First Time Home Buyer Tax Rebate: How Long Does It Take To Receive Check
Buying a home for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. The dream of owning a home is one that almost every American strives for and now more than ever are first time home buyers trying to get into their first house. The reason is that Obama administration had created one of the best first time home buyer programs ever. The stimulus package that Obama signed into laws earlier this year created a rebate program for first time home buyers that gives up to $8,000 to qualified home buyers that close before November 30, 2009.
Although many first time home buyers have already taken advantage of this program, there are still some that have questions about it and people want to know more about the first time home buyer tax rebate, and how long does it take to receive a check. This question was sent to us from one of the readers and we felt that with some much talk going on right now about the first time home buyer tax rebate that we could share some insights on the process and how long it would take to receive a check from the government.
First Time Home Buyer Tax Rebate: How long does it take to receive a check?
- First, the home has to close escrow. The only way to get the first time home buyer rebate check is to have bought a house, and close on it before November 31, 2009. A person cannot receive the tax rebate check, or request for a check without first closing on the house. This means that even if the house is in escrow, the money cannot be processed until the house has actually turned hands and the person who is going to request for the funds is the primary owner of the house and the house is the primary residence for the individual.
- Second, a person that does close escrow and is qualified to receive the tax rebate check, based on the income and logistic guidelines provided by the government, has two choices on how they can receive the money. They could either claim the tax rebate on their 2009 return, which would mean waiting to the new year and filing the paperwork with the 2009 tax information, or they can amend their 2008 return to include this rebate and they could get the money sooner. I think the second option is the that many people would like, as they can get the money sooner. This means that if a person closes on a house today, they can have their 2008 taxes amended quickly with all information filled in properly, and could have a check as soon as 4 weeks. The quickest we’ve seen processed took about 4 weeks, and we also seem some take as long as 12 weeks. There is not exact date or time for them to process the tax rebate check and it would depend on the quantity of apps that they are going through at any given time, the thoroughness of the paperwork when it is turned it, and location of the buyer that the mail would be processed too. All of these things would factor into when the check would arrive, but if a person was on top of it and did all things that they are suppose to do, they would get their first time home buyer tax rebate check within about a month, but could take up to 3 months if the paperwork and process is stalled because of incomplete paperwork or delays in sending it in.
The money will come. Although we’ve heard some frustrations from people that are waiting for their tax rebate checks, other people that were qualified and did fill out the paperwork properly have received their checks so it’s just a matter of time and it will get there. The best case scenarios would take about 4 weeks, but in the worst of cases it could take as long as 12 weeks to get it. Don’t get discouraged if you are waiting for the tax rebate, or not sure if you should fill it out for this year or next. The first time home buyer tax rebate is a good program and one that will help many Americans realize their dream of owning a home.
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Thanks that is finally some good news!!!
On 9/16/09 I sent UPS package to IRS Kansas City, MO
On 9/17/09 UPS package was delivered at 9:28am, signed by Holst
On 9/18/09 IRS confirmed delivery
The following was sent to you for an amended 2008 return, where I was due a refund:
(1) Federal Income Tax Summary Page for 2008
(2) Federal Form 1040X for 2008
(3) Federal Form 1040 for 2008
(4) Federal Form Schedule B
(5) Federal Form 2441
(6) Federal Form 5405, indicating home purchase closing date of 9/15/09
(7) 2008 Federal Statements Page showing Wage Statement Summary
(8) US Dept HUD Settlement Statement for my home purchase
(9) State Sales Disclosure Form for my home purchase
(10) Home Warranty Deed for the home I purchased
(11) Exhibit A for Home Warrant Deed
Following is history of my calls with the IRS :
1-800-829-1040 IRS calls
WEEK 4
called 10/16 - confirmed receipt on 9/18 only said 9-12 week turn around
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WEEK 5
called 10/23 - nice lady- confirmed receipt 9/18 said 12-16 week turn around, sometimes addl items not reqd when sent gets pitched, then they may re-request. Told her I will call check on status every Fri.
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WEEK 6
call 10/30-Mr. Kirkpatrick 0270509
“12-16 weeks” - no info about return processing
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WEEK 7 Mrs. Hammer 0730296
Call 11/6 - said “16 weeks for processing” again. no add’l info.
WEEK 8 Mrs. Massey 0571482
Call 11/13 “12-16 week turn around”
“Wk 12 Earliest to get refund is 12/11, - Wk 16 Latest to get my refund 1/8” - no info but in Oct she sees where it was up for possible review. If in review I’ll be sent a letter. (I HAVE NEVER GOT A LETTER!) It is possible if ACH on original return -that ACH may occur on refund. Or check sent within 2 weeks after approved. “they do keep all documents they receive, don’t just pitch them and then re-request them”. She also confirmed that all info I told her regarding my previous calls are correct,she sees where I was given wrong info re: 9-12 wks originally. As of July a National Alert went out stating 12-16 weeks.
WEEK 9 - 11/20 - NO CALL MADE
WEEK 10 - 11/27 - NO CALL MADE
WEEK 11 Bill Nazarro 0178645
Call 12/01 “12-16 week turn around”
Been assigned to someone in the dept for Review.
WEEK 12 MRS. BOHANAN 0270340
Call 12/7
“still in review”
WEEK 13 0201155 (lady)
Call 12/15 1:30 pm
“still in review for first time home buyer credit can take up to 180 DAYS from OCT 2!” (Are you kidding me, you won’t pay me what you owe me until APRIL!!!!???) I told her I wanted to talk to a supervisor because this is a first, nobody in 13 weeks has told me this!?
Supervisor suppose to callback 48 hrs.
2nd Call 12/15 2:08 Mr. Ronell in Fresno
# 8907305 (very nice understanding- almost the only one that works for the damn IRS that cares)
said it is in examination dept, could still be sent out at 16 wks or could be audited, then could take up to 180 days for audit. He said wait uhtil 16th week then if I don’t get anything call again. I asked why would it be audited when I sent everything they could possibly need:
1040 x
2441
sched b
5405
settlement statement
sales disclosure
warranty deed
exhibit A
He also noticed my ph# not on file, I gave him Hm# and Cell#.
12/21/09 Monday 9:15 am
Cynthia McKenzie 0349093
‘allow 12-16 wk turnaround’, still in exam unit. “Have to be done by wk 16 from date rec’vd”, I will callback in two weeks, she will send referral inquiry 4442 to CRU for follow up to find out why not done yet. I should then get response in 30 days. If no response, call back for a Taxpayer Advocate to get involved for me.
(She said NO, “process time is not 180 days from date audit starts”.)
1/5/10 Tuesday 4:18 pm
Mrs. Dupree 160537
THIS IS THE 16TH WEEK – WHERE IS MY REFUND THAT I AM DUE?
still nothing done yet, in examination unit
YES, WILL GET PAID INTEREST FROM THE IRS FROM THE DATE RECEIVED 9/18 TO DATE PAID OUT (4% int rate)
SHE referred me to tax payor advocate
ph#1-877-777-4778
I called tax payer advocate 4:35 pm talked to Mr. Evans 0341412 - he said someone in Indiana to call me within 3 days. CASE FILE # 4634871. If I don’t hear from someone, I can call 317-685-7840.
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Tax Payor Advocate call on 1/8/10
Nicki Silcox #230037
ph 685-7838
fax 685-7820
1/8 I sent fax dl copy and paystub with my current address on it! (the address of the home I purchased that the IRS has plenty of proof of already) and 1/13 mailed her copies of all ppwk, a mortgage stmt, driver license copy again.
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1/7/10 Thursday 10:10
Thomas 0174243 a supervisor should call me in 24 hrs
1/12/10 Tuesday 10:40am
Mr. Williamson 0228226
Still no ph call from supervisor received. He confirmed return was selected for review by exam dept, can be up to 180 days (from 9/18 = 3/19)- I requested supervisor call again. He said should get call within 24 hours from supervisor. Mr. Williamson was complete ass, said he could not see the 4442 being sent on 12/21 and could not answer my questions to (1) why supervisor never called me back (2) why I have not got answer on the 4442 that was sent (3) when he said he didn’t see 4442 sent why not and why wasn’t it done as I was promised? He said to ask Tax Payor Advocate, as he didn’t have that information to confirm, I asked (4) if he didn’t have that information how was the tax payor advocate to have the answers?
NOW HERE IT IS JANUARY 14TH, NO CALLS FROM IRS SUPERVISORS AND I DON’T HAVE THE REFUND OWED TO ME, THE IRS CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT DOESN’T HAVE ANY ANSWERS AND TIME IS TICKING FOR ME AS A BOMB IS GOING OFF IN FEBRUARY WITH MY BILLS AND MY CREDIT HISTORY AS I WAIT FOR AN ANSWER FROM TAX ADVOCATE ON WHY THE IRS CAN’T GET THIS DONE.
I feel your pain, I am also trying to get an answer from them too. I have experienced one extremely nice rep and the other rep was very cold and said to me to wait another 3 weeks. I said are you serious. She responded with yes is there anything else. I said well I mailed everything to you on 11/12/09 and now I’m being told to call back when another rep said between the week of 1/21-1/31/10 it should arrive. She said I can’t answer that. She hung up, I was so upset. It is very frustrating, I have even written a e-mail to the Obama making him aware of what’s going on.
Renee, I feel your pain. I closed in July, had my taxes amended by certified tax accountant. I had followed similar path as you had, called, faxed. I received a letter from IRS after my 15th week to submit additional documents and proof that I am indeed the homeowner. On the 20th week, I received a letter from IRS that they receive my updated information and my case is up for review that may take up to 180 days since an acceptance day. So I am here over 26 weeks since closing, and 23 weeks since amending my tax return and still have not receive anything. I kinda giving my hope on getting anything from IRS.
BE WARNED! The IRS is very backed up on getting these refund checks out. Be prepared to wait 12 months in order to receive your refund check! Many of us filed in the middle of 09 and are still waiting!!
Thanks for the info, and from many of the comments we can hear people’s frustrations.
Still,,after 12 weeks no rebate,,,no answer,just run around from IRS,,,what do we do??? Help
I live in KC,,KC office tried telling us they haven’t recieved it yet…..12 wks
Here is an Idea……I submitted my tax refund WITHOUT
I submitted my tax refund WITHOUT the homebuyer credit….I get mine in 5 to 8 days. After I get my refund back i will submit my amended return alongside all paperwork needed. that way I will get 3900 now and get 8000 in a few weeks, hopefully not 12 weeks. the irs is nothing but a bunch of pencil pushers.
I don’t suppose any of your have thought about reducing your federal withholdings on your paycheck to recoup part or all of the $8,000? It’s a perfectly legal way to get your money in your pocket now, as long as you readjust your withholdings after your receive your $8,000.
Linda makes a good point. I wanted to get my return a little sooner so I ended up adjusting my taxes to get more back now. It’s a perfectly acceptable idea and one that more people should look at if they know they will be buying a house and will get that money eventually. Otherwise, it would be good to adjust the taxes back to the normal level as to not owe any money in case the rebate doesn’t get accepted.
Mailed it in at the end of August…………STILL WAITING! With no straight answer as to when the refund will come. And they want to take over our healthcare system….NICE.
mailed amended on Oct 14, 2009, call IRS on 2/15， after waiting 20 mintues, got a chance talk to the representative, being told that it could be up to 180 day. Why do not tell me on the previous call? why just tell me this when 16 weeks is due.
I closed on and took possession of my house on June 26, 2009. I mailed an amended 2008 tax return along with a form 5405 on June 29, 2009. At that time, they only wanted the 2 forms that I sent them and their website said to allow 8-12 weeks for a response.
I called them on August 31 (9 weeks), because I had not received confirmation that they had received the paperwork. I was told at that time to give them up to 16 weeks.
On September 25, I received a letter dated September 18, requesting more information. I pulled the requested information and put it into the mail the next day.
On October 31, I received a letter dated October 19, saying that I should receive a response from them by December 10.
On December 14, I called and spoke to Ms. Phillips (0154556). She was really nice and took my ranting in stride. I was informed that the claim had been DISALLOWED on December 3. She stated that while we (the taxpayers) only have 30 days to respond to any correspondence received from the IRS, they (the IRS) have up to 90 days to respond to any correspondence they receive from us. She stated that I would receive a letter with more information. She also stated that could not send the tax credit via direct deposit. And, if I decided to just forgo the amended 2008 return and claim it on my 2009 taxes, then my 2009 refund would be delayed.
I received a letter to this effect dated December 21, stating they needed to verify details of the purchase and that the property is my primary residence. I did not receive this letter until January 5, 2010.
I immediately gathered the additional information they requested, including: mortgage statement information (I am kind of in a bind here because they are requesting a monthly mortgage statement or a canceled check. My mortgage is set up to automatically withdraw from my checking account on the first of each month, so I don’t get a statement nor do I have canceled checks.); a copy of my driver’s license; a copy of my automobile registration; and, a copy of a recent bank statement. They also could have used a copy of a recent pay statement, but here again I am in a bind, my pay is direct deposited and I access all my pay information online. I did however include a very nice letter inviting them to come visit me at my house at their leisure and reassured them that I do live in my home.
This letter stated that I could fax the requested information, but after 3 days of continuous redial and not being able to get their fax to respond, I mailed the information.
On February 12, I received yet another letter. It was dated February 1, and thanked me for my correspondence which they received on January 13. The letter states that “we will review your response and you should receive a reply from us within the next 30 days. If we are unable to complete our review of the information you sent within that time, we will contact you again providing a date when to expect our response.”
In the meantime, I electronically filed and received (via direct deposit) my 2009 Income Tax Return.
I figure at this rate, I might actually get my First Time Homebuyer’s Tax Credit by the end of June 2010, a whole year after I bought my home.
My wife and I ammended or 08 taxes (Which where single being that we got married in 09) We sent our 1040x along with all the other docs in Nov. They recieved it Nov 26th. I got my 4000+ intrest two weeks ago. Where is my wifes 4000?
Closed on house : 7-31-09
Mailed 1040x and other appropriate documents: 1-20-10
Received check plus interest: 2-22-10
I had originally planned to file for the homebuyers credit on my 2009 tax return until I found out that the IRS would be requiring paper returns for those requesting the credit. I decided to file an amendment to my 2008 tax return instead because I did not want to hold up my 2009 refund. As it turns out, filing an amendment was a good decision. I received the refund plus interest in just a little over a month. I am not sure why others are having so much trouble.
I closed on my home in August, sent 1040X and 5405 in first week of September. Since then, have been given the complete run around by the IRS, it is now February 23,2010, 5 and 1/2 months later and NO CHECK ! It;s amazing how when the Govt. Owes you money they take their sweet time in getting it to you, but if you owed Taxes they’d be in your pockets before you receive you next paycheck. Horrible!!! Maybe by the time i file my 2010 return i will receive my check for 2008?
Thanks for your update and hope you are rewarded soon. We’ve heard from some that have gotten their checks right away and others like yourself that have not. There doesn’t seem to be any rhythm to reason with but it sounds like you are doing all you can.
The IRS received our amended 2008 return on 7-10-09, asked for additional information on 12-05-09, we FINALLY received our rebate plus interest on 2-22-10. It only took 33 weeks!
I filed my form in April of 2009 and just got word that it was approved on February 12, 2010 - almost one year later! The letter I just received from the IRS said that it would be another 6-8 weeks before I received my money (with interest). Wonder why it takes 6-8 weeks to give me my money once it has been approved. This is ridiculous!!! I now wondering from when do they pay interest? From the time I filed in April 0f 2009 or when my credit was approved on February 12, 2010?
is there a number i can call to verify that they recieved my claim i filed it nov 18 and still havent heard anything
you might try this number
1-866-897-0177
wow, after seeing all this, i was hoping to have mine in a few weeks, but this just seems ridiculous. i guess i wont be paying off my car as soon as i hoped
I spoke with IRS on February 25, 2010. I asked where is the refund for FTHB? I purchased home Nov 12, 2009. Filed ammended tax on Nov 16, 2009. Recieved a letter stating a form 5405 was to be completed and resubmitted with ammended return. Waited till 5405 was published and mailed ammended return with new form 5405 and supporting documenst on January 21, 2009. On February 26, 2010 I spoke with the IRS and asked if they had recieved the proper documents and when I should expect to see the check. They said it was received and gave me a date of January 27, 2010 and I should expext to see the check 12-16 weeks from January 27, 2010. That puts out to April 7 or April 28 some where in the middle of those dates.
Note she did say the admened return was moving quickly compared to others and was suprised to get all that info on my filing since she does not see that much info on others which were filed at the same time. Not sure if she was just trying to make me feel better? Maybe it is not in review.
Same deal as everybody else, sent in refund on jan 4th returned feb 8th and needed new forms. I sent back out feb10th with new 5405 and now scared to call period. Why keep my refund paperwork in limbo 3-4 weeks with 5405 form info they knew was wrong, it was stamped on jan18th wrong. what gives with all the delays? If the president wants to stimulate the economy then do so without all the slow red tape.
I HAVE BEEN READING ALL OF THE COMMENTS ABOUT TFTHB REBATE, THE GOVERMENT IS STALLING TO KEEP THE MONEY THEY PROMISED PEOPLE TO BOOST THE ECONOMY, YEAH WE DID OUR PART, NOW LOOK HOW WE ARE BEING LIED TO . THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS CRAP IVE HAVE EVER BEEN THROUGH, SO WE ARE GOING ON 6MONTHS SINCE WE FILED AN AMENDED RETURN, TURNS OUT WE GOT AN AUDIT, NOW WHAT, THIS IS A BUNCH OF CRAP IF YOU ASK ME, SO HOW DO WE GET INT. ON THE MONEY THEY OWE US? IF YOU OWE THEM , THEY MAKE DAMB SURE THEY GET THEIRS AND THEN SOME.
I walked my amended 2008 tax return into the IRS office in KC November 30th. A month later they requested more information, I sent it off the very next day. I have received the run around from the IRS ever since then. They told me over a month ago that everything was approved and I was set to have my check processed and should receive March 1st. I haven’t received it yet, and when I called now it has been moved to the end of March. What a fiasco this all is!! We have billions to send everywhere else in this world, but we cannot pay our own citizens the money that is due them. Nice!
Looked inside my mail box and its empty as a drum. Why won’t the IRS send sum? All this and nothing to show. Only to find they want me to owe. More to come for my woe. I just hope the IRS sends my doe.
News Flash… I received a letter from the IRS yesterday March 4 2010. It read that the IRS owes me $8000 plus interest and I should have the check in two weeks. I will let you know what happens in two weeks and if I get the check. I filed the first FTHB claim Nov 16 and then sent in new form 5405 Jan 21 and got this letter March 4 2010.
NOTHING YET, WILL NOT HOLD MY BREATH ! MAY TAKE UP TO A YEAR. WHO KNOWS.
Hope it doesn’t take that long, but it’s wise to not hold your breath waiting for the check. It does seem like it will get there, but just not in the time frame they originally hoped.
OK got the check plus interest March 8, 2010. Purchased house on November 12, 2009. Originally filed FTHB Nov 16, Letter expaining New form 5405 will be needed on Dec 31. Filed new 5405 plus ammended tax return on January 21, 2010. Got a letter March 4th, 2010 stating it check will be sent in two weeks and got check on March 8th, 2010. I really hope you guys get your checks soon!
Great and congrats! Sounds like you were put through a few hoops but were able to get through it and with some interest. This should be some good news to those that are waiting and trying to get everything squared away. Thanks for the comment and hope you enjoy spending your rebate.