence in 2008, 2009 or 2010.  Eligibility varies depending upon the year of your purchase. And there are specific benefits that certain members of the military and certain other federal employees have, such as an additional year to buy a home in the United States, if they otherwise qualify for the credit. 

This credit reduces your tax bill or increases your refund depending on the tax you owe. The IRS will refund the credit, even if you owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.  

Legislation enacted in July 2010 extended the closing deadline from June 30 to Sept. 30, 2010, for eligible homebuyers. Legislative changes in November 2009 expanded and extended the credit and also added documentation requirements for claiming the credit. Due to increased compliance checks by the IRS, failure to submit documentation will slow down the issuance of any applicable refund.