Filing for the $8,000 Home Tax Credit

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There is good news and bad news. Good news first... you can still claim the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit. Bad News... You still cannot file for it online and you can expect long delays.

If you purchased your home after November 6th you were not able to claim the credit because the IRS had not released the new form and instructions but finally yesterday, they did. That has caused major delays.

The two-month delay was frustrating to Florida resident Charles Teschke. "We are not broke or anything, but nevertheless we were still counting on getting the tax refund to help pay for the appliances and stuff we needed for our new home," he said. "The IRS told me they estimate it will take four months for me to get my refund!"

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Last year, people were able to e-file an amendment to their 2008 taxes for the credit but you cannot do that now. Scammers are at fault for that. It was found out last year that tax preparers were falsely claiming the credit for their clients. Many have been convicted of it.

"Because of the scams, the IRS started sending back the amended returns and asking for proof," said Mary Mellem of David & Mary Mellem, EAs & Ashwaubenon Tax Professionals. "The system has no way of sending along the documents they're requiring. Taxpayers must file a paper return instead."

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Thats the way of it. Scammers ruin it for all. So be warned, it may take longer to get your credit.