What does the IRS consider a first-time home purchase?

A first- time homebuyer is an individual who, with his or her spouse if married, has not owned any other principal residence for three years prior to the date of purchase of the new principal residence for which the credit is being claimed.

How do I know if I am considered a first-time home buyer?

If you’ve never owned a home, you are considered a first-time homebuyer. But you are allowed to be a previous homeowner and still qualify as a first-time homebuyer. According to the FHA, you can do so if you have not been an owner in a primary residence for at least three years leading up to your purchase.

Who is defined as a first-time home buyer?

An individual who has not held ownership in a principal residence during the three-year period ending on the date of the purchase. For couples, if one spouse is/was a homeowner but the other has not owned a home, both spouses are considered first-time homebuyers.

What disqualifies you as a first-time home buyer?

To be considered a first-time home buyer, you cannot have owned or co-owned a residence in the past three years. You’ll also need to qualify for the mortgage like any other borrower. The mortgage lender will have a minimum credit score requirement and a maximum debt-to-income ratio.

How does buying a home affect tax return?

The main tax benefit of owning a house is that the imputed rental income homeowners receive is not taxed. It is a form of income that is not taxed. Homeowners may deduct both mortgage interest and property tax payments as well as certain other expenses from their federal income tax if they itemize their deductions.

Do you get taxes back after buying a house?

The first tax benefit you receive when you buy a home is the mortgage interest deduction, meaning you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage every year from the taxes you owe on loans up to $750,000 as a married couple filing jointly or $350,000 as a single person.

What does Fannie Mae consider a first-time home buyer?

First-time home buyer: An individual is to be considered a first-time home buyer who (1) is purchasing the security property; (2) will reside in the security property as a principal residence; and (3) had no ownership interest (sole or joint) in a residential property during the three-year period preceding the date of …

What are the perks of being a first-time home buyer?

Benefits can include low- or no-down-payment loans, grants or forgivable loans for closing costs and down payment assistance, as well as federal tax credits.