New California Home Buyer Tax Credit for 2010 & 2011

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill offering California’s second round of tax credits to buyers who purchase a home in the Golden State. This time, the state has doubled to $200 million the amount of credits it will allow. The bill allows up to $10,000 in tax credits, both for new-home buyers and for first-time buyers of existing homes. The last round of tax credits, which were for new-home purchases only, were extremely popular. Sales of newly built homes rose, and buyers depleted the full $100 million eight months before the deadline. The state tax credit will become effective May 1, shortly after a federal tax credit expires. The bill:

• Provides a 5 percent tax credit, up to a $10,000 limit, to all buyers of new, never-occupied homes.
• Provides a 5 percent tax credit, up to a $10,000 limit, to first-time buyers of existing homes.
• Sets aside $100 million for each program, for a total of $200 million.
• Requires buyers to close escrow between May 1 and Dec. 31 to qualify.
• New-home buyers have until Dec. 31 to sign a purchase contract, and then must close escrow by Aug. 16, 2011.
• Requires buyers to live in the home for at least two years.
• Provides for the tax credit to be paid in thirds over a three-year period. Buyers can waive whatever state taxes they owe – up to $3,333 – in each of the three years after buying a $200,000 or higher priced home.
• Sets no income limitations on buyers.
• Requires buyers to repay the tax if they fail to live in the home for two years or fail to close escrow on a new home by Aug. 16, 2011.