Receiving the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
Although receiving the first-time homebuyer tax credit initially took six weeks to receive, many customers have had problems receiving their credit from the IRS. As evidenced by the six hundred comments below, many have not been thrilled with the process, even those who filed the paperwork correctly and legitimately should receive the credit.
For those of you who have filed or are planning to file an amended income tax return (form 1040X) to receive the (up to) $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit this year rather than waiting for next year, there is some good news.
Although the IRS is more than likely overwhelmed, the refunds initially took six to eight weeks to receive. Here is an early comment from a Consumerism Commentary reader:
Just wanted to let you know that I received my $8,000 (plus interest) from my 1040X by mail yesterday. I mailed my amended return around June 25, so I feel the turnaround was very acceptable. Even though our original refund came by direct deposit, this one came by check; I don’t know why.
There are a few interesting notes to take away from Kimberly’s experience.
The IRS is providing interest payments as if they owed money to the taxpayer since April 15. This is the normal case when the IRS underpays a refund. It’s good to see they are providing interest in the same manner here even though the law was not created until after many people had filed their 2008 tax returns.
Six weeks is a reasonable time frame to expect your credit. Many people I’ve spoken with expected the credits to take much longer, prompting some to suggest waiting until the 2009 income tax return is due. I see no reason to wait that long. Plus, it’s unlikely you’ll receive interest if you wait until April 2010.
Keep in mind that if your paperwork requires manual intervention, like an address change, or if the information you provide does not match what the IRS has on file, your credit could take longer to receive.
The refunds are sent by paper check. I warned of this in earlier articles. Even though you may have designated a bank account for direct deposit when you filed your original tax return, the IRS is sending the refunds through the U.S. Postal Service as if we were still living in the twentieth century.
Have you received your first-time homebuyer tax credit yet? How long did it take?
Article comments
My husband & I lived his great-grandmother’s house for years. This home sits on a large piece of land, so when we bought a double wide, we just put it behind the old house. Because our “mailing address” did not change, our return was “red-flagged”. It’s been 3 years now and we’ve still not received our $6100.00, but I do get a lovely letter every month asking us to please continue to be patient, because they are so overburdened at this time they’ve still not had an opportunity to fully investigate our claim. …I guess the IRS is unfamiliar with the term “mobile-home”. Maybe FEMA could help them understand…
…interest, huh? hmmmm
Good luck folks. The IRS definition for a “First Time Homebuyer” leaves much to be desired and I initially thought that I did not qualifiy for the Credit on my 2009 tax return for the home that I purchased in 2009. After deligent research I determined that I did, in fact, qualify for the Credit. I submitted an amended return April 16, 2010; then the fun began. Going it on my own; then the Tax Advocate; then the Mediation…enough to pull your hair out. Finally, after 18 months (October, 2011), the Mediator agreed that I had supplied enough proof to qualify me for the Credit. He stated, “I would like to thank you Mr. blah for providing me with the most documentation that I have ever received.” a little sarcasm but jokingly. I sent him almost a ream of paper (faxed)(at one time). He then said that he was allowing my claim for the First Time Homebuyer Credit. Then he said that it would take 2 to 4 months to process the payment. I didn’t need to pull my hair out at that time…it just fell out.
Nov 2, 2011
Going on 12 months.
We closed Aug 31, 2010, filed a 2009 amended return in November 2010. Received a letter of denial some 15 days letter, as if it was the default mailer. Hired a CPA Attorney and it is now November 2011. We have gotten the runaround. Ever 45 days they send a letter stating they have a heavy workload or they are still verifying information. Then get this, they send a letter in September 2011 asking for another signed amended return with HUD 1 copy…the documents that originally initiated this entire ordeal. WHAT??#$ How else would they know I filed for the credit had they not received the documents asking for the credit? I’m no Socrates, but there is a puzzle piece missing.
I guess I’m at least going on 12 months of interest. Fortunately, we don’t need the money to pay any current bills, but I would rather be told I will get it in exactly 18 months, then an odd run around where I’m not sure what the problem is.
Is the problem a verification issue, is it a heavy workload problem, have they been told to only send 5 credits in a month? What?
Well after reading all the comments here, I was quite nervous I may never see my credit! I don’t know how I got so lucky especially when I was told it could take up to 16 weeks. I closed in April 2010, sent in my tax return at the end of May 2011 (extension was filed) and received my direct deposit 3 weeks later! 3 weeks!!!!…1st time the IRS has ever came through for me…oh yeah and I did say a little prayer…I needed that money!
I am having a terrible time with receiving the tax credit also. I purchased my first home in June 2010 and filed an amended return the following month. I got a letter from the IRS a few months later stating they needed my driver’s license, a mortgage statement, copies of my bank statements, copies of my car registration, HUD settlement statement, contract for purchase, and they also wanted my first born child. Too bad I don’t have kids. I sent in all the info requested and got a denial letter the following month. The letter says “we received your information sent in on October 10, 2010. We have your HUD statement, dated June 11, 2010, and your contract for purchase dated April 9, 2010” Then the reason for denial stated that their records show I purchased my home on August 22, 2008. Wait, Wait! How can someone be so blind? Just two sentences before, they acknowledged that I went under contract on April 9, 2010 and closed June 11, 2010. How could I have purchased the home in 2008??? So I appealed the denial and sent in my recorded deed, dated June 11, 2010. I also sent in the tax history of my home showing that I did not own it in 2008 or 2009. Then I got crafty and found the previous owner’s deed, which was recorded August 22, 2008. So then I figured out that they somehow are confusing my purchase with the previous owner’s purchase! Ever since, I get a letter about every 30 days saying they need more time to review the information that I sent in in October 2010. Then in July 2011, I called and was told that they were closing my case because “their records show I purchased the home on August 22, 2008.” I feel like I’m in the twilight zone!! No one ever even reviewed all that additional information I sent in, and if they did, whoever it was was an idiot! What makes this so much worse is that I purchased a HUD home… A home owned by the freaking government! It’s not like I’m scamming here, it’s all government documents!!!! I called the tax advocate service and now have sent them all the information and was told I have to wait until September 21, 2011 to hear back from them. Is it ever going to happen for me??? Has anyone else had this problem??
Still waiting for that nice check on the mail. Month 16. I had also used a reputable CPA and long time family friend. I decide to use the WHERE IS MY TAX REFUND link on the IRS website. And no information was discover. I used that number given on the website for me to called their office. But it was not the Fresno office, and they said it hadn’t been filed! I immediately called my CPA, and we called together and it was indeed filed and “processing”. She even gave me a personal $3000 advance. She doesn’t know why its taking so long and is baffelled that I am her only client that has not received this credit. bummer!
We STILL have not received our check!! What number do we call?? I’ve been trying to find it online with no luck! 🙁
Hope someone can help us!
I need help!
I hope someone who has been in a similar situation can give me some advise.
Back in 2008 my then husband and I purchased a home. The mortgage was solely on his name, but my name was on the deed. Shortly after the purchase we separated and in 2009, we filed our tax returns as joint divorced, and he claimed the credit and kept it because we were not living together at the time. Our divorce was final at the end 2009. I married my current husband in 2010, a few months after he had purchased his first home. We filed 2009 taxes as married jointly, and the IRS denied us the credit because I appear as though I had already received the credit.
Is there any way we can prove our case that we never received the tax credit before? Please help!
end of july 2011 – son filed 2010 first time home buyers in january 2011; had entered into contract with down payment in March 2010; closed May 2010. has sent all requested (3 different times) information, supporting papers, etc. whenever responded to by IRS … the last time having been rejected because ‘not sent in requested blah-blah-blah; you owe $1k+’. this requested paperwork had not been requested previously (he kept all communications). this was over 6 weeks ago and he has not heard anything since. he’d purchased this small condominium at a specific price because he’d factored in the first time credit as it’d be suggested by the realtor. he’d not doubted the gov’t honoring this as he met all criteria to qualify … and was/is counting on the returned credit for his final year’s tuition. does anyone have more recent information/experience to share? does anyone recommend using a tax advocate?
entered that first blurb a month ago … here’s an update which truly is no update … they responded to his submitting the information they mentioned as his having not sent & for denying him the credit … they said they’d received it and it was being reviewed and that he’d hear from them again by august’s end … august has come and gone, now it’s the beginning of september … here’s blurb i added elsewhere; let’s all wish one another good luck & god speed re. these refunds which promise helped folks make home purchases, got some homes off the market, helped a bit towards stimulating the economy: review of son’s situation: i’ve left comment elsewhere re. my son’s signing his purchase contract in march of 2010, closed in may 2010, filed for tax credit in feb 2011 … and still waiting (sept 2011) … he has given them extra information, supporting documents each time they’ve said they need something more … one item being something never asked for in original request or subsequent requests but used as reason to deny … needless to say, he too had a response turnaround time of less than 24 hours for each & every requested documentation. he never complained and always responded in a sane, business-like fashion … unfortunately he has been counting on this 1st time homeowner’s return being used towards his senior year tuition … the school year has begun, the semester paid without these hoped for funds. the interest that will be paid won’t cover the accrued interest & cost of taking out a loan to make up the difference. and, nothing can be done about it except let his mother let off some steam in this blog! sigh …
Filed in March of 2010, with my tax preparer, whom has been in the business for over 30 years and is a family friend. I feel so bad for her, because she’s the one that has to wait on hold for me and keep tabs with the IRS. It’s now almost August 2011, and no check. They won’t even let my have my own personal 2009 federal tax return, which is another $1,500 on top of the $8,000, un-be-lievable!!! I received my state return with no problem. So, now, they say it will be another 2-4 weeks. Bummer. I got those Home Depot no interest for 12 months cards and fixed up the place myself to save money. Well, it’s been more than 12 months, so, I’m paying over $600 in deferred interest now. Double Bummer.
This whole thread is depressing. I figured that because I had waited a decent amount of time before filing that I would have missed the rush and would be processed quickly. I filed an amended return for my 2010 taxes which was received by the IRS (sent certified mail) on May, 17th 2011. I purchased the home in April 2010. I have a couple of questions and would really appreciate any info you all can supply.
1. Has anyone filed in the same time frame as me and either heard about or received their credit?
2. How long does it usually take to get the credit?
2. Has anyone dealt with the IRS processing center in Philadelphia?
3. Is there anything at all that can be done to expedite the process on my end?
Thank you God! I will finally be getting my refund in a week or two! I have been going back and forth with the IRS since February of 2009! It is now June 2011! Be persistant with them.
OK. Now, I am really depressed and feeling hopeless after reading the above comments. I filed 5405 in January they contacted me by mail, that they needed more info..I sent it out the next day (march 31st) I’ve been calling and looked it up on their website and it states “there has been proccessing delays you should rec your refund by June 14th.” I hope so! I’ve been checking my bank account each day….ok, a couple of times a day. But, a few of you said that they send it by mail only? I will let you all know how it goes!!
You should receive a letter 5 to 7 day prior. It will tell you to look for the check in afew days.
I filed mine as an extention. SO both letters went to my OLD address not the new address. So I recieve both the letter and the check the same day, because the post office held them and forwarded them at the same time.
I filed an amended return in February of 2011. I received a letter with all my documents enclosed. They told me I failed to mail in form 5405, I took a copy of everything I mailed in and stapled it together. When I received my papers back, I check what was stapled together and that form 5405 was stapled with all those other papers, anyway I did submit all the papers again. Two weeks later I called to check the status and was told that it takes 12-16 weeks and when I returned that paperwork my time starts all over from the date that I returned them. OMG I guess this is just a waiting game.
Yesterday was a year since I’ve been waiting. I got a letter saying it was finally approved on 2/14/11 and would have my check in 4-6 weeks. Still nothing. When I called they said they had a glitch in their system and my check wasn’t released and they don’t know how to fix it. They said I shouldn’t be concerned since they will pay me interest. I’m sure what they pay is nothing compared to what my credit cards are charging. They asked if I was in a financial hardship. I told them I’ve been living off credit cards since a 5bypass heart surgery last July and my car is broke down in the driveway. They said that is not a hardship because although I’ve been paying my bills with credit cards I’m not past due.
Just curious where you’re all getting the phone number to call. We filed in mid-2010 with an amendment and it was returned as denied as they were claiming we previously owned a home – this was not the case. We purchased PROPERTY with intent to build in 2006. No mortgage existed. It appeared to us that they took a sweeping glance at our paperwork and stamped it denied. We aren’t giving up on this without a fight. We re-filed (through our accountant) and sent in mid-March. I got a confirmation through certified mail on 3/21/11 that they received our paperwork. We got our denial letter pretty quickly after the first round so I’m hopeful that they are actually REVIEWING our papers this time around. But again, if someone can give me a number to call that isn’t automated, I’d really appreciate it.
Hi JRM, did you pay property tax on that property, and did you claim that property tax as an itemized deduction? At first I thought I was eligible because I did not actually occupy my newly built house until 2009, but since I purchased the property before that with the intent that it would be my primary residence, I could claim the property tax deduction for up to 24 months, BUT I found after reading IRS Publication 936, that once I had claimed the property tax, THAT started the clock, making me ineligible for the First Time Homebuyers Credit. Would have been nice if the IRS website on this new credit had said that up front, but this whole thing was sprung on them by surprise, and they were not prepared for the avalanche, let alone all the cases with unusual circumstances.
This hurt me financially big time, because I made the final push to get into my house by telling my contractor that I would be paying with the First Time Homebuyers Credit. I had researched, and was sure all was OK. After I got denied, I had to take out cash advances on credit cards to pay the guy, some of which are charging me 29.99% interest!!! And that’s after the credit card reform laws that went into effect last year! And now I find out that the Federal taxes I am paying are being used to give kids in “magnet” schools free I-Pads!!!!!! How fast are those $500 machines going to be obsolete, broken, or stolen???
Ive called every number in my local phone book, even where I did my taxes. The only numbers I can get are the ones with the automated information, enter this and that and followed by the pound key. Apparently its the same in AZ, which was where I had to sent my paperwork by snail mail. It would be wonderful to speak with a real live breathing person. Sure hope Im not being stuck in a perpetual brain fart cuz I cant find a real person to talk to. What number are you guys using????
I call 1-866-897-0177 and speak to an actual person every time.. Of course we’ve been waiting on our credit since February 2011.. almost 7 months later and they say it could be another 45 days or so before someone looks at my account and then another 45 days before they make their decision.. However, I feel that most of the agents will just tell me a longer date in hopes that I will smile, say thanks and have a good day..
I’d given up on my badly needed refund, after my claim was denied even after using the tax payer advocate. I bought a manufactured home in 11-09, put it on very rural property I’d owned for 30 years, and finally moved in my first own house last summer. I payed for it in full with inheritance from my dad. I lost my job shortly after I lost my dad, so have been living on those savings, which are now gone. I’d been counting on living on the refund until hopefully I can find a job or get disability or something. The IRS kept asking for mortgage docs. and pay stubs, when I have neither. Also they wanted a receipt from a moving company. I couldn’t afford one and moved myself in many trips, with some help from friends. A few days ago, an IRS agent actually called me about my claim, and told me to submit everything again! I mailed everything by certified mail yesterday. I’m hopeful, but cautious. I had no idea so many others were having problems.
its been over a year since i filed for the first time home buyers credit. Ive sent in every documentation short of sending in nude pics of myself. I finally received my credit but no interest and so i start another battle with the IRS. SOOO frustrating ! If i owed the IRS money they would have garnished my wages and done everything to get their money this is the most frustrating thing ever and to top it off I’m 9 months pregnant!
We filed for our credit on our 2009 return…provided them with every piece of documentation and then some (over 50 plus pages) After several letters from the IRS requesting more documentation ( same info we already provided) phone calls every 2-3 weeks, we FINALLY received the refund due to us plus interest…..11 months later. Hang in there and be persistent!
Hang in there. We filed in March 2010. Our attorney failed to send in the right papers. We sent them in, didn’t hear, called several times (once speaking to an incredibly arrogant agent who acted as though we should be grateful that they would consider giving any money at all to us), found out (only after a call) that they wanted another document, sent it in, waited six more weeks then – last week – got our check plus interest.
Frustrating, but successful.
This is really diheartening, I just applied for ours in February 2011, and I’ve been checking the mail like a crazy woman waiting for that check, and now I read that it could take up to a year or more by a lot of commentors. We really need that money as a cushion when my hubs gets out of the army soon, looks like I might have to get an extra job to hold us over during that period.
I filed in Sept 2010 and got my check Dec 2010. Everything was filled out right I had a tax company do it. It will take 3 months if everything is filled out right. If you have to send more paperwork that they need, you will have to get in line again. I got real sick with a huge breast abcess. Had to have surgury and could not work. I had to get help from the food banks to make it threw untill I got my check. The good part is it came with interest.
I submitted my amended tax return for the homebuyer’s tax credit over 7 months ago, and I have still not received it!!! I have called several times and even sent additional information when they requested it. Isn’t is interesting that when you owe the government money, they want it right then. But no, when they owe you money…….it’s like it’s never gonna get to you!!!!!
Hang in there, folks. We just got our check yesterday with interest. Only took a year 🙂
Update: I finally called one last time to find out the “status” of my tax credit and fortunately, for the first time ever I got a lady who said she could see that my filed had been closed and approved. So I asked okay, “what does that mean now?” She stated that my check would be mailed out and I should receive it by mid March. I didn’t anticipate it actually happening, but I am pleased to report it did!! (with interest!)
To Cindy, I would only recommend that you continue to send whatever they ask, and send in copies twice (just in case) and call at least every 15- 30 days, and just tell them, you’re checking on the status. They told me the same thing about how they had all these fradulant cases where ppl claimed they bought a house but didnt, they even told me once, “well, you aren’t the only one that was a home time buyer!” I know how livid they can make you feel!! Trust me!!! Hope you get yours soon!!
Reading all these comments lets me know I am not the only person in this predicament. I closed on my house April 1, 2010. I amended my 2009 tax return in May 2010. I’ve called many times and documented each call. Each time I am given a date/time as to when I should receive either my refund or a response from the IRS. I too have received letters with “respond by” dates. I’ve spoken to rude individuals and nice individuals who basically try to reassure me that they are working on it and I should hear something by…..”insert date here”. I was told a while back that I was being audited. OK…fine, but how long does it take to verify that I actually bought the house, I live there, and I am a new homeowner? Really!!! I’ve sent them every document they asked for and then some. This is so incredibly frustrating. I wrote my congressman and that has not helped so far either. I filed my 2010 income tax with TurboTax and it was deposited promptly into my bank account on Friday, March 18, 2011. I can’t believe I received that before this tax credit. What is going on here? Can you hear me screaming? Ugh!!!!
Filed mine at the end of May ’10. Have been calling and calling, heard back 2 weeks ago that they denied my claim because I had to prove I was divorced at the time I purchased my house. Now I just talked to another lady, who tells me the exact same thing every time I call, that they’ve had fruadulent cases, blah blah blah. I told her if I owed the IRS money you’d be up my a$$! I’m so sick of waiting. Told me it would probably be another 90 days. Just very frustrating and there seems to be no end in sight. I hate getting rude with these people b/c I know they are doing what they can, but don’t tell me it just got to your area. I don’t care, not my problem. To me the IRS is the IRS, no matter what division you work in!!
It’s been a year and still no credit refund. I have faxed over numerous paperwork that the IRS requested. My friend turned me on to a Tax Advocate Group that will take your information, make it into a case and present it to the IRS. I am keeping my fingers crossed but not holding my breath. The Advocate Group stated that it will take 90 days. Whats another 3 months.
*update* after months of the run around and several letters saying our file was under review and we would hear by they by X date, we finally were approved and should recieve our money in 6-8 weeks. It’s only been 10 months or so. I’ll believe it when I see it. With a baby due any day this money will be helpful.
I filed an amendment in May 2010. I still have yet to receive my credit!!! Each time I have called they tell me they need more information. I have sent everything they have asked for and still they just keep telling me it’s still being reviewed!!! It is so agravating!!! I swear each time I hang up with an IRS agent…my entire mood changes…grrrr!!!!!!!!
I filed June of 2010 no admendment. I received the refund outside of the 8K within a few weeks but the homebuyer tax credit went straight to review and has been there every since. Last documentation was received by them Decemeber 13, 2010 was supposed to have an answer in Jan. they sent a letter saying still reviewing should have an answer in Feb. Still no word. Called last week docs have not been reviewed. Did anyone verify if interest would be added? If I owed them 8K I would have a request for garnishment by now but its a totally different story when they owe you.
I’ve now had my home for 1 year and 2 weeks as of 2/15/11 and still have not rcvd my credit. Have got the runaround like you wouldn’t beleive. Just goes to show, your on their time. They’ll get theirs but you’ll just have to wait till we get around to it to get yours
It is 20 months since we filled for First time homebuyer credit…We sent them all paperwork they requested (some of it few times) and we still didnt get the check…. Does anyone know if IRS have to pay interest for all that time we are waiting for our money?
Thank you for reply…
I received a letter stating I was denied because the paperwork I sent in did not accurately define the purchase of the home??? They also sent along paperwork requesting my signature allowing them to close out my case! Why’d they even bother offering the tax credit if they were going employ sneaky tactics to deny or screw with everyone? Anyways, I faxed in another set of paperwork that stated the deed number is the record books, etc., and only yesterday received their response which ONLY told me they’d gotten my fax and again my case is under review. According to them, I SHOULD hear something from them by February 20th. Don’t think I’ll hold my breath. THIS SUCKS!
Do you get any kind of letter saying they received your paper work or do u just wait and hope a check comes ?
Well, it did take us just about a year to get the check, but finally it did come. Along the way we did receive an interim letter requesting information and a form our accountant said they originally hadn’t required. We promptly sent the additional information. Later as the months wore on I did on two or 3 occasions call them, and I must say they were generally responsive and helpful. Having dealt with beauracracies before, I knew not to adopt a demanding or insulting demeanor, because I knew that would be a good way to get my file placed down the bottom of the pile. So one year after closing I finally received my $8,000 check. Yes, it took longer than anticipated and was a hassle, but… the bottom line is don’t get demanding or indignant, honey catches flies quicer than vinegar.
HI! We have been waiting over for 11 months to get the 8,000. Did you get interest paid since they waited a whole year to get you the money? Thanks for the info.
P.S. Any helpful hints when you did call? We were told that Austin was the only dept. that could make the decisions. Thanks, Kathy
bought a house november 2009, filed tax return for 2009 around feb 1 2010. STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED my first time home buyers credit. nothing but a run around. Every time I call I am put off another 4-12 weeks….Here I am, ready to file tax return for 2010……
i amended my 2009 taxes when i bought my home in april of 2010…. over 30 weeks later and no word. i’ve called numerous times, they put me on hold and then i get disconnected…… starting to make me angry and make me a little worried….if it was gonna take this long i would have just waited to do on my 2010 taxes!!! this is crap.
So true I am in the same boat it has beem 10 months and I could have waited to file it on my 2010 taxes as well. I feel a little bit better knowing that I am not alone in my waiting.
amen scott! I’m in the same boat…seems we were “encouraged” to do our part to stimulate the housing market with the promise that we’d get the tax credit…Hmmm..Makes me VERY angry too..Closed on house in July,2010…Still Waiting…
i’ve left comment elsewhere re. my son’s signing his purchase contract in march of 2010, closed in may 2010, filed for tax credit in feb 2011 … and still waiting (sept 2011) … he has given them extra information, supporting documents each time they’ve said they need something more … one item being something never asked for in original request or subsequent requests but used as reason to deny … needless to say, he too had a response turnaround time of less than 24 hours for each & every requested documentation. he never complained and always responded in a sane, business-like fashion … unfortunately he has been counting on this 1st time homeowner’s return being used towards his senior year tuition … the school year has begun, the semester paid without these hoped for funds. the interest that will be paid won’t cover the accrued interest & cost of taking out a loan to make up the difference. and, nothing can be done about it except let his mother let off some steam in this blog! sigh …
Hey Scott,
We closed on our house April 22, 2010, I amended our taxes and filed all the paperwork by May 1, and we received our tax credit with interest exactly 7 weeks later to the day, our friends closed on their house 3 weeks later and filed their credit 2 weeks after that and received their credit 8 weeks later. Call them until you are able to get an agent on the phone to check the status, I know those that filed after they extended the credit are having to wait quite a while due to the volume of refund requests, however, everytime I called in I was able to get an agent and they were very helpful! I hope this helps. Also my sister closed in July, and filed hers in August, they requested more info in October and she has still not gotten her refund but called in November and got put on a hardship to try and speed up the process of getting her refund. Last week they told her they were processing for the last week of October and would start November in the next week or so! Hope this helps some! Sorry you have had to wait!
I filed an amended 1040X in September 2010 and still have not received the check. I have called numerous times and gotten a different story every time. At one point, an agent admitted to me that some IRS agents were telling outright lies to filers when they call because they are so frustrated with having to deal with the public. Apparently, the IRS had a hiring freeze in place when the Hombuyers Credit was implemented and got a few hundred thousand cases and no new employees. In addition, 60% of the filings were fraudulent so they stopped paying them at all last summer until “investigative units” were set up which took months. Obviously the situation is not entirely their fault, but that doesn’t excuse the moronic behavior I’ve encountered on my phone calls to the IRS such as rudeness, lying etc.
One more comment – at this point, March 22, 2010, the refunds are taking a minumum of 4-5 months and more likely till take over 6 months unless things get smoothed out now that the investigative units are in place.
It’ll be a year next month since I filed for mine. It has taken me 3 times of sending in the same stuff which the 2nd and 3rd time included the RECORDED deed. I purchased a home I was leasing and they said they couldn’t figure out how I was able to purchase a home but not have a change of address. I even went as far as giving them a copy of my original lease and a sworn statement that I bought the property I had been renting and they still couldn’t figure it out.
amen!
I finally recieved my home credit on December 31, 2010. It did take 7 months to get but I did finally get the credit. I just kept waiting and every time they requested addtional information I mailed or faxed it back the very next day. They are just really slow getting the credits out, because to many people claimed the credit at the beginning that had not even bought a house and so all of the people that truely desire the credit have to fight the IRS to get it.
All – I have been waiting for my tax credit for 11 months. I believe the IRS has been responsive to my inquiries because I send my letters to them certified. Calling isn’t enough! The IRS workers are either incredibly overworked or are drones, because even after explaining my situation they still forwarded my paperwork to their arbitration team. A 2-minute phone call resolved everything and my check will be in the mail soon (hopefully with a year’s worth of interest!)
just curious if you got interest added to your credit I have been waiting 19 months now looks like they might have finally decided to approve my credit “fingers crossed.”
I should get my check within the next couple of weeks, but my fingers are crossed, too! I read on the IRS website that interest is paid starting 45 days after that year’s taxes were due through the day the check is cut (in this case, interest would be effective 5/15/09 since I filed an amended 09 return). If I don’t get the interest I expect I’ll post an update. Good luck!
I called in today and found out my check will be sent out next Friday. I am getting interest but not a lot for having to wait 19 months only about 8% of my credit. Not complaining though I’m just happy to be getting a check finally.
I got mine in a little over 8 weeks and I got interest of $48. I believe its calculated so much per day like if a regular Tax refund was late.
What additional information did they ask for?
A divorce decree and property settlement that proves I deeded my previous house to my ex-husband proving that I was not an owner of the home despite the fact that I was still on the mortgage. They kept declining my credit because I received mortgage interest statements from the bank. But had they looked at whether I actually owned the home by checking out the house’s deed, they could have resolved the issue in a matter weeks instead of months. But every time I sent requests for updates, disagreed with the declines or provided information I did it all through certified mail.
Am I the only one STILL waiting? We bought our home in Febuary 2009 and we filed in April. Since then we’ve received at least 7 letters saying the IRS will get back to us. We’ve called and called. It’s now Jan 2010 making it 9 months since we filed. Then today when we called, my husband was hung up on after being on hold for 30 minutes and when he called back after another 30 minute wait, an automated response said the IRS could not take our call. What the hell is up with this?! I’m so sick of waiting and getting the run around. This is horrible service! I just wish we didn’t need the money to get out of the debt we’re in for buying our house!
Finally got an agent that I could converse with beyond: “it’s being investigated, sir. You just have to be patient.” This time he passed me on to another agent who said: “What we need is proof that you were out of your last residence for over three years.” That’s it. That’s what all this was about. The question is – why didn’t they tell me this back in June when I made the first inquiry, as I could have sent that on to them immediately.
So I’ll send on the papers and see what happens. . .
Received my check Dec 20th 2010. I sent in the paperwork Sept 17, 2010 I sent in a amended return and got my Christmas present.I had a tax service prepare it for me.
Filed in March. Still waiting. Everytime I’ve called I get: “we are processing your paperwork.” Several dates I was given have passed. I get the same response: “we are processing your paperwork.”
My mistake? Actually it was our accountant. We gave him our HUD statement. He failed to send it in. This started the process giving the IRS an excuse to not pay us. The last conversation I had with an agent was disturbing to say the least. With sarcasm dripping from her mouth she said: “So you have a problem not receiving this free money that you did nothing to earn?” I guess they want us to beg.
I submited my paper work to adjust my 09 tax return June 7.
I still have not recieved my credit. I called to check the status in
August. They said they recieved the paper work July 14 & the
processing time is 16-18 weeks. I still have not recieved my credit.
I’m not happy with the turn around time. I keep reminding myself
this program has never exsisted before and is part of the reason
why I bought my home. With that being said I want my damn money….lol
Final update to my update to my update: (yeah, I know..)
Received check today, December 1, for the full amount plus 200 in interest. It only took 7 months, 2 weeks and 2 days! :p
For those of you still doing the waiting dance: hang in there. I know it’s rough, but you will eventually see action. It might take 7 months, 2 weeks, etc… but you will.
I sent in my amendment paperwork April 15th, called today and it is still under review. I just keep getting the run around they tell me they didn’t receive copies of paperwork, bull. I made copies of everything I sent for my own record, I open the folder and there they are. I think they claim they didn’t receive them just so they can stall more. I wish they were just up front and honest, then I wouldn’t be anticipating the refund. I think prisoners that are being fraudulent receive their check before me at this point.
I filed my tax return on Oct. 12, 2010 and 5 weeks later got by $8,000 check with $157 additional interest. I’m still in shock because I’ve heard so many horror stories about delays etc. All I know is that I brought my paperwork to H&R Block, they did my tax return and we attached my HUD, signed purchase agreement, and 2 pieces of mail I had recieved at my new address (401k and mortgage statement). I’ve heard that if you don’t send all of the information in correctly the first time, your return gets flagged as possible fraud, and thats when the long delays start. I honestly think having a professional look everything over and sending in proof that I am actually living in the home I purchased helped speed things along. I also didn’t call and harass the IRS people. I had a friend that did that and it didn’t help her case one bit, 3 months and she’s still waiting 🙁
Received a letter today dated November 18th stating that “my refund has been approved”. Of course, there’s now a 6 to 8 week waiting period for it, heh.
I estimate that I’ll probably finally receive this money – IF I do, that is – by early February.
Ten MONTHS after I send in the paperwork. Unbelievable.
But at least the wait is almost over – I hope. I won’t believe it until I actually hold the check in my hand.
Hang in there, all of those who haven’t gotten it yet. I totally feel your pain.
Hey all! There is a light at the end of this horribly long tunnel of doom! We received our money plus interest exactly one day shy of a year!! Ridiculous, but it did come! Now I fully believe that if we did not have a tax advocate it would of taken even longer.
Sounds like the IRS just doesn’t want to give taxpayers what is due to them. I closed 6/16 and sent the paperwork in 2 days later. they came back twice requesting additional information..not to mention the fact they lost my amended return and said I did not submit it! After sending them all the information requested, the file was complete on 8/16. Yesterday, I called and they are stating my case is closed, but no notes in the system as to why! This has been the most frustrating process. They are quick to take money, but slow as crap refunding money. I just don’t get it. Now I’m going to seek a tax advocate for assistance. This is TRULY insane! Guess I’ll be waiting another 6 months!
I mailed my ammended 2008 return along with form 5405 and a copy of my drivers license April 15th of this year. I received their request for additional documentation mid to late July. I returned the Purchase Agreement, signed and dated by both myself, my husband, and the seller, a copy of my most recent bank statement showing the address of the purchased home, U.S.P.S change of address confirmation, also showing the new homes address, and copies of every cancelled check written for the mortgage payment dating back to the January 12, 2009 purchase date. This was everything the IRS requested. In fact, I exceeded their request for proof of payment and faxed everything back to them the same day I received the letter. Every 6 weeks since then I’ve called to check on my refund (the time on hold is utterly absurd) and each time I’m told my submission is awaiting review, and could take another 6-8 weeks. The calls all end with an unfaltering invitation to call back in a couple of weeks for an update. The sad reality of this is I’ve yet to receive an update, OR, needless to say, a check!
That is exactly what is going on with us…. Sent all the stuff in April… last month they request more info… sent that in. Got in the mail letter saying they recieved everything and will be under review until 11-30-10… So very frustrated…. was really hoping to have a little extra Christmas money… Looks like next year some time… 🙁
I called them again this morning, a feat which is proving them to be as useless as used toilet paper. The only update I received was that they’d mailed me a letter on November 5th, whose contents, she replied, “were unknown/unavailable to her” and if I hadn’t received it within 30 days of its mailing (she inaccurately quoted the deadline to be the 2nd week in December, her precise words “by the 12th of December”) to call back in. No doubt another one of their stall tactics. The only good thing that came of this conversation, my one and only glimmer of hope, was that she acknowledged it had been over 16 weeks since the RECEIPT of my ammended return, and verbally conceded it had been an unusually long wait for information (she must’ve been new to admit to wrongdoing on their part). Under the advice of other poster’s both here and other websites, I’ve began filling out the application for an Advocate. I suggest anyone else on this boat do the same. Good luck everyone!
More news! Got a call from home saying I had received said Mystery Letter from the IRS today. More accurately, I received a large envelope from IRS Submission Processing Center as well as a standard envelope from the IRS Department of Treasury. Anyone gotten these? I won’t be home to open them ’til Monday! The suspicion is killing me! I was only expecting the one Mystery Letter.
Submitted my tax return in May 2010. I split the tax credit with my boyfriend since we bought our home together. He received his half of the return within six weeks. It is now the middle of November and I still don’t have mine. I did get a letter in June which said to call them in 45 days if I heard nothing. So I called on day 45 and got crap because “It hasn’t been 45 business days yet; we don’t work on the weekends.” WELL your letter should specify BUSINESS days! I FINALLY got a letter in September requesting additional documentation including the signed HUD form which I had already submitted as well as bank statements, pay stubs, mortgage statements, etc. Got a letter saying I should hear from them by December 11th. We will see….It’s absurd that my boyfriend got his half and they’re withholding mine!
Hi, Jill,
Well, we submitted ours in March and still haven’t gotten it. At issue (supposedly) was that we hadn’t sent in our HUD statement (our attorney’s fault actually). But that set the delay in motion. I’ve called several times, always waiting until their (arbitrary) time limit, only to be told the same thing over and over – “its in review.” When you protest they get snippy – “sir, we said its in REVIEW.” In other words – go away!
Don’t hold your breath – this is our government at its patronizing worst. I’m beginning to believe, in fact, that word has come down to not only delay, but cut off all other payments – save some money, you know.
Hi John,
I actually got a letter today (although still no check) saying that I’ve recently received a new homeowner’s tax credit and explaining how repayment works if you move in the next three years…so I’m assuming the check is not far behind (I hope!).
That’s good to hear. Did you use a tax advocate? That seems to be the way people have gotten their case heard.
Hi John,
I actually did not use a tax advocate. I called the IRS two or three times. Once they sent out the letter asking me for my additional information they got the ball rolling relatively fast and I received my check today. It was definitely a pain in the butt process and having to be patient but hopefully yours will come soon!
Good luck,
Jill
Today is 11/14/10, and I still do not have my homeowners rebate for 2009.I used H.R. Block.I have been given the run-around by the I.R.S.I have had a tax advocate, who has closed my file after I met with a compliance officer.The compliance officer gave me a letter congratulating me and saying she recomended no changes to my return.That was two months ago.My return supposedly went to Kansas City;Oakland, and somewher else I can’t remember supposedly for processing.They owe me 6000.They finally paid me $820.which was my regular return one month ago(9 months).I called Barbara Boxers Office(My self proclaimed Rep.)Her staff kicked me to the curb.I will not vote for her again. I’m thinking seriously about not voting for Obama again too.(I guess Democrats Suck These Days)
I sent my paper return for 2009 prepared by H.R. Block into the I.R.S the middle of 1/10.My return included the 5405,First Time Homeowners Rebate,and my settlement papers from all the DOCS I got when my house closed in 9/2009.I moved in it in 10/2009.My house was a HUD home that needed some repairs.I am a senior citiuzen on a fixed income and no retirement.I get a small amount per month.I charged the cost of my repairs on my credit card to the tune of $4,000.00,to make the small house livable.HUD did not pay for any of these repairs.
I waited about three months before contacting the I.R.S.,I had not heard from them and in the past it usually took me about 4 weeks to get my refund.I file the simplest form.I called them several times and was told it’s being processed.So about the sixth month I got a taxpayer advocate.Two months later I got my regular refund of $800. They owed me 6700.I kept calling my advocateand in the 9th month, 9/10,I got a letter from a compliance officer for a meeting.I went to the meeting and brought copies of all my tax forms per her request, by the way I also mailed copies of all my tax forms to my taxpayer advocate9They were faxed costing me $11.00) .I asked each why they keep needing copies of my tax forms for 2009.They really avoided my questions.At the end of my meeting with the compliance officer she gave me a letter congratulating me saying she recommend no change in my refund.She also stated I would probably get my money before I get a final letter from her dept. closing my file, this was 9/13/10).By the way my tax payer advocate told me over the telephone that She was closing my file and that I would also get interest on my return for having to wait.In the begining of this run-around I was told my file went to Kansas City;Then later Oakland.The tax examiner in Oakland told me over the phone my return was never in Oakland, ca. Today is 11.14/2009, and I have yet to receve my Howneowners Rebate.”I DID EXACTLY WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA TOLD AMERICANS TO DO.AND PUT REPAIRS ON CREDIT THINKING SURELY I WOULD HAVE MY REFUND IN 2-3 MONTHS,BECAUSE BEFORE MY REFUND NEVER TOOK MORE THAN 4 WEEKS.”In my mind I will not vote for President Obama next time.I was stupid enough to vote for him when he got elected.,I won’t vote for BARBARA BOXER again either because I tried to get some help from her staff before her election and was just kicked into the gutter.Ron Moore/TAX PAYING CITIZEN
Fed up with the IRS, I filed mine first of April. It is now mid November and nothing, I have called, I have sent paper work 3 times, Once because they said they had a computer error and lost my Hud form. I have sent fed ex in August. Got a letter in Sept and said would be 30 days. Got another letter in Oct saying same thing be another 30 days. They said I was approved back in August just said they needed the Hud form again. Well I don’t know what to do. I am a single mother making it week to week and could use the funds to fix up my house, IE new Fridge, New Dryer and fix my overhang that is falling. Comeon IRS this is some BS.
Barb, I requested a Tax advocate when I had called in July and they gave me one. I think it’s untrue when someone told you that lawyers are reviewing the paperwork. Maybe it’s law students, but not lawyers. Good luck with your quest in getting the money. I called them consistently every week before I received my check 6 months later.
Can someone tell me how to get a tax advocate? Who do you call? I have filed an amended return and it has been 8 weeks. I have been told it has been received and it is in line to being reviewed. They said it is lawyers who are reviewing these returnes. They told me now it can be 16 weeks. I now have been reading these posts and some have not received theirs and it has been months. I need the money I have lost my job and now I will lose my first home. I need an advocate.
I’ve called four times over the past five months. Each time I get: “we are processing it, sir.” The last time I got an incredibly patronizing person who told me in a voice dripping with sarcasm: “you’re talking about getting the free money from the government, right? The money you did nothing to deserve?” In other words – we’ll hold you up as long as we feel like holding you up because you don’t deserve this money in the first place.
My wife and I are actually resigned to not getting this money at all as its clear they’re just going to keep putting us off until we give up. Is there any recourse we have here?
“pester”(as one poster said, bother, call very often to the IRS. Best get an IRS TAS AGENT immediately.Whatever information your TAS agent can’t take by phone,MAKE SURE you send it ONLY certified mail, return receipt requested. That is the ONLY way you will make headway getting your return-rebate. Even receipted FAXES are denied by the IRS.
CALL VERY OFTEN, MAIL ONLY CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED and WAIT, and WAIT-but maybe half the time. Sure it will run high, my case a couple hundred dollars in postage getting the IRS to respond, but think of the gross amount of the rebate.
This is frusterating……So I have a couple of questions…We closed on our house June 30, 2010 (but we are military so extended) Sent in Paperwork for amended 2009 taxes in late August 2010. Since we bought the house in 2010 how would we qualify for interest on 2009 taxes? Also, I tried to use their tool on line for checking my refund and it finds nothing. Don’t they send anything stating they received it or an estimated time, or is this something I have to manually call and pester them about?- Thanks in advance… Christina
For John H and others. It’s maybe time we complain bitterly to all our Congressional Reps and Senators. We need to explain the IRS slowness to them in terms of deliberate slow pace, neglect, shoddy evaluation of incoming tax returns, them not tracking in a decent business system incoming/outgoing paperwork.Our reps and senators need to hear how INEFFICIENT this branch of government is and be told to have the IRS rehauled, giving jobs to people who are workers, not takers of paychecks and benefits ‘job earned’, stretcher-outers-of -tasks just to collect MORE pay, overtime, benefits while the rest of us in general are hard up throughout the US.
I’m writing this in November of 2010. I filed my income tax in March of 2009 and am still waiting for the $8,000 new home tax credit. I keep hearing “we are reviewing your file.” Is there anything I can do?
Well, I sent mine in May and still have not seen that check as of yet. Two delays and request for more info, which btw was included with orignally submission.. and now I am learning there is a revised form generated in July that I may now have to resubmit and wait yet again…congrats to those of you who were successful. IRS stall..happy to learn about the interest..
Ann, Yes, I finally did receive the check sometime in September with interest. It didn’t happen until I requested a tax advocate. Good Luck!
This is incredible! We were promised a credit (incentive money) to purchase a home….and now we have to beg to get. That’s just not right. I settled late January and filed my taxes, with Home Credit paperwork, March 1st. After diligent weekly phone calls to the IRS and requesting an advocate I finally received it in September with interest. At one time when I called, someone on the other line told me my name was red flagged on the computer as calling from a prison! Imagine my surprise! I immediately went to the social security office to make certain no one else was using my social security number. The IRS office told me that one of the data entry people must have made a mistake! A mistake! That’s unforgiveable incompetence at its’ best! I didn’t get anywhere until I requested an advocate who called me and I got my check 6 weeks later. My heart goes out for those of you who have been waiting for 8 to 9 months. That shouldn’t be…..there is something wrong with that picture. No one in politics has mentioned this “blunder”…It appears to be hush, hush….Somewhere up there is probably embarrased that it has gone on this far, with no end in sight.
(re:Amy)
An IRS TAS agent out of FRESNO told me there hasn’t really been that much fraud.
I had surmised that.
Is is scandolously shameful that the IRS(supposedly working for the people) is mistreating the people, treating a majority of rebate filers as red flag audit candidates. The people working for the IRS, and moreso the politicians who place them there, need to be fired in the Nov election. Threats of further taxation need be nipped in the bud now. The entire nationwide IRS needs to be torn apart and restructured, bring speed and efficiency-not overbearing ioppression on our pocketbooks. This would take a huge Congressional investigation and clean up under the current bulwarks of the Federal Government.
Trust you own instincts and be prepared to call several times a week, fight for your legitimate return-rebate with patience over months. I feel sorry for those who have not gotten a penny yet.
Yes, they asked me for all kinds of personal information they have no business knowing, that they can use or actually share/sell regaring how much on accounts, mortgage payment statements, drivers license, etc.. The government is trying to catalogue all the information bits they can on indiduals, now. This is not good, not in favor of our free nor entrepeneurial, nor freedom of speech.They will keep trying to take away our Constitutional liberties and using the IRS as one of their controls over us is part of that larger effort picture. Frankly, I think the IRS can be done away with, entirely.
And Amy, keep at it after the IRS, hound them-I did and am not done yet.Best to you getting your return back. THEY owe YOU.
I have been waiting five months for my refund. I have gotten three requests for additional information and each time it is for something different and than I have to wait another 30 to 60 days. I have been requested to send my diver license with new address, mortgage statement, copy of insurance for auto and etc. I just want to thank all those that took the credit when they did not even qualify for it, so it makes us that now do qualify for the credit have to keep sending in information and waiting because of all the fraud.
I am also playing this nasty game with the IRS. I have mailed paperwork to them 5 times now. Some of the requested information is duplicates from prior mailings. WTH are they doing with thte paperwork . I keep getting letters that this correspondance was recieved or now being reviewed. I call and it’s still being reviewed. I files originally february 21. It’s now creeping up on November. The last letter I recieved said I should hear something by Nov 11. It better be a damn check!
Apparently, the IRS and our Federal Government loves the bad,criminally negligent actions against the people regarding the FTHB SR. Maybe all of them think it’s good for their re-election in November.
6 to 8 weeks my a$$!! I’ve been waiting since JUNE to get my rebate. ITS IS NOT THE END OF OCTOBER!!! WHERE THE HELL IS MY MONEY IRS???!!!!! I have called them 2-3 times a month and they keep telling me it is in transit or being review. I hate the IRS
I closed on my very first home in early May10, filled out and sent in the 1040x, 5405, and HUD form end of May/early June. In mid July I received letter stating it was processed and denied with little to no reason as to why, when I called the number for questions/concerns on the denial, the Agent I spoke to said that I had to mail a letter with my inquiries, which I did promtly that same day. I didn’t receive a response from them until August 21/23with a Aug 16th date, stateing that it was being researched and to give them 45 days. I waited and received another letter over 45 days later asking for another 45 days. Called today and was told it was still being researched and to wait that second 45 days and call back if I dont hear anything an advocate will be assigned. This whole process is very frustrating. It will probally be resolved or denied again after I deploy in service of this country.;
You are not alone. We bought a house in May and are given the same spiel…. It is now November and I would like to know who to contact to make this right. I feel violated since I lost my joy and really need this money now.
A follow up to my previous post on October 25, 2010. Now out of country for my Military duties. My wife had called asking for a tax advocate, after the last 45 days was up, which the person on the other end said, sorry you can’t get one since another letter had been sent out asking for another 45 days while it is being researched. Getting more frustrated by the day. I guess all they have to do is keep sending out letters to avoid whaat they should be doing, which is paying the people who qualify for the credit.
A followup to the follow up. We finally got our check with some interest, but it only took 10 Months!!!!
Hi Everyone,
For those of you that still did not receive your refund…I feel your frustration. As you can see from my two previous posts, I sent my amended return back in March 2010 but the IRS claimed they never received it…This is what I did, after 16 weeks and getting no where with them. I went to my local IRS office with all my documents and the agent that help with my case told me exactly what I need to bring and the following day I brought all the documents to him and he submitted and gave me a stamped copy…I receive the refund 1 month after that. Good luck to you all…
ksy
They recieved our info on May 26th.. it went into reviews in August.. they sent in a referal on Sept 30 and said that we would definiately here something in 30 days.. welp its been 21 days so far and we have heard nothing..Has this happened to anyone else?
I am in the exact same boat as you. They received my information on the 25th of June. The 18th of October was the 16th week. I called and they sent in a referal. It has only been 7days since then, but I am in desperate need of that check! I am calling again right now to ask more questions. The woman I talked to last time couldn’t even tell me on what day interest would begin to accrue. >.<
i filed my fthbc april 8 i recieved a letter august 8 for more information on august 12 they recieved it and told me i should recieve notice in 30 days september 20 i recieved a tax advocate whom told me i should hear something form her by oct 26 , oct 8 i recieved a letter stating i was approved and it will take 4- 6 wks…………. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME ….IS THAT TRUE WOW !
Update: Letter from the IRS sent September 5 “requesting more information”. Gathered up everything they asked for (and a few things they didn’t) and OVERNIGHTED it all on September 8. Received all documentation on September 9 (and I know it was because it was SIGNED FOR, I have a copy of the signature confirmation). No word until September 27 – “still under review, you’ll hear from us in 30 days”. Today, October 18 – another letter, only now the story is “you’ll hear from us by November 22nd”.
At this point I think I just should have waited to file the damn thing with my ’10 tax return, because that’s how long it’s looking to be before I ever get it – IF I get it. At this point, I’m not holding my damn breath.
If I don’t hear anything in my favor by December 1st, my U.S. House rep is getting a call, along with my Senator AND the tax advocate. I am SICK OF THIS. It’s no wonder the country is the way it is.
Want to know what’s ironic? I saw a poster the other day that said “Support Obama – Vote Early.” As if!!!! He can’t manage to keep the promises that he DOES make, what makes him think I’d sign up for a second round of this?
Yes, I am UBER-TICKED.
The joy stories of checks received are far between and infrequent.
This “evaluation” and “review” terminology used so loosely by the IRS to consumers means you are under audit.Don’t feel badly, a large part of FTHBR candidates are audited; nothing new there. Make sure you stick the IRS with ALL the interest they owe you. This audit interception and delay tactic is intended to rob the public of their ‘wealth’ and unnecessay in most cases.
I have yet to see one class action suit broadly advertised appealing to cheated and delayed taxpayer filers for the FTHBR.
All I wanted to do, was improve my house so it was liveable, some for better energy savings. The IRS gave me only a partial return, and cheated me on the interest. I am still going to file for the rest of my return. It cost well over $200 pursuing what I got. On a below poverty level SS income.
The IRS is harsh, mean, obnoxious. They are not working for the people.
LIfe is hard, but plenty, without the $ insult from the IRS over their own problems and trying to keep the legal rebate money. I hope their is a big change in Congressional seats in Nov and the biggest change in leadership in 2012, before the IRS and other government agencies are entrenched in these types of practices to the point of no ‘return’ for us.
This new-fangled IRS is shameful.
We filed in February , today is October 14 we did not get our refund yet ! the funny thing in November we got letter from IRS telling us how much we supposed to get but they did not mention when we will get the money ! toda is October 14 we got another letter saying you received First time home buyer tax credit and you can’t sell or rent the house for three years!
The funny thing we did not received a penny yet .
filed back in February for the credit. It’s not October and nothing. I’ve called at least once a month. First they lost my info, then they sent me the wrong forms. They told me today it’ll be another 12-16 weeks which takes us to a year after first filing. You absolutely have to call to get anything done
My daughter filed in March and still has not seen her return.
Is there an advocacy group she can contact?
figure IRS will STILL be merry-go-rounding me on my return for the balance OWED ME of the FULL amount they owed me in 2009 and they will call THEIR erroneous delay MY delay so they rationalize paying me less interest.TG I’ll never have their liability on me imposed again, as punishment for requesting MY FSTHBR.
What phone number can i call to check? impossible to find one!
My 1040X will be identical to my original return for which the IRS deliberately shorted me the flat amount by scale based on my tax. And I anticipate another ‘tussle’ with them, that will take a whole bunch of months just as my partial refund did.
Their agents are ill-trained, not treating one’s return FIRST just as the individual filed it under a particular stimulus. Those inept agents Ilicitately CHANGE anyone’s stimulus rebate appopo filing to any kind the agent(s) please. And that is regardless of how the individual filed the return and WHAT stimulus they filed it for. Fraud, graft in the IRS.
Called today and found that my case was finally been closed in my favor on 10/7. Does anyone know how long after approval it takes for the check to be generated and mailed?
I first filed in April, so this is the best news I’ve had in a while.
Takes about two weeks after close to mail.
This has been the most frustrating experience with the IRS….we mailed EVERYTHING plus some to them…then they say they are missing a signature page from the HUD settlement statment so as instructed by the “IRS” agent, I fax the information to them….call back in two weeks…they can’t even confirm receipt but the agent does tell me something will become of this by Oct 8th….well, here it is Oct 12 and I just receceived a letter from the IRS informing me to file an “amended” return on form 1040X….I don’t have anything to amend..the information is still the same as our original return…..why is it my fault the IRS employees can’t adequately perform their job responsibilities and review the information presented to them??? And when I called on them on the most recent letter, the agent didn’t have access to the “data wharehouse” how the hell can they do their job if they don’t have access to the information?
Nice incentive President Obama…now put your actions where your mouth is….who is overseeing the agencies that are to full-fill your acts? It’s not you!
I sent my amended return on 3/2/10 the IRS received it on 3/4. Today is 10/9 and still no refund. Every time i call they say to give it 6-8 weeks because they are just “running a little behind”. Very frustrated. Was hoping to use $ for nice summer vacation, but hopefully will have by next sumer.
Filed 4/15. They wanted more info in June, got notification to hear something by July 31st. Get a letter SEPTEMBER, telling me wait till 10/31! All mine through Ogden, UT!
I filed all my stuff to validate I am legit, and it takes this long???
Mailed ammended return May 10th 2010 with ALL the right paperwork. Nothing happened until I called Aug 1st. When called they claimed that they didnt have the closing document for my house. I know they did b/c I photocopied exactly what I sent. They said they were going to mail me something which I had to respond to, which did come in 1 week. I sent in everthing again on Aug 15th. I just called today, 10/8/10 to check. They said it was under review and I should call back in a month.
There seems to be 2 takeaways so far. 1 is that you need to call to make anything happen. This is too bad as it wastes tax payers money to have all these people around answering phones. They should’ve gave people realistic expectations instead of these 6 week rumors. 2 is that it is going to take a long time to get a return. I think I will be lucky if it happens in 2010.
Good takeaway points, good observations; both factual.
I wish we all knew from the onset of filing, to call, call, call or forsake our legal return amounts. Made me feel like the Fed and IRS are not working for the people.
I wish all these online helpful type, sharing sites, complaint sites on the FTH stimulus rebate used realistic headlines and cut that “six weeks'” bit out. Realtors, specifically, used the ‘six weeks” enticement to get people to buy.
We all need to educate ourselves to how the government is now operating, left to our own devises on what and how we can do this.
Buyers, consumers,tax filer citizens BEWARE!
****Update***
Finally, received a call from tax advocate. My check will be mailed out Oct 8th with $457.34 worth of interest. That will put me at 8 LONG months. He did make a point to say that the interest will have to be paid back next year. For the many people that have been waiting FOREVER it is coming….GOOD LUCK ALL.
It is “coming’ as long as you call, call, call the IRS for it; otherwise not. Especailly with IRS free access to ALL personal information about you, if they see you are below Federal Poverty Level Income and make any arbitrary decision they want regarding you ‘not being able to afford a home’ Our President granted the IRS more UNUSUAL powers in April, 2010 to disqualify certain classes of buyers and further save the Government a few dollars to verse the national spending payouts in the last two years.
BUYER BEWARE, and fight, fight, fight for YOUR rights.
Some off the ‘backs of the POOREST’.
I filed amended return early April 2010. I received a letter asking for more documentation on 6/25/10. I sent it in the next day.
I received a letter saying it was received on 7/6/10 and I would hear some sort of response by 9/19/10.
Nothing yet.
For some reason, they’re sending to my previous address, even though in both my regular return and amended return, I used my new address.
My guess is that the address discrepancy is what’s slowing it down. Anyone else have this experience?
Oh yeah I had that happen.. its like I filed my tax return based on new address, and they sent a response to an old email address that I NEVER officially filed with the state or on my Drivers license or anything. Its like, what idiot let that glitch happen?
Could you have been dealing with a scam? The IRS does not send responses by email after the fact of submitting one’s return.
*************UPDATE*******************
Official Mail out date will be October 8, 2010. With $146 in interest. So total is $8,146. Has anyone ever had a mail out date and got sooner?
Received today! Total of 14 weeks. $8,146. First received July 7, 2010.
I closed on May 21 2010, mailed my amended return on Aug. 28 2010. I called to check the status on Sept. 27 2010 and was told that the check was going to mailed on Fri. Oct. 1 2010. That would put it at 5 weeks to process. HR Block did my amendment for 100 bucks, and couldn’t be happier.
I find no solstice in groupy togethereness, but understand the dilemna of each and sympathize.
Unregulated IRS sent me a partial return off odd dollars and odd cents only sentsually pandering to what the employees of the ‘investigation devision’ will never know.
I will be hounding them, as I did for months and months for my FULL payment remainder.I am below Federal Poverty Level Income right now, crippled, disabled, have MS, broken spine and will hound them for years to come. Medical is expensive, way beyond my reach for even basics. The IRS does owe me, I spent years paying tax in the past and I am entitiled.
Waiting since january when we filed. Received direct deposit for full refund today. Took 8 months to get our refund. We got a phone call from an auditor a couple weeks ago, and she said to be sure we have our full first and last names on our cell phones and home answering machines, otherwise, they will call but are not allowed to leave a message. She said she was working on “June’s” refunds that came in. We had sent in additional information for proof of residence in June. So, generally speaking, it takes about an additional 3 months for them to review additional information such as proof of primary residency. Just hang in there if you haven’t received yours yet. Its coming.
I am going to give you some advise make sure you include 1040X, 5405 form and the HUD Settlement Statement. Also, calll call callll. I stayed on them I would call like 2 times a week on Monday and Friday. Another hint I did but it is up to you. I applied money toward estimated taxes for 2010. I don’t know if that sped it up but they received July 07 and I spoke with them today and they said refund approved and should be receiving my check in a week.
UPDATE!!! After filing almost a complete year ago we finally have received a letter from the IRS stating that we get our check in 6-8 WEEKS!!!! Im not banking on it coming before the 8 weeks but it is still nice to have the end in sight!!
MAILED OFF THREE SETS OF RETURNS. THE FIRST ONE BEING ON MARCH 20TH 2010. IT IS NOT SEPTEMBER 22 AND THEY STILL SAY THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT. I EVEN SENT IT CERTIFIED!!!! WE HAVE DECIDED WE ARE NEVER GOING TO RECEIVE IT.
***Update**** Called IRS today they said refund should be received in 3-4 weeks! Yay!
***Update**** Called IRS today they said refund should be received in 3-4 weeks! Yay!
Here’s an update. My check was actually scheduled to be mailed on 9/10/10. I recieved my check today. exactly 4 weeks from the date the IRS recieved my paperwork.
I can finally finish some odds and ends, I had put somethings on hold after reading some of the other poster’s delays I was afraid to keep dipping into my savings.
***Update****
Was told by tax advocate on July 20th that I was APPROVED, I would not hear anything till the end of August. I called IRS middle of August they let me know that I was not APPROVED it was still in review and it was in “quality control” what does that mean? I asked she had NO IDEA. So I received a letter yesterday saying. “that it was still under review” I would hear something by Oct 9th. I am going on 7 months I’m afraid I want get it till my 9 month. Have anyone else had problems with the Atlanta office? I will stay hopeful…
I filed on March 5, 2009, been waiting since then! I received a request for more info on April 20 and faxed that information the same day. It is now in our 7th month and I get the same crud, “it’s still processing”, “it’s out of errors”, “time frame extended from 4 to 6 weeks to 9 to 12 weeks”, etc, etc…we finally filed with the tax advocacy office because we are so fed up. They have everything they need, just give us the money! Funny thing is, we had to fax in everything all over again to the tax advocacy office, it’s such a run around and it’s so frustrating. Good to hear they will be paying interest on the time they have made us wait. Does anyone know what that percentage is? How much interest and how will they determine that? I am really hoping to get this refund by mid-September or before, but at this rate, I honestly have no expectations. I called today and was told, “it’s out of processing, you had 6 weeks, it’s been 9 weeks and now it’s in Quality Control which takes 4 to 6 weeks”, what the hell is that phase? Just give me my money!!
Well update its been since 07/07 that is when they received. Called yesterday and they advised still processing. So I just hope I can know something soon if I have to provide documentation or when to expect check. Tick Tock Tick Tock…
The IRS received my paper work on 8/11 and processed, I called them on 8/25 and was told my check would be mailed out on 9/11. Even the rep said “they normally don’t process that fast”. Don’t know why mine processed so quickly but I am glad it did. I did include my HUD 1 and also a complete copy of my contract.
We received our rebate check direct deposit, my only guess was because our original return was direct deposit.
I got the same letter. Got the check about 2 days later. I’m pretty sure I heard/read somewhere that you only get the check for the homebuyer rebate.
I closed the house on 5/21. Procrastinated and didn’t sent in the paperwork until 7/10. On 8/6, I called and was told I would receive it in 3-4 weeks. I got the check on 8/23.
Has anyone dealt with the Georgia office? If so how long did it take for you to get refund? mine is in futher processing right now and i daxed my papers to austin on august 5th and they are still sitting there and havent been sent to the georgia office yet? How do you get a tax avocate and should i contact one or what should i do. I am ready for my money and it’s so frustrating dealing with the stupid people on the other end of the line!
They got out original documents on 04/02/10.Was told it would be 6 weeks to get the return.We called and called to check on it but have gotten no where.On July 15 we got a letter they needed more info which we faxed in and were told it would take 30 days to review it. Well the 30 days is once again up and we have been waiting on our refund or any info on it for going on 5 months now.This is crazy and is really begining to piss me off. Is there anything I can do???
Really! Wow that is good news. Was yours in examination stage? Is that a good or bad thing to be in examination?
R1…we are in the same boat, mine was recieved 7-6 and the IRS told me that my rebate would be mailed out on 8-20. Yet we recieved a letter yesterday dated 8-23(?) that said we “may have received our refund already by direct deposit or mail” but if not to expect it in “approximately 2 weeks.”
Has anyone else received their refund by direct deposit? I heard of one person, which I though the IRS couldn’t do that?
I am waiting on my credit. I sent in my amended return on July 7. I’ve been calling everyday so just waiting to see. I hope it doesn’t take too long. It is now in the processing stage/ examination.
Yes, the IRS will take YOUR time, unwanted time processing to get any return/rebate processed.They are intentionally taking significantly more time reviewing, re-reviewing by multiple agents any return who has not had the tax liablity to file for years(violating particulary the majority of ADA backed people.The IRS thinks these people will complain the least…..).They do pay FULL Interest if you demand it, and in arbitrarily selected cases(no legal basis) they will fight you on a full refund(then get a free tax action lawyer, join lawsuits).They did this to me with them thinking that I’d be stupifieed by only a partial refund they recently send, the IRS taking ‘priviledge’ to put me under a totally different qualifying program stimulus then I was originally eligible for AND filed under. I will stick it to them,no matter how long(as before), keep posting and more, to make THEM perform the correct way including illegal penalties pay to me plus full interest. Done many similar things before, always, a life time of reactive, solid behavior their employees will never have ingrained, nor the Federal Government as it exists today. I don’t care about ‘them’, just me and don’t have any politeness with them in approach. Get it while you can, posters.
Sent amended return on 6-2-10, they sent a check on July 30th…to the wrong address. Even though our amended documents had the correct mailing address, the IRS sent it to our old address. Called them, and they said whenever they receive it, they will reissue, in about 2-3 weeks. Very irritating.
One mode of transmittal of requested additional information to the IRS, was denied as ever having been received, even though I had a receipted FAX.
The only reliable way I found was by certified mail,return receipt requested. Of course the correspodence being received in their mailing rooms and stamped, does not mean any agent will get around to reviewing what one sends right away.
Taxfilers having difficulty receiving their rebate refund are not told this of course, but we are subject to the IRS’s many internal rules without all the information on them. This non-transparency on the part of the IRS has led to much distrust.
The very first excuse letter I received from them denying my qualification for the 2009 rebate, I called them on. I knew about the commonly used excuse letter, and countered them with their ploy to “verify” MY address(they sure knew where to mail the letter to!) with several statements and told them to NOT wait the two or so weeks and mail me another document to fill out on my address(would have been a total thirty or more days). I had to keep insisting on the phone, that they drop that right then, circumvent the thirty more days and just straighten out my address right then and there. They did. I would never have received another correspondence from them if they continued to mail to old and older addresses, from which the post offices were no longer liable for forwarding! I’m not amazed at them finding several old, old addresses for me, but why the step in time BACKWARDS?
Update: called the IRS again today since it was 45 days after the date of the last letter I received and was told that they finally approved my refund. After 11 months. Also I had filed it as an amended 08, they closed that out at some point and reopened it as 09 but she told me today they went back and approved it from 08. Do you think they’ll pay me interest for all this time? I’m supposed to get it in 3-4 weeks so we’ll see.
UPDATE: August 6th I received my refund, by direct deposit. They paid me $90.81 interest for a refund that was filed on 1/15/2010.
Just a comment on the post by Wilder Boar. My tax advocate told me the IRS has hired temps, moved people from different departments and are working OT to try to cover all the returns. Everyone knows when you hire temps and move people to a job they don’t know, the people who are training them could probably do more work on their own instead of training, supervising and correcting errors. Just my thoughts.
I hope this process moves along faster for all of you.
I agree with Cheryl, that hiring of temps by the IRS is unproductive; especially from the standpoint of just how expediently they can be trained to produce results of a faster processing rate(questionable). Furthermore, there may be a few more chances for security breaches using outside temps and far broader chances of IRS mistakes. Additionally, putting regular and/or temp into overtime pay situations is a undue tax burden on the public. I would dread to see the IRS implement a (costly)program (at tax payer expense) to work audit their own labor cost vs.temp man hours.
One would only shudder to anticipate a simple solution to such large, broad practices of any government agency that should be operated as a tight, and streamlined business with only the goal of pure service efficiency.
Closed on 4/30/10, went “under review” on 7/12/10. I only found out when I ended up calling them myself about it. I had a panic attack when they said the words “examination unit” because I thought that I’d done something wrong. Hell, I WORK for the Federal government, I’d be the LAST one to get away with cheating on taxes!
Finding this forum has eased my mind considerably, because it appears that a lot of people have been going through this…. and that there’s been a lot of prior fraud about. As usual, the dishonest ruin it for everyone.
If the 150 days holds true in my case, I’m looking at December…. that’ll be a nice Christmas present, in any case. 😀
Today, August 6, 2010, received a PARTIAL rebate from the IRS.They still have made errors on my refund; found out calling my TAS agent this morning, they “thought” I had filed under the long term homeowners rebate! I CLEARLY filed proper refunds for the advertised then 2009, up to $8,000 FTHB rebate/refund! My IRS TAS agent, again suggested, I file a 1040X.At that I know the rest of my money owed me will take another six months to arrive here. And most likely intervention of an IRS TAS agent to get it.
Out of this entire 6+ month process to get my rebate, only ONE person at the IRS was helpful and meant it-that was my IRS TAS agent(B. Johnson) out of the Fresno, CA office.She knew my hardship issues, a couple grave. She used her skill and experience to get this to and across to the IRS Processing,over whom she has no control. She was the best.The rest of the regular and auditing IRS agents need be fired, publically shamed, and the entire IRS needs revamping STAT YESTERDAY. Somewhere long the line, some agent took the personal LIBERTY of changing my filed for up to $8,000 stimulus rebate and CHANGING it on their OWN to an entirely different program than the one which I filed under. Not too swift!
I say again, CAVEAT EMPTOR when it comes to IRS promises, IRS rebate programs advertised.I am still going ‘full guns’ after the IRS for over $200 they STILL owe me. MY money.
I will keep with this forum from time to time to update you on this next stage filing to get my full refund.Best of LUCK(for that is what it will take) to all of you.
Yes!!! I finally have an answer end of August. I filed mine in Febuary and FINALLY received an answer. Sarah you took the words out of my mouth. Frustrating, stressful, and angry. After several phone calls, getting a tax advocate, it literally took an act of congress to get my refund. All else fails contact LOCAL CONGRESSMAN. To all that are waiting don’t give up it will come.
Finally it’s here. I filed for homebuyers credit April 10, and 16 weeks or so later, I received the refund (from the Kansas City office).
DH
DH did they request additional information from you during this 16 week period?
I’m asking because they requested additional information from me, I sent it and they received it but I was wondering if it’s going to be another 6 weeks before they actually process my refund. Things seem to be moving along much more quickly now and mine is in the Kansas cit office as well.
No, there was no request for further information. I did call IRS in July when I was told that the return was in process, and 12 to 16 weeks was the requisite time needed.
I found with the IRS to not trust any verbal promises. Putting your case on some conveyor belt for any IRS agent assigned(no limitation as to number assigned to your case) to start from scratch each time(with typical IRS excuse letters making you verify and re-verifiy your residential mailing address, that you really live there, that you haven’t owned a home in over 3 years, that you are who you are, that your closing papers are the same ones you sent them several times before, that they still haven’t found your original filing forms, that you closed under as specific rebate time frame such as 2009 for the up to $8,000 rebate and NOT the 2010 $6,500 rebate, etc., etc.) is all typical of what what you will have to do.
Perhaps these agents are perpetually ‘in training’ and coaxed to ‘pass the buck’.
It will take the filer for these rebates up to two years in some cases to get a refund. I’ve gone almost seven months, and filed with a one source income hardship case.The IRS doesn’t care, their employees are kept in a job.They are not serving the public well, and have no first obligation to, anymore, like in the ‘good old days’.
This is the worst performance I’ve seen on the part of the IRS and the Federal Government to monitor the IRS’s performance in over forty years.
I did have an IRS TAS agent that I thought would be helping me to obtain my legitimate, legal, just due rebate refund, but it hasn’t happened.That agent removed themselves promptly from my case (their following of it), when they said they fulfilled what they were supposed to-“resolving”. That does not mean following to the end to make sure the regular IRS agents and people responsible for getting your refund to you, have to perform.
To open a new case with some TAS service offices, it may take them two months to get around to have time to start your case.
You are better of, I feel, contacting your Congressional representative, taking out a highway billboard, posting proliferantly online, contacting local and national media, hounding the IRS with frequent phone calls and certified mail letters(they did deny a personal fax of mine, for which I had the receipt, as always-but had told me to fax the requested information to them).
The IRS online “Where’s My Refund” site is as stupid as the Pillsbury Doughboy.
I found with the IRS to not trust any verbal promises. Putting your case on some conveyor belt for any IRS agent assigned(no limitation as to number assigned to your case) to start from scratch each time(with typical IRS excuse letters making you verify and re-verifiy your residential mailing address, that you really live there, that you haven’t owned a home in over 3 years, that you are who you are, that your closing papers are the same ones you sent them several times before, that they still haven’t found your original filing forms, that you closed under as specific rebate time frame such as 2009 for the up to $8,000 rebate and NOT the 2010 $6,500 rebate, etc., etc.) is all typical of what what you will have to do.
Perhaps these agents are perpetually ‘in training’ and coaxed to ‘pass the buck’.
It will take the filer for these rebates up to two years in some cases to get a refund. I’ve gone almost seven months, and filed with a one source income hardship case.The IRS doesn’t care, their employees are kept in a job.They are not serving the public well, and have no first obligation to, anymore, like in the ‘good old days’.
This is the worst performance I’ve seen on the part of the IRS and the Federal Government to monitor the IRS’s performance in over forty years.
I did have an IRS TAS agent that I thought would be helping me to obtain my legitimate, legal, just due rebate refund, but it hasn’t happened.That agent removed themselves promptly from my case (their following of it), when they said they fulfilled what they were supposed to-“resolving”. That does not mean following to the end to make sure the regular IRS agents and people responsible for getting your refund to you, have to perform.
To open a new case with some TAS service offices, it may take them two months to get around to have time to start your case.
You are better of, I feel, contacting your Congressional representative, taking out a highway billboard, posting proliferantly online, contacting local and national media, hounding the IRS with frequent phone calls and certified mail letters(they did deny a personal fax of mine, for which I had the receipt, as always-but had told me to fax the requested information to them).
The IRS online “Where’s My Refund” site is a stupid as the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Well we are over 7 months now. This last time that i sent something in, they rec’d it on July 6th, was told to wait 30 days(which would be this Thursday).. I called today to check status, as I have been every week …and was told another 6-8 weeks!!!!
I faxed all of my information to my local office to be assigned a tax advocate today!
Weird thing. I faxed in a request for a tax advocate on August 3rd and I call the IRS on August 4th and looks like my credit has been APPROVED!!! 🙂 they said the check will be mailed within 3-4 weeks of this Friday.
Has anybody been told this? ..if so how long did it take for you to get your check? …did it actually take the full 3-4 weeks?
HI Sarah! Congrats on this bit of info! When did you originally file and had you received a letter from the IRS stating that they were reviewing paperwork that you sent in? Just curious; that’s where I am right now and I originally filed February 21st 2010. I hope that your refund comes within that 3-4 week window! I’ll be praying for you and everyone else!
I mailed my orginial return in on January 20th 2010. Last week of March received a request for more information. Last week of May it was actually disallowed (they said they ever received more information that they requested, which is not true)
Anyhow, i then sent in the information the requested again along with:
copy of my drivers license with the new address
copy of my vehicle registration with the new address
copy of pay stub with new address
copy of mortgage statement with the new address
copy of water bill with the new address
and then i kept being told it was in processing(everytime i called they gave me a different wait time: 30 days, 45 days, 6-8 weeks) it was actually at 30 days that I got the news that it has been allowed. 🙂
I’m wishing you ALL the luck with this. It has been the most frustrating, disappointing process I’ve probably ever been through.
I know this site has kept me sane, just knowing there’s others going through the same troubles.
Let’s hope that since you only filed a month after me that you are just a few weeks away from the same good news!!
After having called the IRS again a few days ago, I was told that we actually had someone handling our case and that this person would call us. Wow, I was (almost) impressed. Well, nobody called (of course). We had been in contact with the office of our Congressman and were just about to drop off our documents and a permission for them to look into our case (our Congressman was REALLY helpful when we were in a similar situation with the Immigration Service. I really recommend that anyone with problems like this — when you just can’t get an answer from a government agency — contact their Congressman who has several really good people working hard to help their constituents with all sort of problems). However, yesterday there was a LETTER from the IRS in our mail stating that we WILL get our $8000 check (plus interest – does anyone know what that interest rate is?!). FINALLY!! We were quietly wondering if it was that last phone call that ‘did it’ and that they finally wanted to get us off their backs. I guess we will never know why it took such a long time. On the other hand, until we actually have the check in our hands, I don’t just assume that everything is resolved. Show me the money! Good luck to you others out there stuck in the same place.
I guess I should be glad to find out that I am not the only one having a problem with this but I am so frustrated I don’t know what to do. I closed on my new house on 8/28/09, mailed an amended 08 return the next day and still have not received my credit so I have been waiting almost a year now. I have called many times and always get the same answers. It wasn’t until when I called in May that someone finally told me that I had to send in additional documentation (no documentation at all was required when I first filed.) I also found out that at some point they “closed out” my amended 08 return because based on my income they did not believe I could have purchased a house. They never bothered to notify me of this or ask for proof. They have since re-opened it as an 09 return instead of 08. The taxpayer advocate service would not accept my case. I don’t know what else to do. Would it really help to contact my congressman? Are there lawyers that can help? Is there anything else I can do?
Well, we bought our house in April 2009 and submitted our amended 2008 tax return in September 2009. Wating. Waiting. They want an additional document from us in March 2010 so we send that in. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. We keep getting letter after letter saying that we should hear something in x number of weeks. It’s been going on FOREVER!!!! We’ve called the IRS several times, but they have NO information for us. We KNOW that we qualify for the rebate so WHAT THE HELL IS THEIR PROBLEM????!!!!!!!! We have loans to pay and debts to pay down and we just want to know what in the world is going on and why aren’t they telling us anything. It’s an absolute outrage that it should take ONE YEAR TO GET THIS F-NG 1ST TIME HOME BUYER TAX REBATE. It’s all a scam. We’re finally going to get our Congressman to look into this.
To ALL,
I posted this to another response last night per a promise but I wanted others to see it…
—-
WELL WELL, Guess what I found in my Mail Box tonight! Woo Whoo!
So I say to all of you, Download the Form 886-H-FTHBC.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Follow it to the Letter like I did.
I got my Signed agreement on the offer April 26th,
Closed on house June 1st,
Mailed my 1040x, 5405 and tax return (prepared by H&R Block for $97) & all other required documents, on June 14th USPS Priority 2nd day
IRS in Texas received it June 16th
Received my check July 28th (Which was mailed to old Address and forwarded to new one)
(exactly 6 weeks)
Good Luck everyone and Hang in there
And Download this form …. Form 886-H-FTHBC. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Later
WELL HERE IS MY STORY:
SENT IN MY 1040X ALONG WITH THE 5405 AND THE HUD CLOSING SETTLEMENT FOR MOBILE HOME ON MAY 21ST AND WAS RECEIVED BY IRS MAY 28TH. IT IS NOW JULY28 AND JUST GOT OFF PHONE WITH AGENT AND SHE TOLD ME IT WAS BEING PROCESSED BUT TO WAIT THE 8-12 WEEKS TIME. SO I GUESS I AM RIGHT ONLINE HOWEVER I DID NOT SEND ALL THE OTHER DOCS THAT HAVE BEEN MENTIONED SUCH AS THE ORIGINAL SALES CONTRACT AND A COPY OF MY LICENSE, BANK STATEMENT, REGISTRATION, ETC. I ASKED THE AGENT IF I NEEDED ANYTHING BUT SHE SAID NOT AT THIS TIME. I ALSO HAD ADVISED HER THAT I ORIGINALLY PUT MY OLD ADDRESS INSTEAD OF THE NEW ADDRESS AND THAT MY NEW ADDRESS WAS CORRECT EXCEPT FOR THE SPACE NUMBER BUT SHE TOLD ME IT WAS UPDATED IN THE SYSTEM BUT STILL SHOWED THE INCORRECT SPACE NUMBER ON THE 5405 FORM. I HOPE THIS DOES NOT HOLD ME UP. THEY HAD TOLD ME ABOUT A MONTH AGO THAT ALL MY DOCS HAD BEEN SENT BACK BECAUSE OF REJECTION BUT TODAY SHE TOLD ME THEY HAD ACTUALLY BEEN MAILED TO ANOTHER IRS OFFICE. I SENT TO THE FRESNO OFFICE, DON’T KNOW WHERE IT IS NOW BUT AN BEING CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC. WELL LET EVERYBODY KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, I REALLY FEEL FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO BEEN WAITING SINCE MARCH OR BEFORE, I ONLY HOPE I HAVE GOOD LUCK AND OF COURSE GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE I KNOW WE ALL NEED THE MONEY BECAUSE OF ALL THE EXPENSES INCURRED DURING A MOVE.
Hi, does anyone have any experience with the Ogden, UT office? My tax return has been sitting there since March, I sent in my HUD and additional information the first week of May, and every 30 days i received a letter saying they need 30 more days. It’s now 2 weeks since the last notice expired and they appear to have given up sending me letters. A call to the IRS said “we can’t contact tax offices, you just have to wait”
Scott, Call 800-829-0582 Ext. 462. I have been calling that office every week. I haven’t called in 2 weeks because I requested that my case be assigned to a Tax Advocate. It was assigned and he called me directly. Everytime I called the above number I had to wait 10 to 15 minutes, but a person answered that was able to bring up my file in the computer and tell me my status. I have been receiving correspondence from the Cincinnati, OH office. Good Luck! I’ve been waiting since 4/23/10 and no home credit yet. However, the advocate did inform me that my case has been approved and should receive a response in approximately a month.
Yes, my step-son is in the area supported by the Ogden office. He got a letter stating his check will be mailed in a month. Still waiting. He has been waiting since February. When he calls, they just tell him he is in the system, and they don’t need any further information. This is a bunch of BS.
4/29/2010 – Settled
5/6/2010 – IRS acknowledeld receipt of ammended return and hud 1 (signed by all parties)
6/17/2010 – began calling weekly for updates
7/8/2010 – Said it was being processed
7/24/2010 – Received letter from IRS requesting hud 1, driver’s license, bank statement, mortgage statement
7/24/2010 – mailed all that stuff back to them – priority
7/27/2010 – contacted tax payer advocate—I don’t feel like dealing with this anymore
I mailed my stuff out via normal mail on June 7, 2010. My refund check was mailed on July 23 and I received it today, July 26, 2010. I live in Indiana and I sent it to the Fresno office. After reading all the scary comments here about the Fresno office, I didn’t think I would get it back so soon, but I did……just a little over 6 weeks. Woohhhoooo! For those of you who would like to call, I used the number that was posted here and got through very easily. The woman told me that my check would be mailed on July 23 and it certainly was! I will repost the number here: 800-829-0582 EXT. 462
I got my refund today. I sent it out certified on 6/18/10 and received my check today 7/26/10. I was not even expecting it to come before October. I just don’t understand why some of us are getting it so quickly and others are waiting months.
Good luck to everyone!
Patty,
That fits my timeline. I hope I get me back soon. If I get it in the next few days I will post back.
I too was beginning to think it would be Sept-Oct before I got mine. We shall see.
CONGRATS!
WELL WELL, Guess hat I found in my Mail Box tonight! Woo Whoo!
So I say to all of you, Download the Form 886-H-FTHBC.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Follow it to the Letter like I did.
I got my Signed agreement April 26th,
Closed on house June 1st,
Mailed my 1040x and tax return (prepared by H&R Block for $97) & all other required documents, on June 14th USPS Priority 2nd day
IRS in Texas received it June 16th
Received my check July 28th (Which was mailed to old Address and forwarded to new one)
Good Luck everyone and Hang in there
And Download this form …. Form 886-H-FTHBC. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Later
Hi Patty,
I am getting ready to send my information in…can you tell me exactly what I need to submit because everybody is telling different…I went to the IRS office they gave me form 8886-h-fthbc to go by but when I called the 800# they told something different…I am amending my return and these are the paperwork I have my HUD-1, 5405, 1040X and copies of my pay stub. They also ask for automobile registration,drivers license and bank statement with current address which I don’t have. I ask the IRS agent they told me that my utility bill would be fine but I don’t know for sure….Please help
Thank you.
KSY
KSY,
Its all right here in this IRS form http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Download it and print it out….
You need the following:
Current Tax form or Form 1040X if Amending,
Form 5405,
Hud-1 Settlement Statement,
A Copy of the Montly Mortage Statement, If Cash, copy of cancelled check,
if new construction – copy of occupancy permit,
AND AT LEAST TWO of the following:
A copy of your Driver License with Name and new address
A copy of your Auto registration with Name and new address
A Copy of your Bank Statement with Name and new address
A Copy of recent pay stub with Name and new address
Jim,
The only thing I have with my new address are my paystubs, mortage statement, utility bills, water bill and home insurance policy. Will it do? My license still shows the old address but I wrote the new address on the back of my license. I bought my house last June but never got around to changing the address. When I called the IRS on Monday he told me I would also need a copy of a binding contract. I have no clue what that is. Is it a purchase and sales agreement or warranty of deed?
KSY,
You need to click this link an download this form from the IRS
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
It has everything on it.
If you do not have AND AT LEAST TWO of the following:
A copy of your Driver License with Name and new address
A copy of your Auto registration with Name and new address
A Copy of your Bank Statement with Name and new address
A Copy of recent pay stub with Name and new address…
.. to go with all the other required documents, then I suggest to get them.
If they decide to audit your claim, it sets you back weeks everytime they have to contact you for more information.
KSY
The Binding Contract is the contract you and the Seller SIGNED (both signatures) with your OFFER to buy the house. A copy of it should be in the CLOSING papers.
Hello KSY,
You need forms 5405, 1040X, make sure you fill them out properly, read the instructions.
If you just bought a house (oppose to mobile home or constructing a house) then you need to send in the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. All other documentation is supporting documentation for the IRS. IRS has to do research to ensure its not fraud, so if you send them the proof, the process will go a lot quicker. It would be good to include the Closing Contract that has your name, sellers name, date of purchase, address and signatures, also the pay stub has your current address – thats what they are looking for, any official paper that has your new address, this includes utility bills, updated drivers license, bank statement.
So you MUST send:
1. 5405
2. 1040X
3. HUD-1 Settlement Statement with name of buyer, seller, date of purchase and signatures
Should also send:
1. Closing Contract
2. Utilitiy bill of other document with new address
3. pay stub (maybe to prove you do not make more than the limit requires)
Since the tax season is over, the credits are getting processed a lot quicker. Peopler are getting their returns in less than a month! Be sure to include as much information/proof as possible, because if they send you a letter requesting more information, they say they can take up to another 12 weeks to process it and it could get sent to audit.
Good Luck!!!
I have been reading so many horror stories on message boards like this one, about peoples troubles with the home buyers credit. Mine went kinda smoothly, but to help along the process i would suggest the following:
1. Be sure to included the correct paper work along with extra (1040X, 5040, HUD settlement statment and closing papers) To cut down the ‘research’ the IRS has to do, include a copy of your lisence with the new address or some utilitiy bills with your name and new address. What they need is proof of your new residence. If you had prior propertys, send in the documentation proving the duration and times you lived there so you dont get denied due to their bad informatoin. Make sure all the required informatoin is on the forms like the signatures of both parties, date of closing, price, etc. Sounds silly, but there are states that dont require signatures, and so people forget, but the IRS requires it.
2. Once you’ve mailed in the amended return, CALL THE IRS to confirm they have received it – 800.829.0582 ext 462. Because its an amended return, you can not use the Wheres my Refund website or automated number.
3. Once IRS has confirmed they received your return, validate the IRS has the correct change of address. You should validate this everytime you call the IRS, as everytime you call you’ll probably get a different answer.
4. Call every week to ensure there is no issues, even if they say its been processed. If there is an issue, the IRS most likely will not contact you.
5. You only need to call once a week, IRS updates their systems on the weekends, so if you call more than once within the same week, you will get the same answer.
6. Be nice! If you are nice, the IRS person will do thier best to help you. If you have an attitude, they could careless for your issues. Just think about it, they take calls all day long from angry people that demand their money, if you had to do that, you would be miserable too!
7. If there is an issue, be sure to ask what documents you need to send in to prove them wrong and make sure to get the fax number! As snail mail will take way to long and its always a possiblitiy it gets lost in the mail. Once you fax the papers, call to ensure they actually received them!
8. If you think you are going to wait til next year to file for the credit with your normal taxes, think again! Its better to start the process now! because it takes so long, and who knows what will happen next year!
9. Since the tax rush is coming to an end, the credits are getting processed much faster! People that filed after June seem to be getting their refunds back quick than people that filed in April/May.
I closed on my house May 28th and sent in the paperwork that day
IRS processed my paperwork on 7/6
On 7/19 IRS said the check will be sent out on 7/30
Good luck to everyone!
Does anybody know if the “Where’s My Refund” status will update on the website even after they’ve disallowed the credit and then you prove that you ARE elligable?
…because I still check it and today it just now says that they have no information available. So it’s making me think that maybe somethings going to happen with mine??? 🙂
…wishful thinking I’m sure 🙁
I am going on 5 months! I was under “review” in May. Sent paperwork that had my physical address on it. Have anyone had problems if they had a po box? I am running into that problem. I am 1st time homebuyer, I have had my po box for 5 years.
My advocate called today. He said the IRS has decided that they will ‘allow’ my refund for the 1st time homebuyers credit. I love their wording! LOL Anyway, he has no date yet, probably within 2 weeks. I’ll report back when I get the money.
I sent mine in Sept 2009. It went into review twice, and I called a bunch of times, and followed up every letter that said it’s still under review and give them 30 more days. I just got a letter on Friday that my check will arrive in 6 to 8 weeks, I’m hoping it will be sooner than the 6 to 8. So I feel for you guys, it will be close to under a year to finally get the check. I’ll let you know when I get mine.
Congrats! I got the same letter today after being in review 3 times since last July. Here’s to finally getting our checks and please let one year of interest be worth it!
This is absolutely unacceptable. My step-son bought a house in October 2009. He sent his return in for the $8000 credit February 2010. All the paper work was right. The IRS did say they have it, and he’s in the system. It is now July 22, 2010, and after lots of phone calls he’s still waiting for his check. I’ll guarantee if he owed the IRS they’d be attaching his paycheck and bank account by now. This fiasco is a prime example of your tax dollars and government at work.
Send it in on May 26th 2010,they recieved it May 28.2010. As of July 10th 2010 it is under review.
Hello everybody. I’ve been reading all these posts for a couple of months now but haven’t posted anything. Let me know if anbody has had this happen and if so, if you’ve been successful yet… here’s my story:
11/17/09 – closed on my 1st home
01/21/10 – dropped tax return off at post office
03/10 – was givin a date of 04/06/10 for return to be direct deposited into my acct
04/09/10 – status on website changed and rec’d a letter in the mail missing hud-1
(had already mailed that in attached to my return but refaxed anyhow)
04/09/10 – faxed hud-1 in on the same day letter was rec’d.
4/16-10 – called irs and was told they rec’d “correspondance via fax” on 4/9/10 but couldn’t tell me what was rec’d but to give it 6-8 weeks to process.
Called back a few times in the mean time but was told to wait out the full 8 weeks before calling back.
June 4th would have been the full 8 weeks. Well end of May the status on the website changed and said “the amount of your tax return has been changed. $$$ will be deposited into your account on May 28th and you will receive a letter explaining the changes made”
So… on May 28th the portion non related to the First Time Homebuyers Credit was deposited into my account.
So on June 7th I rec’d the letter that stated I was denied the credit because they never rec’d my Hud-1!!!!!!!! AHHHH seriously? YES YOU DID!! more than once!!
Anyways on June 22nd I mailed in the letter they sent me, with a letter stating why I don’t agree(which is what it said to do) and then yet another copy of my Hud-1, a copy of my DL with new address, copy of my vehicle registration with new address, copy of check stub with new address, copy of bank statement with new address, copy of mortgage statement with new address, copy of my water bill with new address on it…
07/09/10 – called IRS and they stated they rec’d “correspondance” from me on July 2nd and that it is “processing” and that they won’t have any information for me for 30 days. SOOO.. now I’m waiting until August 5th.. and trying to be as patient as possible.
Anybody have anything like this happen to them? and if so what has been your outcome thus far?
I mailed my correspondance to Atlanta Georgia office. I’m from Iowa but was told this was the location to send it to.
Any replies would be welcome and helpful. Thanks
If you filed for the First Time Home Buyer Credit with your original taxes, and requested direct deposit, it will be direct deposited.
If you amended your prior year taxes to get the first time home buyer tax credit, you will get a check mailed to you. (dont understand why they cant just Direct Deposit it, helloooo its year 2010!)
I bought a house and sent in my amended papers on May 28, 2010.
On 7/6/10 IRS said they could finally see my papers in their system and they’ve been approved and i had to wait up to 2 weeks for a check date to be assigned (date check is sent).
On 7/19/10 IRS told me the check woud be sent out on 7/30/10, with $83 interest.
So by the time i actually get the check, it will be about 10 weeks.
The advocate called this morning. He said the IRS is now asking for an extension until 8/02/10. Considering they gave me a date of 8/23/10 when I first spoke to the advocate I’m not sure just how that’s an extension, but whatever. LOL Advocate will be in Pittsburgh for training until 8/10/10, so if the refund doesn’t happen before then he will call me when he gets back to his office. He said then if it hasn’t happened my case gets bumped up to his supervisor who can require them to work on mine immediately. So we’ll see how this goes.
I have been waiting 17 .5 weeks with no contact what so ever from the IRS. I have called twice with no help in site.
Hello,
On Oct. 19, 2009 we bought our first home ( owner financed).I electronicall filed our regular tax return and got it about 10 days later (direct deposit). On Feb 24, 2010 I mailed the amemded retrun with the contract for purchase and a copy of all the paperwork the seller gave us along with the form 5405. We have not received the first letter or anything from the IRS to date. We have a tax advocate and he only talks to us once a month, which is frustrating within itself. About 45 days ago we received a call from him stating that the IRS has denied our claim due to they found documents of a mortgage with our names on it. We told him that that was a TIMESHARE that we had bought into a few years ago. I faxed him the documents that clearly showed it was a TIMESHARE. He called back the next day to say that the IRS was being “silly” because they should have been able to see that. He made his monthly call last week to say ” there is NOTHING to report” . There has been “NO CHANGE” in the progress of our claim. He did say that the IRS agreed that it was a TIMESHARE and so they are continuing to review our case. My husband calls the IRS about every other week but they just keep telling him that they have NOTHING TO REPORT. I get on the IRS website and it tells me “they have nothing “. My husband has been unemployed since Dec. so we could REALLY use this money. After reading all the posts prior to mine, I can see we are not in this alone but …..MAN!!!
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for me, PLEASE REPLY to this post. Thank You!!
My wife and I ammended our 2008 return in Nov 09 for our credit. Wwe have been stuck in review land since then. only getting letters that state we are sorry but we havent been able to review yet giving ourselfs xxx number of days. I am sure some of you have got these same letters. well today after almost 9 months we got a letter stating they are allowing our amendment and we should have our check in another 6-8 weeks.. I guess we will see how that goes. but at least its something different than the “we havent even looked at your paperwork yet” letter. It just makes me mad because they can take their sweet time but if we owed them money, they would be garnishing wages, stealing from my savings or any other means they want to use to get their money.
I received my rebate June 27th…direct deposit. Sent forms to Fresno office. I feel for all of you who are stuck in limbo waiting for your rebate… I used mine to pay off credit card debt, we all have somewhere that money can be put to use. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for all of you stuck in the waiting game.
Betty – Have they assigned you an advocate? I’m asking because at least then you only deal with one person, not whoever answers the phone at IRS. Also, he was able to give me an estimated return date. It is subject to change but at least it’s something.
I think my case went under formal review about the same time as yours, but I didn’t get asked for further information until I was assigned an advocate which was around the middle of June.
Cheryl, No, I haven’t been assigned an advocate yet. I called today 7/20 and was told that as of 7/3 my case went under review again and they have 45 days. That takes it to 8/17. It’s such a frustrating process that I’m just going to wait until 8/17 to make another move. If I’m not satisfied then I’ll insist on an advocate. I was told that things got backed up due to past fraud. It’s a shame that it takes some dishonest people to mess things up for the majority honest ones out there.
Thanks for your response to my comment and good luck with your case. Hope your estimated return date doesn’t change.
I sent mine in 2/15/10, Got letter sent back saying they needed more information. They said they got all doc’s on 4/6/10 so that is my start time on this LOOOONNNG process. After MANY calls to IRS. I was told I was selected to be reviewed. I called two weeks later to check on this review and they said one it was approved. I do know they update all info at the end of the week so Friday I suggest calling on a Tuesda, I am in Arizona. Longest hold time for me was 10-15 min. A week later I called and my check would be cut 7/16/10. I did get direct depo. for my 2009 taxes. Checked my account this am and not deposit. I am going to assume I will get it via mail. Do any of you know at th is point how long it took to geyt your check. I know they say 7-10 days.but…just wonder if anyone got it sooner.
Just curious: Anybody on here been “under review” and received their refund yet? “Under review” meaning, they asked for additional documents for proof of primary residency..(ie.. auto registration, paystubs, bank statements, moving contract.). It seems to me that once you are in the land of “review” you never come out. Many from 2009.
Yes Jenny, I’ve been in the”land of review” since 4/23/10 when they received additional requested documents. I had to submit paperwork proving that I live in the house I purchased, such as copies of drivers license and registrtion, paystub with my new address, bank statement with new address. I also added a copy of my car insurance card with my new address. Still waiting, although I have called five times since then. It’s really frustrating. I bought a house with the thought that I would receive 8000.00 to ease the financial burden of owning a house for the first time (realizing that unexpected house expenditures may incur). Instead, frustration and disappointment in our govenment increased.
Jen – I just went back and read your previous post. What are they asking you for now, that they didn’t ask for in the original request?
Have you called your Congressman? I’m giving mine until the 8/23/10 date but if I am still getting that it’s been assigned to someone at that time, I am calling my Congressman.
I asked my advocate today if they don’t do these in some kind of chronological order and he said yes they do, but it’s when the file lands on his desk, not our original filing date.
Jim, according the instructions for the revised Form 5405 the information you need to include is:
Completed revised Form 5405
Copy of HUD-1 closing statement with all signatures
If new construction, copy of occupancy permit
If contract for Deed, you need to send completed contract
Where the supporting documents come into play is if your return is pulled for review. Now, granted if you’ve already sent in more than they’ve asked for and yours get pulled, you may or may not have to resubmit the documentation. I had one lady at the IRS tell me that any returns that are pulled for review require additional information because the additional information you mail in with your return is NOT stored with your return. She actually said they are in a warehouse somewhere. So much for security of all our private information.
Anyway, I am one of those who have been waiting the longest. I filed ALL required documentation on 01/16/2010. I just got off the phone with my advocate. He’s telling me that the IRS is just too far behind. My estimated return date is still 8/23/2010, but that is subject to change this coming week. He will get updated on his cases on 7/20/2010 so he will be able to tell me more then. He could tell me that my case has been assigned to someone, so that is progress of some sort.
I feel ya. I’ve been waiting since July of LAST year. I was told to wait until next month to call back again. I have been stuck in review since December and they always told me they needed something else. I realize that they are slow but this is rediculous. How much proof do you need to realize that I live here and that I own this house and that I didn’t own one in the last 3 years? It isn’t that dificult. They just seem to make it that way.
Cheryl,
If you did not included AT LEAST TWO of the following:
A copy of your Driver License with Name and new address
A copy of your Auto registration with Name and new address
A Copy of your Bank Statement with Name and new address
A Copy of recent pay stub with Name and new address
Then you did not have a copy of the Sept 2009 revised Form 886-H-FTHBC.
Jim – Not to split hairs but these are the instructions on the REVISED 5405 form:
What To Attach to Your Return
If you claim the credit on your 2009 (or later) original or amended tax return, you must attach the following documentation regarding your main home (as applicable). If you do not attach the documentation, the credit may not be allowed.
Attach a copy a of your settlement statement showing all parties’ names and signatures, the property address, the contract sales price, and the date of purchase. In most cases, your settlement statement is your properly executed Form HUD-1, Settlement Statement. In locations where the signatures of the buyer and seller are not required, the IRS encourages the buyer to sign the settlement statement before attaching it to the tax return—even if the settlement statement does not include a signature line.
If you are unable to obtain a settlement statement because you purchased a mobile home, attach a copy of your executed retail sales contract showing all parties’ names and signatures, the property address, the purchase price, and the date of purchase.
If you are claiming the credit for a newly constructed home and you do not have an executed settlement statement, attach a copy of your certificate of occupancy showing your name, the property address, and the date of the certificate.
Additional documentation. You should also attach the following documentation, if applicable, to avoid delays in the processing of your return and the issuance of any refund.
If you checked the “Yes” box on line C, attach a copy of the pages from a signed contract to make a purchase showing all parties’ names and signatures, the property address, the purchase price, and the date of the contract.
If you are claiming the credit as a long-time resident of the same main home, attach copies of one of the following: Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement (or substitute statement), property tax records, or homeowner’s insurance records. These records should be for 5 consecutive years of the 8-year period ending on the purchase date of the new main home.
That’s it. Like I said, including the extra documentation can only be helpful but there is nowhere in the instructions for that form that asks that they be included.
The form you are referencing is the form the IRS refers to when they ask for additional documentation, no where is it mentioned on the 5405 form or the instructions.
Cheryl,
Oh your ARE spliting hair alright. And if you want to waste your time and more money waiting and waiting and waiting, then by ALL MEANS ignore the Form 886-H-FTHBC. The copy of this form I originally had was given to me at closing. I then went to H&R Block and they TOLD me the 5405 could not be filed without the supporting documents shown on the REVISED SEPT 2009 Form 886-H-FTHBC because of all the FRAUD before SEPT 2009. And that if I did not, it would be REJECTED.
So by all means Ignore the Form 886-H-FTHBC.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Later.
Mshock, Yes. All this is due to the extreme fraud that went on before Sept 2009 when people were allowed to file electronically for the Credit. I believe those that are having so mush delay are the ones who are being pulled for audits and did not provide all the required documentation for proof of a REAL Purchase of a home. Its always the Bad people that make it difficult for the honest people. I even sent a copy of my contract with dates and signatures. HR Block may have charged me $97 but I believe in the long run it will pay off. I had an older, unrevised copy of the Form 886-H-FTHBC. I would never have sent half the stuff in with my 1040X and 5404 that I finally decided to send. I will post that link again.
Revised Sept 2009 Form 886-H-FTHBC… http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
Wishing us All the best of Luck!
Hi Everyone,
I am fed up with this CRAP! I sent my amendment the first week of March 2010. I waited 8 weeks to call the IRS because of their guidelines and they told me to check back in a couple of weeks. That’s fine I told myself give them a couple of weeks. One month has passed now we’re in 12 weeks; the person told me they have not seen the paperwork but that doesn’t mean that it’s not there and maybe the person that is looking into it did not post it or something and again call back in a couple of weeks and if I’m missing something I will get a letter in the mail stating it but I haven’t gotten anything in the mail. On July 6 2010, I called again which is the 16th week and the representative told me that my paperwork is not there and that I have to re-send my paperwork and I asked her how long would it take, you know what she told me “ABOUT THE SAME TIME 8-12 WEEKS”. I called again the next day and explain my situation that I had already sent in my Amended Tax return on March 5th 2010 and he said the same thing as the other lady we don’t have it. I said to him if you don’t have it how come when I called you the first time you people didn’t tell me then. He told me to re-send the original forms and I told him how can I send you the original when I already mailed it back in March. He was like well we don’t know if you really sent it in. The way he said it sounds like I was lying to him. So I checked online to see who can help I got a hold of an advocate she brush me off. She said well if they said they didn’t get it then they didn’t get it and for me to re-send the forms. I don’t mind re-sending it; it’s the simple fact that they should have told me this the first time I called. Does anyone know what I need to re-send?…I have copies of the 1040X, 5405, warranty of deed and insurance declaration. Ain’t nothing but a scam run by the U.S. Government misleading us by offering something good and then screwing us over and there’s nothing we can do about it. The advocates aren’t there to help us they are the to stall us.
KSY,
You can go here and see the Revised Sept 2009 Form 886-H-FTHBC
i thas all the requirements. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f886hfth.pdf
You need the following:
Current Tax form or Form 1040X if Amending,
Form 5405,
Hud-1 Settlement Statement,
A Copy of the Montly Mortage Statement, If Cash, copy of cancelled check,
if new construction – copy of occupancy permit,
AND AT LEAST TWO of the following:
A copy of your Driver License with Name and new address
A copy of your Auto registration with Name and new address
A Copy of your Bank Statement with Name and new address
A Copy of recent pay stub with Name and new address
Hope this helps.
Jim T
Jim T,
Are you serious? The instructions for the 5405 only mention the HUD-1, 5405, 1040x, and a copy of the purchase contract (and they say the purchase contract is only necessary if proof is needed that you had a ratified contract before May 1st). I’ve also seen several posts from people on here who received their refund in a reasonable timeframe and only submitted what I mentioned above. I understand that more items might be required if someone is selected for an audit, but I hope you don’t mean that anyone who sends a package that doesn’t contain all of the items on your list will be delayed. If that’s the case then a lot of people will be furious for not having this information spelled out in the 5405.
I sugned a contract on the house April 26 and Closed on June 1. Mailed (USPS Priority 2nd day to Austin) my Amended Tax Return, 1040X, 5405, Hud1, copy of signed Contract, Driver Lic with new address and Auto registration with new address on June 14. I almost did this on my own but was not clean on how to complete the forms, so I paid HR BLOCK. So glad I did because they had an updated reqirement sheets. Well, its been 4 weeks and have not had a peep. Have not called the number and have decided I will not until 7 or 8 weeks have passed. Hoping I will have a surprise one day in the mail box in a few more weeks. These stories on here scare me. Anyone else do all the things I have and sent to Austin around the same time? If so post back if you have heard anything.
I filed my 2009 return 12 weeks ago, including request for home buyers credit, to Kansas City office. I phoned IRS today and was told that my return was “in process” (feel like Kafka’s Joseph K?), and that the office predicts a 12 to 16 week period before completing “the process.” Call in August 19 if I haven’t heard anything by then. They’re swamped, and are not helped by buyers credit returns having to be on paper and not electronic..
DHeld
I bought my house on 12/07/2009. I had to wait until 01/15/2010 to file because I needed the revised 5405 form(if you bought after 11/07/2009 you had to use the new form). So, I filed on 01/16/2010. Had to mail it in because of sending HUD-1. IRS didn’t acknowledge they had received it until 03/15/2010. One week later it said my return would be direct deposited by 03/31/2010. Around 03/25/2010 they revised that to saying my return is being reviewed and they have no further information. Since that time I have been told many different things. Give it 30 days, give it 45 days, give it 1 week, give it another week. One person at the IRS told me that if I had to call back again without resolution that my case would be turned over to an advocate and it would have to be settled within 7 days. Well, on 06/14/2010 it was finally turned over to an advocate. I had to fax him my HUD-1, 5405, both which had already been sent with original return AND updated DL with new address, recent mtg. statement, recent bank statement and copies of all utilities showing the home I bought as my address. I faxed all of this to him the next day. Talked to him to be sure he got everything. Then he told me he would forward everything to the IRS and their expected return date is 08/23/2010. He is on vacation until 07/14/2010, he said not to call him back until 07/16/2010. The wording on the IRS website concerning my return changed slightly so I called them to see if anything had changed but since I am working with an advocate, they can’t discuss anything with me. I, like so many others plan to use this money on my house. Now I’m just hoping I get it before it gets too cold to do outside work.
Hello All, I received a letter from the IRS on Friday stating that they have my information that I sent in on the 21st of June. I’m in what is called examinations. The letter says to wait 30 days before I call to give them enough time to review the paperwork. Other than that, I’m still waiting…..
I filed my tax return on 2/8/10. I got half of my return the next day and then we ammended the return for the homebuyer tax. It was sent out by mail on 2/12/10. I called them about a month after and they said they recieved the return on 2/22/10 and it would take 8-12 weeks. Finally on 5/24/10 I got paperwork stating they needed more paperwork. Mind you all the paperwork they needed was the exact paperwork that was sent in with the return in the first place! I went and copied the paperwork and sent it out on 5/28/10. I called the IRS on 6/22/10 to see if I could get some answers and they said they recieved it on 6/11/10 and it would be 30-45 days before I would know anything. That same day when I got the mail there was a letter from the IRS stating they recieved the new paperwork on 6/1/10 and I would know something within 30 days. Today 7/12/10 I called because it has been 30 days according to the letter, and they said it wasn’t even reviewed yet! They said to give it another month! I am so confused on where I should go from here because all I am getting is the run around, I know I have rights but what rights would I have in this case and how should I deal with it. I need my money and I want some interest on it for having to wait so long. Anything would be helpful! Thanks
Update: For the last 3 weeks we have been working with a tax advocate and she is amazing! It only took one week from working with her for the IRS to send us noitfication. Unfortunately we were just denied unless we can show proof that we did not live in a home that my husband owned within the last three years. So a word of advice, if you have owned a rental home, vacation property, etc in the last three years the IRS is going to make you send them some serious paperwork, so get it together now! They want all of our lease agreememts for the past 4 years, energy and or phone bills, W2’s (showing our address), and any other piece of paper showing our address for the past years. This takes time and they only give you 30 days, so if you are like me, and dont keep paperwork that long you will be in a rush.
UPDATE: I also received my check today for $8,032.50 from the Austin, TX office. Mine’s was sent to the Atlanta, GA office. Originally mailed June 3rd, so total time was a little less then 6 wks. Hope this helps and don’t give up hope!
I made a post on Saturday that we had bought a house 5/10/10 and sent the papers in on 5/21 snail mail with no response as of yet, so this is an update — I just called the number listed above w/ext 462 and was told that our check was mailed this past Friday.
Here are my facts:
Our 2009 return was filed in February, so this was an amended return.
We sent it regular mail
We went out of the Austin office
Our original return was elecronic and was direct deposit, however, they are mailing our check AND, there was no place on the amended form to ask for direct deposit. The lady told me that they don’t do direct deposit for amended returns. Hope this helps someone — so, that was 7 weeks from mail date.
Oh yeah, and…..I only sent in the HUD form, the amendment papers and the 5405x — nothing else required.
Congrats on getting your return. I am happy for you, but I am pissed about my situation, My return was sent to Fresno. I closed on my house on April 30, 2010. Amended return was received on May 17th. No news yet. Its just processing. The rep said there were no issues with my amended return, but BOI do i need my money for updating of things in my house
UPDATE: I received my check today for 8066.00 along with a letter showing my adjustment. My check was mailed on friday 7/9 and the check is from the irs austin, tx my return was sent to the fresno, ca location. So it doesn’t matter where you mail it check will mail out of austin, tx or kansis city. It was a total of 9wks. Well I hope this info helps and good luck to everybody.
Well I called the same day of my original posting on this website. I was told that they finished reviewing my case and to call back mid to end of next week to see if I’m eligible and an approximate date I should be receiving the first home buyer credit (accoding to my calculations provided by IRS I’m eligible for a full credit…so I don’t know what they mean to check eligibiity status…as I’m a new home buyer and don’t owe money to IRS). Will let you know what information I receive.
I’m grateful to have stumbled upon this site. It eases my mind knowing I’m not the only one “in the same insane boat.”
@ldmszm … I mailed mine’s on June 3rd, with a copy of my original return, a copy of the “new” return showing the FTHBTC, the 1040X form, form 5405, HUD-1 settlement statement (signed) and a copy of all the contract paperwork when my offer was accepted. I also called 2 weeks after mailing it to update my address with the IRS directly (of course, they hadn’t processed my amendment yet).
I’m totally frustrated with the whole process. I filed my taxes included necessary forms for first time home buyer credit 3/1/10. They sent me a letter indicating I needed proof of address (a minimum of 3 proofs!). They received everything they requested 4/23/10. It’s 7/9/10 and nothing yet. I’ve called on 4 occassions and response was that they are behind. The last letter I received indicated I would get a response by 7/7/10. Nothing yet…..I bought a house relying on the credit to furnish my new home, as I wanted to start my life fresh after a divorce. I as a consumer feel I have no control over the process that is taking too long. The excuse is that they are behind. Oh! Get this…..they told me that people who were not eligible for first time home buyer credit applied and got it. Congress in turn told IRS to increase their scrutiny of paperwork to make certain people are in fact eligible. So in essence, the people who are trying to cheat the government actually created the back log.
I have back tax debt so I’m hoping the IRS will be motivated to process mine quicker since they can withhold a portion of it to pay off the debt. The federal government doesn’t think opportunistically (or logically for that matter) like private enterprise so I’m probably getting my hopes up. It would be a real relief to free up that $500 installment I’m having to pay them every month.
Any July 9th release daters receive their credit by Direct Deposit that had their original return direct deposited?? No where on the 1040x or 5405 form does it allow you to enter that info, but some are saying that’s how they received their credit. Thanks 🙂
I’m a July 9th-er and I didn’t receive mine’s by direct deposit. However, what I noticed with everyone that said they received their amendments with the FTHBTC via direct deposit were all from the Fresno, CA office.
I did see it usually deposited the saturday after the friday release date so i.ll keep others updated if it does indeed come direct deposit, however i had to use the kansas city, mo office.
I had to use the Atlanta, GA office.
When did you mail yours in?
Mailed mine at the end of april, it got returned by the post office for postage the last day or so of april, so they probably didn’t actually receive ours until the beginning of may, but were still told july 9th
If you are “under review”, good luck. Every time the IRS asks for something else, expect to wait at least another 90 days for them to look at it. We filed in January. I called today and the IRS said not to call again for at least another 45 days from today. (After August 24th). The woman was rude. My guess is it probably doesn’t do any good to keep on calling, its a waste of time. Sorry to sound so negative about the whole thing. Its turning me into a basket case. For those who have been waiting since last year!! OMG. Soooo frustrating.
Jenny, I am going through the “under review” bull. I think it is such a waste of time. Although when I called they didn’t tell me not to call back but they did tell me that they hadn’t reviewed it yet and it could be another month for them to look at it. I was supposed to have an answer the first of this month but of course I don’t. I just want to know what we can do about all this, we must have some rights for this tax.
I submitted mine the end of November. I got a letter stating I will receive a response by second week of July. I understood that I was going to have to wait, and from what I’ve read, it looks like I’ve gotten it the worst so far. I better get some good interest!
I’ve read through just about all these comments, and it looks like I have filed the most recent amendment…I closed on 6/25 and on 6/30 I sent my 1040x, 5405, HUD-1, and copy of the purchase contract (to prove that we had a radification date before May 1st). Lot of horror stories here, and I sympathize with everyone who’s had a bad experience, but I’m hoping my process will go a little smoother since I’m among the last trickle of new claims.
800-829-0582 ext. 462
hello, I am responding to the statement that you can’t go on the website to get your refund status. What number do you call.
UPDATE: Called IRS on 6/28 was told my check will be mailed on 7/9 8k plus $66 in interest. Was told it could take 7-10 days for mailing. Total wait was 9wks (fresno loc) without adding mailing time. Would have been 8wks but the address change delayed it by one week. Will post once check comes.
I thought I should post my results for others to read. I am a first time homebuyer, closed on March 9, 2010. Sent my ammended 2009 return May 5, 2010. Only sent the required documents, no copy of drivers license, no mortgage statement, just the 1040X, 5405, and HUD statement. After reading comments on here I figured I was in for the long haul, and would need to send additional documentation. I live in Missouri and sent the ammended return to the Kansas City office, (correct office for my area). Called the IRS (1800 829-0582 extension 462) yesterday (6/28/2010) as mentioned in previous posts, asked if the package was recieved in the system, gave required verification information and was told my tax credit was approved and should be mailed out the 7/9/2010, which would be 9 weeks from the date I mailed the ammendment. Said if I didn’t receive within 2 weeks from then, to call back.
So as long as they send the tax credit when they are scheduled to, I receive it at 2 weeks from then, my total wait time from mailing would be 11 weeks.
I hope everyone that is having troubles gets them figured out, and good luck to all the homebuyers. But my situation is at least something to compare to on the faster end of things, at least I think so.
Well, I first posted on Jan 18th and at that time was already waiting for 28 weeks. Well guess what, it is now June 29th and I am still waiting. I have had to send in more things than I would have ever though possible. I cna’t believe I haven’t had to send in a child at this point. I keep calling and they say that they haven’t had time to review it yet. It has been sitting on the examiners desk for 3 months now with the latest paperwork. The tax advisors I have talked to say they can’t help me here. I am getting so frustrated and don’t know what to do about it.
Which IRS office did you send your paperwork to?
My parent’s $8,000 was direct deposited on Friday 6/25…it only took 10 weeks out of the Fresno, CA IRS office. It all depends if you put direct deposit with you bank info on the amended return. When I received mine back in November 09′ I waited nearly 3 mos and it was a paper check mailed to me.
There was no place to put bank info and either the 1040x or 5405!
I called this morning and they said July 9th for a release date 🙂 but they stated it could take 7-10 days after that…can anyone clue me in on about how long after the release date you received your check in the mail?
I received mine also on Friday by direct deposit. I put in for it April 20th to the Fresno, CA office, submitted my HUD and copy of my drivers license with it. Took all together about 9 weeks. I also, began calling every few days after the 6th week just so I could catch any problems asap. I’m wondering if they are getting faster now that the extension is over.
one more question on your original 09 taxes was the address the same or different from your amended return?
IRS received our amended 2009 return May 5th. The address on our original return was base housing rental before we purchased our house. I had to put our NEW address on the amended return and state it was a New address. The letter I received does not state when we will receive the 8000 check.. I hope with in the next two weeks. Will post as soon as I get it.
Update! I checked my bank account this morning and had the 8000. credit automatically deposited yesterday guess it was pending Friday. Our original return was direct deposit and on the amended form I kept the same bank information……SO It obviously can be direct deposit… but I would assume you would receive a letter of update/approval at the same time. I am glad ours came so quickly and I had no errors to cause delay on the forms. Good luck to all of you who are still waiting… I hope you receive it very soon!
Oh, and received 47.00 interest!
There was no place to put the bank information on 1040x amended form…
I am assuming because My original return was direct deposit the IRS used the same bank information on file and Direct deposited the credit. I am glad, probably got it faster that way!
Mailed our amended 2009 return with HUD settlement statement April 30th 2010 certified mail. Today June 26th received letters to both my husband and I stating that our account had been updated and we will be receiving the 8000.00 FTHBC. Will post again when I get the money! Oh, and we used the Fresno, CA irs office.
Hi Amanda just curior what date did the IRS recieve your return and what day will your check mail out?
Filed in January, every time they ask for something, its another 30 days before I can even check the status! Its so rediculous. I will be happy if I get it by Christmas.
Mailed my 1040x on March 8th 2010, it took 14 weeks to show in the system, they have the receive date as April 27th they told me 12 to 16 weeks from this date even though I have waited 16 weeks. For the forsake of all the people effected by the BP oil spill in the gulf, I hope to god the goverment manages the gulf oil money from BP better than they handle this.
WOW!! Just reading everybody’s story today and it makes me nervous…..I closed on my home 5/10/10 my attorney at closing advised me of what to send irs for FTHBC which was 1040x, 5405 and hud. On 5/13/10 I mailed the 3 overnight usps. to the fresno loc. I waited about 2 wks and called the 800# x462 and rep did not show my return recieved. I got nervous and mentioned how I sent my return overnight and rep said never send them overnight becuz that does not speed up the process. So of course I am even more nervous knowing I sent overnight and it has not shown up. Well ater the first call I just started calling like crazy every other day and still saying we have not received yet. I checked on usps and saw that they signed for it on 5/14/2010 so I was alittle better knowing that at least signed for it. So I chilled out from calling and waited 2 more weeks 6/9/2010 rep had me on hold longer than the other reps so I was thinking what is going on finally rep returned and said your refund will be issued shortly. I said WHAT yes rep said it is in it’s final stages pending adjustment means final stages, no issues just waiting for a release date. WOW. No other rep was able to even see it being received but this rep was able to give me info and it’s in final stages. GREAT!! So he said give another 3 weeks. My old address was still showing current in there system and I was wondering when that was going to be updated so I called back and rep told me that tax credit and my new address was pending. I called on 6/22/2010 to check status and my new address was now showing current but my adjustment was still pending. Today after reading all the stories I decided to call the advocate hotline and rep said another week delay because of the address update. So now I should wait another 2-3 weeks before check is mailed out. So hopefully my check will mail out the 9th or 16th. I will keep everyone posted like everybody else I have a couple projects too do and plus my first mortgage payment is due July so that would be perfect timing.Keep the faith everyone and if anybody has a similar story as mine far as the new address being updated and how long after that was checked mailed please share as I am still leary. IRS is not dependable. Thanks! Congrats to all the first time homebuyers………..
Same here… Filed for 2009 credit in January and STILL nothing… Very frustrating…
I have written before, but just need to vent again. We bought our house April 2009 and sent in the forms within 2 weeks. We are STILL waiting- over a year later!
If you haven’t sent in your forms yet make sure you send in EVERYTHING (If you have children, maybe if you give them one of them it will speed up the process). We sent in everything they mentioned, sent in more and are still waiting.
I received my credit yesterday. : )
I initially mailed off my paperwork in February 2010. I think the process would have been a lot easier if they spoke in laymen’s terms … and just told us what forms they wanted. I ended up having to send extra information to the IRS twice. When it was all said and done … I sent in my amended return, a copy of my schedule M form, Form 5405 and a copy of my settlement statement.
I hope this is helpful!
Rolfe, the magic question that a lot of us want to be clear on is do they send out paper checks for the refund or was yours direct deposited?
Filed first week in April. Checked Where's My Refund on IRS site. It states if they don not need any further info check coming on June 8. Approx. a week b/f June 8 we got a letter stating that more documentation was needed and to send at least 2 from a list of items including copy of drivers license, copy of last 2 pay stubs with address, etc. basically need to verify that we actually live at our newly purchased home. When I called the number to check with the person whose number was assigned to us, we were told several other items to include which the letter had not. She asked whether this was the first letter we had received implying that once we had sent in the requested info that they would have been another letter asking for even more. I overnighted USPS $18+ all the paperwork from the letter, plus the additional stuff she told us to include and also to put hubby's SS number on each piece. The letter said we had 30 days to respond. We sent it right away. I am tempted to call, the WMR says it has been received and is being processed. I'll want another week or so and call. I sure hope they don't need anything else because it takes a long time for them to request them and additional time for them to go through it yet again. At least I am hearing from them and it has not been that long so far.
Filed first week in April. Checked Where’s My Refund on IRS site. It states if they don not need any further info check coming on June 8. Approx. a week b/f June 8 we got a letter stating that more documentation was needed and to send at least 2 from a list of items including copy of drivers license, copy of last 2 pay stubs with address, etc. basically need to verify that we actually live at our newly purchased home. When I called the number to check with the person whose number was assigned to us, we were told several other items to include which the letter had not. She asked whether this was the first letter we had received implying that once we had sent in the requested info that they would have been another letter asking for even more. I overnighted USPS $18+ all the paperwork from the letter, plus the additional stuff she told us to include and also to put hubby’s SS number on each piece. The letter said we had 30 days to respond. We sent it right away. I am tempted to call, the WMR says it has been received and is being processed. I’ll want another week or so and call. I sure hope they don’t need anything else because it takes a long time for them to request them and additional time for them to go through it yet again. At least I am hearing from them and it has not been that long so far.
I filed my amended first time home buyer return at end of Feb. I called after 12 weeks and was told by IRS my return was received and being processed with no issues and allow few more weeks. I called today and very rude and disrespectful Irs lady tells me my return has been chosen for audit. When i ask why audit on home buyer return she replies she is IRS and doesnt have to give me reason. So then she says i will receive papers n 21 days to fill out and return. so in all it will b 4 months or longer before receiving my return. Why wait 3 months of holding my claim then decide when 16 weeks are up lets do audit? My tax representative says there is some fraud going on and more audits could come about. They have assured me they would take care of but still another 4-6 weeks of waiting..not happy!
Hello All, anyone been through “exams” yet? I called today to check on the status of my FTHC and the rep that I spoke with says that it is in “exams” and it could take up to 6 weeks for them to review it. I asked what happens after “exams” and she stated that if they dont find any problems then it will be released. She also stated that their system is updated over the weekends so give it at least a week or so before I call back. Still waiting…filed back in February…….
Anyone been through exams yet? The rep that I spoke with today stated that my return was in “exams” and could take up to 6 weeks for them to reveiw. She stated that if all goes well after that time then it will be released. She stated that their system is updated over the weekends so wait at least a week or so before you call back.
I just wanted to say that after reading some of the stories on this web site I was a little scared. I brought my house in april 2010 . I sent my paper work in the same day. After visting this site I realized that I had to send in my hud statement . Well needless to say I mailed another copy right away. I call several times checking and had the same waited a few more weeks. I check every thursday since the fourth week. Well when I check on yesterday they said mine was being released today and I should be recieving it within two weeks. Whew so for those of us that brought our house in 2010 it not quite the wait.
Where did you mail your return to (City)?
i mailed mine to atlanta because i live in SC
When did you mail yours in…We mailed ours the end of april and they are still saying it is not yet processed, as of Tuesday. They get crappy and say to wait 12 weeks at least, and to stop calling, there is no need to call until the 12 week point! Well our post office returned our mail in mid april because of shortage of postage, took it to the post office and put same postage on that was on it, and it was fine! Just trying to find a glimpse of hope…that they at least got it…i live in PA, can’t remember where i was supposed to send mine but wherever it was, that’s who i sent it to.
I live in SC as I stated before I mailed mine to the Atlanta office. I called the number that was listed on this web site and kept getting the run around. So I called the 1-800-829-1040 line and thats when she told me that it was pending. When I asked what did that mean she to told me it was approved and to be release on 6/11/10. Its been a liitle shy of 8 weeks for me. So maybe it depends on the state you live in.
Was your check released on 6/11 as stated? If so, how long did you wait to get it in the mail after 6/11?
After reading all of these I wanted to share my story. My fiance and I bought our home October 2009. I mailed our return on Feb 1. After a few weeks I saw in WMR we should receive our refund on April 20. A week before that date I received a letter to send more information. I faxed it the next day. On April 21 WMR started showing an error and extention to call. When I did that the man said they did not see anyting yet. When I called 2 weeks later the lady said she saw something but didn’t know what it was. She was very rude! She yelled at me for calling!!! She did say I should receive something in 2-4 weeks. After four weeks I called again. This lady told me she she was going to send a referral. She put me on hold for 10 minutes while she did this and when she came back she said it could take up 30 days to process. Of couse that is business days. If I do receive then it will be July 2! That is 6 months and 1 day from when I mailed it. Now WMR says they can’t find my refund and tells me to call another number. My fiance and I were hoping to use this money for our October wedding now we are borrowing money to pay for it and have to pay everyone back when we do get. I am not holding my breath that I will receive before December!
Well – just like most people, I too am waiting for my check. I called last week (05/27/10) and spoke to a representative and she verified that my information was received on 04/12/10 and all processed on 05/12/10. One month, all clear, nothing else needed. Sweet, right? Hell to the no! I have to call back on June 11, 2010 to figure out when they will mail it to me. What? Really? You process a return in record time (in my opinion) and you sit on it for a month or more. Geez, give me a break. So, I am bracing myself for the call on 6/11/10 and expect them to tell me that I should be good to go by Christmas.
Just received a notice (filed in February) that the IRS wants to verify that our property is our primary residence. They are asking for bank statements, moving receipts, postal confirmations, etc..that show our address. I think there has been a lot of fraud regarding the tax credit and people filing for it that do not qualify. Maybe that is the reason some of us have been waiting for so long.
I recieved a certified letter today but was not home to sign for it do they usually send the check by cerified mail? The first time I got a uncertified letter saying I was ineligible then I went to a CPA about six weeks ago and he fixed my amended return he sent that in around 10 April 2010.
Everyone that I have talked to that got the check says that it just shows up in your mailbox in a plain white envelope.
I sent docs to the IRS, 6 weeks ago and just called 1-800-829-0582 ext. 462 to verify they received the HUD-1 and amendment tax forms, and I was told their systems are updated on Mondays, and there is a 8 week wait for docs to be entered and visible to them to verify, and it will be approximately 16 weeks until the refund is issued. It appears some people are just now receiving their tax credit a year later, but 4 -6 months is still a long time to wait for help with necessary expenses in fixing up your old/new home.
There doesnt seem to be as much of an issue going on in 2010. Filed my ammendment at the end of April 2010… Just spoke with IRS, and they said my check would most likely be sent June 18th.
Was this the first time you called…i also sent mine end of april and ive been calling and so far they still say its not showing up. When did you send it and what did you send?
Yeah the IRS told us in the beginning of May that we would be getting our check by May 20th because that was the absolute longest amount of time they had to have it to us……..Suprise!! May 20th came and went, called IRS, they said oh sorry we need more time..now they say call back by the end of JUNE!!! So don’t get your hopes up, but I definitely hope you get yours when they say you will!
Can anyone tell me what the additional info is that they need?? I was thinking i would just fax the info over before I get the letter telling me to do so. thanks
I believe they just need verification that you own the house. You can probably give them as much as possible… mortgage statements… all the closing paperwork… a first born….
Nic if you are talking about the intial paperwork then we didnt call and check for approximatley 2 months. As for the additional papers we had to send in, we called about three weeks after we sent them in and they confirmed that they received them, but said they have not examined them yet. I would be worried if after a month they will not confirm that they atleast received the papers!
Hi, I have been waiting for 12 weeks for the irs just to say the have recived it. I want to know if we can check the statas on the irs website or is the only way to get a responce is by calling? thx
I just called to see if they received paperwork too and asked if there is a way to check status online and they said no just keep calling and bugging…I dont know how some people said they sent it then called to make sure it was received…we sent our weeks ago and they said they cant tell if its been received.
It took the IRS 6 weeks to even put it in the computer that yes they have recieved my paperwork. Sent it in on 05/26/2010, they said they recieved it on the 28th of May but took 6 more weeks to actually put that info in the computer. Must have been a very slow typist. Haha.
I live in MA and closed on my condo on 5/21/09. I did not mail my amended 2008 return until I submitted my 2009 return – one of the first days of February. I never received any follow-up saying it had been received, or any requests for more documents so I assumed it was sitting at the bottom of a pile on someone’s desk. I just called a number I found online (1-800-829-0582 ext. 462) and spoke with a very sweet woman who told me that my check is actually being mailed tomorrow! It will be for $8,350.22 and should arrive within two weeks. So, by the time I receive it, it will have taken just about five months for turnaround… Good luck to everyone who is still waiting!
I would like to know, why do it take so long to get a response from the IRS for the First time home buyer check. I have mailed them all the information they asked for but still no check. I have friends that got their check in a month or two without any long wait. I mailed my amend in to them in Nov. 2009 and i haven’t got a check yet. I bought my house in Sept. 18, 2009 and i sent them all the papaer work that i had to the new house. I call today May 20, 2010 and the worker told me that it was on a examiner desk, and that i can call back to check on it anytime.
P-
It could sit at the examiner desk for months! What they told me was that they were now putting everyones claims through extra steps because of all the fradulent claims and that that has caused them to be backed up even more. Who knows if its the truth, but all I know is ours was officially at the “examiners desk” over 3 months ago and they just told me yesterday that they need more time and to call back if we havent heard anything by the end of June! Good luck but I would not get in any kind of hurry for the money.
I wonder if they going to send us interest for all that waiting….ha ha ha…i dont think so 🙁
Actually I think they are! Don’t get too excited but I know a lot of people have posted that they received interest for the wait!
I know some people received interest, but I am sure with our luck there will be some “law” which allows them not to pay interest…In the end it is probably going to be our fault that it took them so long to process the application.:-):-):-)
Quick response to some of the emails I have gotten…
I did check into a tax advocate but they are so buried by all of this that I really dont think it will help, not to mention they gave me the same…just wait another 30 days and then call us back if you havent heard from them, speech! I did write my congressman and hope to get some help there. Thanks for the comments!
Hi Ashley,
I understand your frustration…If it makes you feel better we are waiting since end of june 2009. We called IRS maybe 12 times, mailed all documents they requested and we still don’t have our money….
We also contacted tax advocate but it didn’t help…
I understand how you feel about this. We’ve been waiting 12 weeks today and haven’t herd nor received a thing from the IRS. I called, only to be told that they have 16 weeks to actually process a return, not including the other steps involved. I try not to complain because after reading notes here, I see that many people have been waiting far longer than I. It’s a shame. I honestly thought that things may have changed this year and that they may have gotten a little more help to deal with the numerous returns coming in but, I see that this may not be the case at all. I know how beneficial this money would be for us if it were to come now so I can just imagine how grateful some of you would be who have been waiting longer than I. Perhaps things will speed up there this summer and more people will recieve this much needed money. Who knows, maybe someone here may find that check in the mailbox this week….
Hey everyone! I’m really glad (sorry) that we are not alone! We amended our 2008 taxes and sent them in Oct 1, 2009 and still have not received our check!! We have called a million times, sent in more documentation, and have waited. This is insane!! Everytime we call they just tell us to give them more time…WHAT??!! Really? More time!! I have really lost all hope of getting this money. I think that the government doesn’t have it and they are just shuffling us around because they know there is absolutely nothing we can do about it except…..wait!!!
We just closed on our house on 05/17/10 and mailed my paperwork (1040x, 5405 and HUD-1 statement) yesterday via FedEx to Austin IRS. I am very nervous as I was reading all comments…I hope we don’t have to wait too long to receive our check. I will check back in 6 weeks! Thanks guys for the information!!!
Hi, Idmszm, did you receive your refund? My case is similar — closed on May 10th, mailed everything on May 20th (snail mail), and it is now July 10th with no word whatsoever.
Not yet! I called the IRS today but was told that their system was down so I will need to call back… Today will be my 8th week so I will call back tomorrow!
UPDATE!
I just called and spoke with a helpful person…My check was mailed last Friday but it was mailed to my old address. She was not sure why my address was not updated as it was noted on my amended return. I hope I will get it soon! Good luck to everyone.
UPDATE!
I just received my check yesterday! $8,000 plus $66.02 interest. I can finally furnish my new house! it’s took me about 8 weeks (would’ve been 7 weeks but they sent my check to my old address). Good luck to everyone!
We have been waiting for a total of 14 weeks for our tax credit. Each time i call, the IRS says it is “under review”. Its very frustrating. I had no idea it would take so long. If we owed the IRS, they would be garnishing our wages, and we would have to file an extension. I hope they pay us interest as they would expect us to.
Closed escrow in November 2009. We filed our taxes early 2010. Filed 2010 amendment, included the WHOLE entire packet that the title company handed over and sent the entire copy of the packet via UPS overnight on February 26, 2010. March 29, 2010 we received a letter from IRS stating they received my amendment and that I will be receiving my $8000 refund. April 12, 2009 received check, so a total of 7 weeks for our check to arrive.
May, I’m glad that you and yours didn’t have to wait as long as everyone else has. I think that the people in the past who filed those fraudulent claims and received that money illegally has truly messed it up for the rest of us. I think I can speak for everyone who filed last year and so on, that if we had known to send everything that we had, entire closing packets, bills, and so forth, we would have. It seems like it speeds up the process. I myself sent the signature pages, a copy of the deed, and the mortgage bill so hopefully that will be enough. I called on the 5th of May and she told me that they had until June 18th to even get it processed so I’ll just wait till then before I call back and hopefully it wont get placed on a shelf and forgotten about.
Hello all ! I just wanna share my experience.. First off, my tax guy screwed up 🙁 gave us the wrong address. Obviously, they never received it 🙁 We sent it out on 02/19 and called about a month ago just to find out they didn’t have our paperworks. I had my wife resent IRS a copy of what we sent out but, this time we included 4 diff bills with our names and address, she also sent the package via USPS(which kinda pissed me off 🙁 ) A couple of days later, went on line and it looks like they received it and it says that we should receive our refund on June 8, 2010. Ofcourse I thought it was just too good to be true after reading all these nightmares. I thought we need but, not worth stressing out about it, we will get it when we get it 🙂 So this morning, I decided to check on it and to my suprised, it said that it will be direct deposited to our account on May 14th :-O. So I thought, yah sure whatever, i know something will come up to delay it.. Next thing you know, my wife calls me to tell me that the deposit is pending in our account. So I guess we got really lucky or a knowledgable person handled our file? Basically, it only took about 4weels to process our refund. I guess my advise is to send all needed paperworks along with bills supporting that you actually live there. Good luck to you all!
R, thanks for sharing your experience. Did you send your original paperwork for the house credit with your regular return or did you send an amended return? Just wondering since you may get it direct deposited. Haven’t heard of too many people getting it direct deposited. I’m glad for you and yours!
May 10,2010 and I got my $8000. I bought my house Jan 30,2010 and filed my income taxes. Then amended them at the end of February. They got my amendment March 3,2010 and I bugged every week after the 1st month. Finally a nice IRS employee answered and was nice enough to finish up the process while I was on the phone with him.. I waited 2 month and 9 days for my check. There is HOPE that it can go fast. Keep calling, keep bugging, ask someone if they can do it for you. I even had an address issue with IRS but I just had to explain my situation. Didnt need proof of anything. Just sent my statement of settlement with my amendment. Sorry for all of you that have been waiting. Its ridiculous.