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 are currently taking about eight weeks to receive. Here is a recent 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?
About the Author
{ 297 comments… read them below or add one }
6 weeks is pretty good and I’m not sure it really is that fast for all cases. I know in my case I sent the amended tax return at the end of April and it exactly 8 weeks before getting a check. Got 70 bucks in interest though which was nice. Just want people to be aware so they don’t freak out if nothing comes by then.
8,000 plus interest? Now this makes me wonder. I should be purchasing a home next week, but was planning on waiting till I file my 2009 tax returns to apply the credit. If they are giving credit plus interest now, would I still get the interest if I put it on my 2009 return? I wonder if I should turn in an ammended 2008 form.
If you wait until you file your 2009 income tax return next year, you won’t receive the interest (unless you wait and file an amended return later in 2010 but the interest will only be for a few months). You’re better off filing ASAP and putting the rebate in a high yiels savings account. You’d earn more interest than the IRS would pay.
Filed May 10th and still waiting… IRS now tells me it’s taking 12-16 weeks. Apparently it makes a difference where you send the return. I sent mine to the Fresno service center, and that’s one of the slowest…
Same for me too. I filed the ammended return on May 18th and I have not received the credit as of yet. I called the IRS and they told me to expect 12 to 16 weeks now. My sister filed her ammended return a week after I did and she received her credit around 3 weeks ago. Just a heads up.
Bryan, I feel your pain!! I sent my amended return on April 21 of this year and am STILL waiting. I too sent mine to Fresno. I keep calling the IRS periodically to see what the hold up is. The return didn’t even show up as received until July! Then they reported it had been received back on April 28th, but he said the Fresno location was really backed up and they sent my return to Kansas!!?? I’m on week 18 now and no end in sight.
I sent my amended return to the Fresno office on September 1st and called last week and was told my check is set to be mailed to me on Oct 16th……..about 6 1/2 weeks later with $118 interest.
Is there a way to find out current status of the amended filing?
Not easily. I call the IRS’s number, do the whole “check the status of my refund” thing, punch zero until you get an actual human (hold times are like 25 minutes) and then have to explain the story to them. It takes a while.
Call 1800 829-0582 and push extension 462. That should shorten your trip through the maze. :)
We opted not to file an amended return because freelance income last year pushed us near the income cap. If we amend, we’ll lose 1/4 of the credit. This year we don’t have that issue, so we amended our W-2s to siphon the credit out through our paychecks this year instead of waiting until February to file our taxes. (Just claim a lot of allowances to stop withholding any money.)
I bought my house on June 1st, sent my credit out around June 30th, and received the check on August 8th with $57.19 in interest. I will be putting it into the bank today.
Hmmmmm, No rhyme or reason, just the luck of the draw, I guess? I closed on 4/13 and My amended return was received on 5/29. A month ago, I was told 8 – 12 weeks, Now being told 12 – 16 weeks, bottom line is still no check. So when I hear that someone who closed on 6/30 has already cashed out… well it just doesn’t seem fair. I tend to agree with Bryen who stated that it might depend on where ( I am in Atlanta) and on the other hand it might just depend on the work ethic of the individual your file was assigned to.
We filed at the beginning of May so we are at 12 weeks now and still waiting. IRS said to us as well now taking 12-16 weeks. But a friend from Iowa just bought a house and filed at the end of June and just received his $8000 credit. Don’t know why they are processing the recently mailed ones and leave the ones sit that have been at their office for 2-3 months already. Sounds kind of fishy.
We closed April 29th, sent the papers off on the 30th. It was recieved May 5th and has been “processing” since then. I called again today and was told it is in “evaluation.” We are currently on week 15. It does irk me a bit that someone who closed at the end of June has theirs yet I am still waiting. I’m hoping “evaluation” doesn’t mean we will have to supply any other info, as they apparently notify you of this by mail as well, thus adding more time.
Greg,
When your file goes into evaluation that means you are in an audit. They are checking your age, your children’s age and if you have filed interest and real estate taxes in the last three years. They are going to ask for your house closing papers or your contract. We filed ours on June 18 and I call them every two weeks. We are also in audit. I have contacted my Congressman. They can speed things up. Try it anyway.
I waited the full 16 weeks. 2 days prior to it expiring i was told by the IRS is should be closed out soon. The day after the 16 week time frame i called and was told that it was “randomly” chosen for extended review and was told it will take at least another 45 days. I filed at the end of July and it was received by the IRS on July 30th. Was told that this “random” selection has happened to a lot of people amending for this credit, but it still seems a bit fishy. Waiting till your timeline expires to randomly select it to extend it another 6 weeks minimum.
I closed on 04/28 and had my amended return out the next day. IRS received it on 05/01/09. I am approaching 15 full weeks (this Friday)….still nothing. First it was 6-8 weeks, then 8-12 (per Phone conversation w/IRS), before 12 weeks hit I started seeing 12-16 weeks on these forums. I’m North of Boston…I haven’t seen any correspondence asking for more information or anything (in fact, I had to call the IRS to confirm they received the return–I had no notification that it was even received).
Patiently (sort of) waiting…
I’m in the same boat as a lot of you. I closed on my house on April 24th, dropped the amended return in the mail on April 25th and haven’t received a thing yet. I’ve called three separate times, about two weeks apart each. The first call (at the 8 week mark) said it was in process and that it would take 8-12 weeks. The second and third calls also said that it was in process but I was told that the credit for home buyers is now taking 12-16 weeks. My file has been “in process” for the last 6 weeks. They’ve already processed my address change, however, so somebody is doing something with it.
I agree, it isn’t fair that the returns filed months after mine are already processed. My advice? Anybody out there that’s banking on getting their return in a timely manner or are relying on it to pay a certain bill by a certain date….don’t count on it. The 12-16 weeks could easily become 16-20 weeks or 20-24 weeks….you get the point.
It’s a good incentive to buy a house, but it makes me uneasy that the government is this inefficient at creating an accurate timeline or project plan. If any of us did our jobs like this on a daily basis….would we still have jobs? I’m just sayin’….. ;-)
Hi there! My guy and I filed our amendment at the beginning of June and recieved a letter requesting more documents yesterday. We mailed it out today and I was wondering if it would take another couple months or if we wouldn’t have to wait as long. Does anyone have a time frame rom when they had to send in more documents to when they recieved their check? Thanks!
We closed on Mar 20, sent the amended Mar 29. Received a letter for more info exactly 12 weeks later. Walked the info (HUD-1 Closing Settlement) into an IRS office and was told 6-8 weeks longer. July 30, Got a letter that we would get a response by Sept 1. Got another letter Aug 12 that the Examiners Office approved our $8k refund with interest and that it could take up to another 6-8 weeks to receive the check.
It seems like they are randomly choosing who they want to pick on for quality control and fraud prevention. I wouldn’t trust any time frame if I were you. It’s been 20 weeks for me already and I don’t have a check yet. But I live in Cali, so I’m not surprised since we have a lot of new buyers here.
I guess the good thing is that the longer it takes, the more interest you get…..If there is a good thing about waiting.
We could use the money, but figured that technically this is an exemption that we wouldn’t have realized until next year anyway. So, we just changed our perspective and are waiting it out. Besides, all the interest that I’m paying on this new mortgage will pay off for this tax period too!
So the check will be mailed out this Friday! WooHoo! Only 22 Weeks! At least it’s with interest. $155 worth!
Exactly what happened to me. i am on week 30 with mine… still no check and could be another 6-8 weeks
If the IRS told you it was under evaluation, that means they are going to ask you for documentation showing you are eligible for the tax credit. They did this exact same thing to me. I closed on 3/3/09 and mailed off my amended return on 3/26/09. The beginning of July they sent me a letter stating it was under evaluation/review and they needed additional documentation. I had to submit my Settlement Statement and the Deed from my county. I still have not received my return!!! They sent me a letter stating that they reviewed my documents and found that I am eligible for the full tax credit and a check will be mailed within 6-8 weeks. I got the letter 8/31/09 and I am hoping one day I will receive my check. I’m in Atlanta so I think it’s worse in my area.
The IRS has several processing centers throughout the country. Where you live depends where you file. Therefore, it makes perfect sense (to me at least) that some people have their return processed sooner than others. This statement “So when I hear that someone who closed on 6/30 has already cashed out… well it just doesn’t seem fair.” is hilarious. It’s not like everyone sends their return to the same office and some IRS official is messing with you by not processing your return.
Also, to those of you who received theirs fast, what is the home sales trend in your area? To those that are taking too long, what is the sales trend in your area? This might have something to do with how quickly the return is processed.
So I’m curious to know for those who got requests for additional information: what kind of information are they asking for? IIRC the form was pretty basic. Are they asking for HUD-1s or deeds or something?
With respect to mv’s comment: I never thought about it that way but it makes perfect sense. I’m located in California in a high foreclosure area (where here isn’t?) and there are a *lot* of FTHBs around here.
For me they were asking for the HUD forms. I tried to look up what to send but I couldn’t find anything on it, or I definately would have sent it in lol. If anyone is about to file then I would send those in with it so you don’t have to wait as long.
When they ask for additional information you have to send them a copy of your settlement statement from closing (HUD form) and a copy of the notorized document from your county stating the Deed has been changed into your name is very helpful. After they receive that they have 60 days to review your documents (60 days after your info was actually received). If they find your documentation acceptable and say you are indeed eligible for the tax credit add another 6-8 weeks before you receive your check. Total process estimated time 30-32 weeks. That is exactly what I am experiencing. I closed on 3/3/09 and still waiting for my check, in the Atlanta area. It took them 16 weeks just to tell me they needed the additional documentation.
I closed on my house on June 1st, mailed in my amended 2008 tax return on June 3rd, IRS received my amended 2008 tax return on June 9th. I just called a couple of days ago and was told that it was still being processed and to expect an answer OR check by mid September or end of September. I was orignally told mid August – end of August. I am extremely disappointed. I am in the New York Upstate area. Sorry but NO EXCUSE to delay these payments so long.
I just got off the phone with an IRS Agent, and she wouldn’t verify that they have even received our 1040X and 5405l! We mailed them, on July 27th. She verified all of our info from our 2008 taxes. She told us to call back in 12 to 16 weeks!! I am beginning to wonder that the Govt. is purposely slowing things up, so that people will spend the money on Christmas! If this is the case, then they are sadly mistaken about our family!! Our family is going to pay off the remainder of our bills, and SAVE the rest. It is a shame that when someone OWES the IRS they want their money yesterday, however, when you are due money FROM them, they take their slowwww sweeeet timeee.
This is FREE money so stop crying about it. Im waiting too and believe me I could use it! Be pateint :)
Sorry Angel… this is NOT free money. This is paid by the taxpayers. We are all paying for it.
yes… but they don’t have to pass it back into your bank account :)
Just wait till yours takes more that 6 months to get and we will see if you are a little frustrated then……
I applied for my rebate on August 10,2009. IRS has an ‘excuse’ every time I call as to why I haven’t received my money. It is now January 14, 2010. I do not have anything complicated for them to investigate in my life. Yesterday the IRS, (very nicely, I want to add), told me everything is on tract and my check should be done in 4 weeks, then a check cut in 14 days after that. Why?????
The IRS recieved by 1040x on 4/30. I’ve called and was told pretty much the same thing as everyone else. Its been in evaluation for the past 6 weeks now. Still waiting..
I closed in March, filed my ammended return at the end of april. They said they received the ammended return in early may. They also told me 12-16 weeks now. When i check the “where’s my refund” site, nothing shows. I am not at 15 weeks and very scared because this is how i am paying for my wedding in 4 weeks!
I understand you completely. I closed on my house in April, and it was supposed to help with my OCTOBER wedding. I still haven’t received my refund, and this week will be 16 weeks. It finally showed up in their system on week 12 (I started calling around week 10) and then week 13 they told me it would be 3 more weeks. So if I don’t get it this week, I’m going to be pretty peeved. Yes, I understand that there are different processing centers, but there really is no excuse for someone to have a 6 week processing time and someone in another part of the country to have a 16 week processing time. The IRS should do a better job delegating employees if location is the case.
OH, JUSTIN!! Sweetie, NEVER depend on something like this for paying for your precious wedding. I sincerely hope your refund has already come as of this writing.
Please do not depend on this money to pay for your wedding. I can guarantee you if you they received it in early May and you are now at 15 weeks it will not come in time. You need to find another means to pay for your wedding. Sorry but you cannot depend on this money to pay anything by a certain date.
Well, while it may not be “free money” per se, it is still money that we are entitled to under the law. We are no more or less entitled to the $8,000 tax credit than any other homeowner is entitled to deduct mortgage interest.
The stupid thing (IMO) is that they said “if your address changed, it may take longer.” Well, no kidding; it’s a homebuyer’s credit. Of course our addresses are changing.
You make such a great point Bryen that should be so obvious….but unfortunately we are dealing with our Government that is supposed to be “By the people, for the people.”….LOL
I closed on my house Mar 9. and mailed my 1040x on mar 10. It took them almost 12 weeks just to write and tell me to send the hud1 settlement. They are now telling me i should hear something by Sept. 1. As of me writing this Sept 1 is only two weeks away and still nothing. This will make 6 months since filing my 1040x . I just got off the phone with IRS and now they are saying at least another 30 days. This is so frustrating. That will make it almost 7 months, Its ridiculous. This whole tax credit was the governments idea and they were obviously completely unprepared for the large number of ammended returns.
The average time for those of us (me included) that had to send Hud settlement as additional information is 32 weeks. Sorry but you are going to have to keep waiting. I am in the Atlanta area and in the same boat as you. They are not going to hurry to send us free money.
Same boat here… I am on week 30.
It has been 16 weeks and not seen my refund yet. I called the agent and she said that she is putting in a “referral” and that IRS agent has upto 30 days to respond to that. Super duper slow. BTW, I mailed my refund application to Fresno as well. I thin Fresno is the slowest fo them all.
A referral will do no good if it’s in the Examiners Office. They are totally backlogged and tasked to do quality control. Believe me, I did my share of investigating.
Week 15….now I recieved a letter requesting more information!!!!
I know some people recieved their credit before they even settled on their homes. The IRS sent my form back and requested the HUD-1, so make sure you send that. I sent mine on 31 July and I do not expect to hear anything for 16 weeks now. My refund went to the Kentucky office. Anyone aware of how backed up they are? I wish they had some way for us to track it online. If anyone knows please reply.
Good luck!
Yes I agree they definitely need a way for us to check it online. IWe’re at week 9 still waiting. We were going to put a privacy fence up with the money for our puppy and he is sadly having to stay at our parents until the money comes in. I am very appreciative of this incentive but i feel cheated that we haven’t received it already. We have friends that bought a house about a month before us and received their $8000 back in 3 weeks!! Guess it is the luck of the draw!
I closed on April 15th, and mailed the return on the 16th. Customer Service has receipt on May 5th. 8 weeks went by, called, and they said it would now take 8 to 12 weeks… I waited and called back at the end of July, and the agent said it would now take 12 to 16 weeks. Meanwhile, I now have about half of the $8000 wrapped up in credit card debt for the home purchase I made 5 months ago… For something that was supposed to jump-start the economy, all it’s done is put me in debt…
“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.”
Wait, to get the credit you have to have just bought a new house and it has to be your primary residence. So wouldn’t everyone who files the amended return have an address change?
Well today I called again because I was told a month ago that my amended 2008 return was received by the IRS on June 9 and that I should check back in August. I called last week, was told to call in a week, I called today and she didn’t even CHECK, she just asked when did you mail it, I said it was mailed on 6/3 and received by the IRS on 6/9, she said, oh it’s too soon, call back late September. She didn’t ask for any information, she didn’t try to find out, she didn’t try to do anything, she just GOT RID OF MY CALL. I had the money for the down payment and I had money to furnish my new home, what I wasn’t counting on is that I would be laid off in the end of June…fortunately I had that reserve and it’s served as a cushion but two months have gone by and I’m going into month three, reserves are GONE. At this point if I don’t get this money by Mid September at the latest…I’m going to lose the house that I just bought!!!!
Liz, go to this website http://www.irs.gov/advocate/content/0,,id=150972,00.html and look up the number for the local tax advocate near you. This is a service that can help you to get your refund sooner if you are facing economic hardship. I’m not exactly sure as to what the requirements are but I know a few of them have to do with shut off utilities and threat of forclosure. You are also going to want to make sure you get a hold of any documents they may need such as closing statements. Also, I have called a lot and gotten people to look up my file and give me details. I would try again. The worst they will do is tell you to not call so often, but who cares, you need this money. I have the same situation except thank God I still have my job. I was waiting for this money to pay for my wedding in 3 weeks. Luckily a friend fronted me some of the money so I will be fine. Also, consider applying for unemployment. You are a taxpayer so you have the right to these services. I hope this helps you. God Bless.
My Uncle and best friend sent their forms in on sep. 20 2009, and recieved their letter and their money on oct. 5. I sent my forms in on September 15th and still havent recieved any thing, no letter anything.Im trying to be patient and not worry that i will not recieve it. when i callled the IRS hotline i was told that this is now taking up to 12-16 weeks. But im still wondering how did my uncle and best friend recive thiers before i did?
Thank you Justin, I am going to try calling the IRS one more time, if I don’t get a response then I’m going to contact that number. I’m collecting unemployment but as we all know it’s only a fraction of what I made, I am getting the maximum so that has helped to stretch the “cushion” I have but I’m getting to the bottom of the barrel and once that “cushion” runs out my unemployment would only cover the mortgage and that’s it, the utilities, car, food, and gas would not be covered AND I have a child to sustain as well so I really hope this comes through because the job market is dead and even with my 20+ years of experience, working constantly for over 30 years, and a college degree….and even taking a 30% cut on what I was making….still can’t find a job. Hopefully, something will come through, I appreciate your information, God Bless.
I built my own house on property I have owned for 11 years. There are no closing documents. What kind of documentation am I going to be asked to provide? I already filed my amended return on August 3. I’ve moved in and submitted all my address changes, but there is much work still to do, and I need the rebate to do it. According to the IRS website and a CPA I called, I should be eligible. But what kind of hoops will I have to jump through? Building a house is stressful enough, without this added uncertainty. I will report back on what happens, but if anyone else is in the same situation, I’d love to hear about it.
Well I got a letter from the IRS saying that my taxes have been reviewed and they found an error and that I owe $546.00 and how am I going to pay it? The irony … you gotta love it. In the meanwhile I’ve been waiting 12 weeks for my first time homebuyer credit, hopefully this does not mean that it’s going to be delayed more than mid September and that they’ll send me the check WITH the $546.00 deducted or are they going to hold on to this till I pay? I’ll be calling the advocate office on Monday, this is not right. If there was a mistake, fine but at least tell me in the letter that the check is being mailed….or is this a different department? I’ll be calling on Monday and find out what the deal is here. :=(
16 weeks passed as of 08/21…still nothing.
Question:
I am wondering if the extra long delays (12 weeks plus) are based on individual circumstances? For example, a true first-time buyer vs. a buyer who hasn’t owned property in 3 years. I sold a home in ‘05, so I’m thinking that verifying the sale information – might have something to do with the extra processing time. A co-worker who has never owned property closed 3 weeks after I did and received her check 2 weeks ago, we live in the same state.
Latice, I too sold my last house in 2005, but that should make no difference (you’d think anyway). But maybe you’re right. To complicate things for me, my now ex-boyfriend had created a trust and made us joint trustees on his home–new grant deed was issued. I never actually owned the house, and would not have unless he died, but I wonder if that’s messing me up. Then again, from the sound of those who sent their returns to Fresno, being on week 18 sounds par for the course. Argh.
Latice,
I don’t think that has anything to do with it at all. I am a “true” first time homebuyer and I have yet to recieve my credit. I’m currently at 21 weeks… I think we unfortunately are all in this shipwrecked boat together!
Closed on my new home on May 7th. Admended my tax return and mailed it the next day… I called IRS 2 weeks ago saying that it was still in “process”.. still no check yet.
was back on the phone with the IRS last night…16 weeks had passed w/out anything so I decided to try back. Basically said by file was sent for further evaluation but the person on the other line could not tell me why or who I could contact to provide more information to expedite the process (naturally). I was told I could try back every two weeks for a status or I would eventually receive notification if more information was needed and/or my return was accepted or denied…”There is no specific time frame from this point forward…” is what I was told. I assummed I was pretty squeaky clean, not sure of what red flags could have sent my file for further review–leads me to think they may just be doing that at random for fraud control….
Question: did anyone do their amended return through turbo tax?? I can’t specifically recall changing my address or anything like that…and the turbo tax forms was the only documents I sent in–the only thing I can think of is my address on file (old address) did not match my new home’s address….???
John, I did my amended return through TurboTax. Should have been fine. To add to my situation, back in week 10, I spoke to a rep at the IRS who said that “if we haven’t registered it as received by now, it’s lost. Send another one.” Which I did. That just screwed things up more.
DON’T send duplicates even if they tell you to!!
When I first read this article, I was on week 16 of the wait! Ha! Six weeks would have been a dream for me. It’s a nightmare of wasted calls and time. By the time I get it, it will be close to next tax season.
I’m actually kind of curious about what happens if next February rolls around and there’s still no check. Obviously by that point, I’ll regret amending the return and would have been better off just filing for 2009…..
Hi, Bryen,
I actually asked the IRS phone person that (one of about 9 I have spoken to during this ordeal). I also told him that I was beginning to wish I’d just waited because it’s almost 5 MONTHS since I filed the amended return and if I had known it was going to be like this, I would have waited. His reply was that it would certainly be soon, but that because I bought a duplex with a unit number, there would be more scrutiny because apartment renters were trying to get the credit dishonestly. ??? I assured him that I indeed had a big fat mortgage and offered to have the IRS call me anytime for more info. He said that was impossible because they were too behind. (The others actually had the nerve to tell me they were AHEAD of schedule.) He said there’s a lot of fraud being attempted. Here’s a link to a great article on the topic: http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-harney9-2009aug09,0,4588863.story
He ended the call with “Ma’ame, I wish I could afford a house to get such a refund, so you should be happy to wait for free money.” Free money my Aunt Fannie.
You can tell they field lots of calls like ours.
Fresno stinks for this credit. My return was sent to Kansas City????? It took so long, that by week 12, the IRS told me to send another amended return. BAD idea. That just screwed up things more.
From reading these posts, I’m beginning to think the lag has more to do with those of us who have previously owned homes years ago compared to those who never have. They seem to get their checks faster.
As for HUD paper work, they don’t ask for that up front, so they shouldn’t be asking for it 18 weeks into the process. Ugh!!!!
Hi, all,
Well, I just called the IRS today and, lo and behold, my check, with interest, is being sent out on in one week!!! So, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Just thought you’d like to know. And it only took a total of 20 weeks. :) They REALLY are behind. The woman I spoke to this time said the IRS was not apprised of just how many amended returns they’d be getting. It’s clearing up, however.
PJP
I am now wondering if our family should have waited to file our amended return, due to this new revelation:
Lawmakers are pushing to revive legislation in the Senate that would almost double an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and expand the program to all borrowers.
Senator Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican, introduced a bill today that would increase the tax credit to $15,000 and remove income and other restrictions on who can qualify, according to his spokeswoman, Sheridan Watson. The Treasury Department declined to comment on the proposal.
i live in dallas -fort worth. filed 5 weeks ago. called irs today and was told it will be mailed this friday. 6 weeks total. with interest.
I filed May 29, it was received first week in June. Also sent to Fresno. Still waiting. I too was told that the computer spit out a question about having a unit number and something about apartments can’t be purchased so it was being evaluated.
Sitting here in breathless anticipation!
Well, because I like to torture myself, I called again. I guess mine, filed May 10, got kicked into manual review on August 19th. They couldn’t tell me what this meant other than “some are being looked at randomly” and that I would get a letter if they needed more info. They say no letter has been generated.
I’m beginning to think this $8,000 is like the pegasus, the unicorn or the jackalope — urban legend!
I closed 3/3/09, mailed my amended return on 3/26/09. After 8 weeks I called and they told me it would be more like 12-16 weeks. At 16 weeks they told me my file was under evaluation/review and additional documents were needed to verify I was eligible for the tax credit. I received the letter end of June and immediately sent back my HUD settlement statemened and copy of the deed from my county. I made sure I faxed, and certified mailed the copies. DO BOTH!!! It took 4 weeks for them to tell me they got my documents on June 25th. They had 60 days to review my documents. I got a letter last week stating that they reviewed my documents and found that I am eligible for the tax credit (duh, I’ve never owned a home). Now it’s going to take another 6-8 weeks before they mail out the check. 6 months later and still no $8,000. I live in the Atlanta area and I have called the IRS so much they are on speed dial. It is sad that when our government owes us money we have to wait forever but if we owe money they will garnish wages, bank account liens everything in order to get their money. FYI anyone who is depending on this money to pay bills or making any plans, DON’T DO IT… There is no way of saying for sure when you will get the check in the mail.
I sent my amended return on April 15th. I heard that my problem may be that I filed my taxes individually, but the house was purchased with me and a joint. Mine has been in review for the past 3 weeks as of August 15th and the operators are unable to tell me anything. I was basiclly told to wait to hear from us and quit calling. The frustrating part of it is that I had a friend get his back 8 weeks!!I had plans for this morning, but that has now gone out the door. I just want my money!! Atleast I am getting interest on this money while they hold it.
Finally received 25 weeks later! All $8155!
I filed a 1040x on March 26, 2009. Still have not received my credit after almost six months!! I am now dealing with a tax advocate who seems to not be helping at all, only making it worse. Supposedly my return was “selected” for examination because of all the fraud going on. I’m 22, just got married (was expectig the money for wedding/honeymoon) and they thining I’m frauding them. If I was lying then I wouldn’t be trying this hard to find out what’s goingon. I have many more details of anyone wants to hear more.
Hang in there. We filed on March 29 and went through the whole “we need more docs” thing, inept operators at the IRS, and incompetent agents at the field office. I figured that a huge influx came to them and they were trying to weed out any fraud by sending select returns to the Examiner’s Office (which is where ours ended up). The letter came that we would be getting the credit plus interest and there would be another 6-8 week waiting period. We got it 6 weeks exactly after and with interest. The whole process took 25 weeks.
working on week 20 now and still nothing has come in. At week 16 I spoke with an IRS operator who was able to confirm my file was sent to the Examiners office for more investigation. I haven’t tried to call since that time for a second update so it’s been 3+ weeks since the last time I called–but I’m wondering if anyone else has had a situation where their file also was selected for further examination and never had additional documentation requested. I have received no correspondence from the IRS requesting more docs at all…………….at this point I’d be happy with a letter requesting something/anything so I at least know they are working my file.
Also curious: originaly they said they would be direct depositing checks but it looks like everyone above received theirs via mail…is the IRS not dd checks and sending them mail instead?
It has be a headache trying to get my “First Time Home Buyers Refund”. I sent my form in on June 25, 2009 but still have not received my refund as of 9/16/09. I had to send in more Documentation and did so immediately, that was around the end of July. My tax preparer says it is because they decided to audit mine, they are over whelmed with the refunds, and there have been many people trying to illegally cash in on the refund. I have no luck. Last time I called they said it’s been received and I will either have to provide more information, or I will receive my refund by the middle of OCT. We shall see its …….CRAZY…..
I am only on week 6 of my wait. Tried calling last week, spent 15 minutes muddling around in the “press a number” menu system, then was on hold for 45 minutes, after which the call was simply dropped. I sent an email to my congressman and senators. Haven’t heard anything back yet, maybe because they don’t yet have any canned responses for this…..yet. All 3 of them voted “aye” on the ARRA, so I would hope they have an interest in seeing it succeed rather than make things worse.
week 6….haha, you may want to wait for week 16 before you waste your time contacting the IRS–unless you are calling to make sure they received your return, which isn’t a bad idea. 16+ weeks is the norm it seems unless you are lucky enough to avoid further examination. I’ll be trying them again this evening most likley–tomorrow is 20 full weeks w/no check or correspondence. (and yes, on May 1 they received my amended return).
CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS ARTICLE??!!!!!!!!!
***************************************************************************************************
June 10, 2009 (Bloomberg) — Lawmakers are pushing to revive legislation in the Senate that would almost double an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and expand the program to all borrowers.
Senator Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican, introduced a bill today that would increase the tax credit to $15,000 and remove income and other restrictions on who can qualify, according to his spokeswoman, Sheridan Watson. The Treasury Department declined to comment on the proposal.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, would extend the homebuyer credit to multifamily properties used as the borrower’s primary residence. It would also eliminate income caps of $75,000 and $150,000 on individuals and couples seeking to claim the credit.
**********************************************************************
$15,000!!! WOW!!!
This will NEVER go through–Isakson and Dodd are just trying a bizarre tactic for votes–and it should NOT go through. Think about it: The whole point of the refund was to encourage FIRST time buyers with lower incomes to buy houses. So, you have to be a true first time buyer, (3 years), you have to actually live in the house for 3 years without renting it out (so no investors), and you have income restrictions. This is OUR taxpayer money. I don’t mind seeing it go out to such a limited audience, but I’ll be damned if I (WE) are going to subsidize wealthy investors who will exploit loopholes. Obama’s whole point to this is to encourage HOME owners, not more speculators. Multifamily means apartment houses–do you really want to subsidize landlords (and slumlords)?
It’s crazy and stupid. it undermines the whole point of the original stimulus bill.
PJP
Don’t tell anyone, but the $8000 credit was actually just more bailout bonanza for the banks, who own a great many houses — they simply added $8000 to their valuations when pricing the REOs – so, for every house they sold into a distorted market, they gained $8000 and the buyer simply takes on that much more debt – for the next 30-40 years!
Not true.
If Congress expands the tax credit from $8K to $15K, could you re-amend your return for the difference? We have already submitted our 1040X and 5405 for the $8K.
Today I only waited 20 minutes and got to talk to a live person. She told me that my amended return had been received and was in process. She also said that amended returns normally take about 12 weeks, but due to the extra load this year, the “average” estimate is now 16 weeks. I am guessing that is for returns that are not flagged for audit.
wake up all you 1st time home buyers looking for your 8000 tax credit from the irs like me how many of us are claiming this credit as a amended form compared to the actual irs tax season from jan til april 15th deadline you cant tell me in there off season after april 15th they cant handle our amended tax forms in a more timely manner what else are they doing in the off season or are they not prepared to handle this new 8000 credit the politicians came up with maybe they need to be aware of whats going on in holding up our refunds buy the way its been 12 weeks for us
I received my refund on Monday–20 weeks. They are overrun with amended returns, but they will, as long as they are NOT fraudulant . . . go through fine. Be patient. Mine was not investigated and went through fine. Slow, but fine. When you think about it, none of us would be getting a dime any other year, so . . .
PJP
PJP–Same boat here. Spoke to the IRS last night, they are putting my check in the mail today–exactly 20 weeks after my paperwork was received.
My file was sent for further review but they never requested additional documentation from me, which I thought was strange but oh well….
Goodluck everyone, and yes, be patient. (or at least try..)
I submitted an amended tax return for the tax credit on April 10th of this year and I have yet to recieve it as of today 09/19/2009. I have called several times and each time they say they are reviewing it and states it will be another month.
Well still nothing, I called two days ago the gentleman that took my call sounded like he didn’t want to be bothered, he was like….do you know that it’s taking 16 weeks now? I said NO! So he asked for all the usual information blah blah blah, he then asks me, did you get a letter from us I said not for the amendment but I did get a letter asking me for money for my 2007 tax return is that the one you’re inquiring about? He said yes, I told him I sent in the paperwork, he check and said they have it. So I said “I replied back quickly can you please now reply to my credit?” He said that if I don’t have anything by the 29th of September to call back then or I can call before, it’s up to me. WHAT TYPE OF A RESPONSE IS THAT? So I don’t know how to interpret that except as “F**k off”
Bought my condo in April. 2 weeks ago I finally called the IRS. They said my claim was denied and they would be sending a letter. This week I received a letter that stated the claim was denied because it appeared the residence was aquired from a relative. This is not true. The home was a forclosure and bank owned. Now I have to appeal the decision. This is rediculous!!!
If the home was originally owned by a relative and THEN foreclosed upon as bank-owned, it counts. Carefully read the fine print of this bill on who qualifies and how.
It was never owned by a relative. I am now appealing. I don’t even know any of the previous owners.
April 27, 2009: Closed on my first home in Richland, WA.
April 29, 2009: Sent amended 2008 tax return to IRS.
May 4, 2009: IRS received my amended return.
August 13, 2009: I received amended return back in the mail because I forgot to sign it (still kicking myself…)
August 17, 2009: IRS received 2nd signed copy of amended return and the 16-20 week timer starts over from this date =(.
I live in Washington State and sent my return to IRS in California.
SIGN YOUR RETURNS!!!!!!
Where can I sign it?
It’s only three pages.. but there is no place to sign on the first page on form 5405?
Please let me know!
Tks!
I read alot of your replies and it sounds like I wrote most of your posts… Now to my story…
I closed on my first home 4/15, sent out my amended return the first week of May, it was recieved on May 19th. I kept checking back in through the IRS website and through the hotline. They kept telling me to wait, because it wasn’t showing on the system. (I sent the return confirmed mail, so it got there, they LOST IT” So 8 weeks, 9 weeks and 10 weeks came and went. I finally got to 12 weeks and then they said that they hadn’t received it yet so I needed to resubmit. I resubmitted on July 17th, it was recieved July 24th. I keep checking back and intially they told me that it was under evaluation, which was supposed to take up to 45 days, now I’m under review, which could take up to 30 days…. This process that was seemingly “so easy” is turning out to be quite a PAIN! I realize that many people have purchased homes lately, however this process is going slower than a snail…. Hope you all recieve your tax credits soon… GOOD LUCK!
YAHOOOOO!!!!!
Called tonight at 9:00 and the wait time was only 2-4 minutes. The phone system did not hang up on me and I actually spoke to someone with a personality! If those miracles were not enough I found out the check is supposed to be cut on Oct 2 and I should recieve it within two weeks of that time. Oct 16th for sure! I had given up on that thing……….
I’ve been reading all your stories. Makes me more frustrated. I read on another website that one person filed their amended on 08/01 and got their money 08/29. Can you believe that?! Sounds like a completely random process. I’m going on my 16th week. Plan to call next week not that it will due any good. I’m sure I’ll be told that its in process. I was told 2 wks ago that it’s been assigned to an examiner which I was told by the IRS rep that is a good thing. She said to call back next week if I haven’t heard anything by next week.
Well I’ll be going into week 16 next week, they told me to wait until the 29th and if I haven’t heard or received anything to call them back. I’m expecting to hear it’s still being reviewed call back in 2 weeks. At this point I’m must worried that I still haven’t found a job, it’s starting to get cold and I don’t have enough money to fill my oil tank to heat the house. It’s been a struggle but I’ve been able to make the mortgage payments on time and bills but my cushion is gone, I had a 3 month cushion which I managed to stretch to 4 months but I’m at the bottom of the barrel. If I don’t find a job and don’t receive this money I really don’t know what I’m going to do. If I put the house up for sale…I lose that money, if I stay and I don’t find a job I’m going to fall behind. All I know from this ordeal is that I feel I’ve been SCRWD … buy house, lose job 30 days later, reserves gone, no first time home buy money, advocate hasn’t done a thing, congress woman never replied to my two emails. I don’t even check the mail box anymore, I don’t believe it’s coming.
Liz,
If I were you, I’d be more worried about the mortgage company doing a review on you and finding out that you lost your job. They can recall your mortgage because you have no visible means of paying it. And if you say that you were planning on using a tax refund, that won’t go over big, believe me. And why should it? When we sign all those legally binding docs (gulp), we all know that we are swearing that all of our assets are true and/or that we will be able to pay back this debt. Losing a job suddenly can be out of your control, but it doesn’t matter in the end. In the up market, if you lost your job and you had a great credit score, you could tap into the equity in your home and refinance with no issues. Not the greatest of ideas, but it saved a lot of people while they re-secured their careers. Knowing this from owning other homes in CA (a lot more money involved than here), I know the stress having a mortgage payment can cause when it’s too big. That’s why, this time around, I opted to go smaller and keep my mortgage, PMI, and taxes each month at the same rate as rent would be for a home similar to mine. That way, I can mentally deal with it better. I qualified for A LOT more house, but, well, we all know where that got us a few years ago as a nation–in the hole we’re digging out of now.
And I read several folks here thinking of this money as a done-deal, and having other vital things in their lives depend on it showing up at a certain time. Not a good idea at all, obviously.
This money should be treated mentally as if it does not exist UNTIL YOU HAVE IT IN YOUR HANDS. Even then, there are conditions, like not being able to sell the place or live anywhere else for 3 years, or rent it out. I wonder how many of the folks getting this money now even realize that and how many, when they break those conditions, will be getting bills from the IRS for $8,000–plus interest.
I thought long and hard about filing for this credit-will I be able to stay put for 3 years? What if I lose MY job and have to sell, would I be able to give back eight grand just like that? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, say my finance get an unexpected boost and I want to buy another house and live there, and rent this one out? I won’t be able to do that for three years.
There is a LOT more to think about with this refund than just how to spend this money. It isn’t income, guys, so be prepared to give it back if the conditions don’t hold for some of us.
PJP
Thanks for that advice. Fortunately I live in a State where that can’t happen, plus I was with the same employer for 10 years and it was very unexpected and unfortunately the company I work for lost A LOT of money because of the Madoff scam so it was really not something that was planned. When the bank qualified me I more than qualified income wise, I was approved for a higher amount and could have bought a home that cost more but instead I looked for a long time for a home that was almost 40% less to the amount I was approved for thinking that I did not want to over extend myself and I didn’t want to pay more than what I paid for rent and with patience and perseverance I found a beautiful home with everything I wanted in the price range I wanted. After mortgage payment AND bills I still stayed with over 1,500 a month. I’m so glad now that I didn’t go for what I was approved for but with this new situation everything has changed. I CAN still over the mortgage and bills it’s the extra expenses for winter that’s killing me. The oil for the furnace that I have to fill up and winter clothes for my son, none of his stuff from last year fits him. Those are the things I’m worried about, how are we going to get through the winter. Like I said, my reserves are basically gone, I have just enough to cover but not for anything more. I hope I see a check this week and that I get a reply from one of the many places I’ve sent my resume to and been interviewed.
I am on week 16 going on 17. I sent mine to the Fresno, CA office….so slow. It’s just now in the review stage. I was told just last week that they are questioning why I claimed interest on real estate payments in 2007. This made them believe I was a home owner that year and has caused a further delay. Although, I never owned a home in my name – I was claiming the interest because I was the one making the mortgage and working but it was in my boyfriends name. He moved out and I had no choice. He eventually let it foreclose. So, just a heads up for anyone who may have put real estate interest payments on their taxes…they may delay it to further check in to it.
Well I got a letter yesterday and they’re requesting my HUD-1, I mailed it in today, I’ll be faxing it in on Thursday when I go to my old office to use the fax machine. Let’s see what happens now.
I just spoke to IRS and of course was told still in process. I was also told that they should be getting to my file in 2 to 3 weeks before making a determination. They said its taking so long because I filed amened return. They said review process only takes about 30 to 60 days but that they didn’t get my original return in their office(Austin, TX), until early August. They did see I sent in amended return in June, but doesn’t matter. Apparently, took a long time for local IRS office to get my file before they could review. Will follow up in 2 weeks Honestly, I don’t expect a check until early November if I’m lucky.
I called the IRS today and they showed that they received by ammendment on 7/27 and that it was CLOSED out on Aug. 13th. I asked what that meant and the guy said,”I’m not sure, it doesn’t say” “I will have to put in a referral and find out” You should hear something back in about 30 days! Nice!
Update: Finally some good news! The IRS received my amended return on 5/29 in the Atlanta ofc. and it remained “in processing” for the full 16 weeks. 16 weeks to the day I called and low and behold it was out of processing and had moved to adjustments. No definitive info was available at that time. I called 1 week later, week 17 and was told that my check would be mailed on 10/2 with interest. 18 weeks, not exactly 6 but I’m thinking that eventually, this check will materialize in my mailbox. I am thankful I was able to take advantage of the program but I would have really appreciated a smoother process or at least more efficient communication. For those of you who are not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel – hang in there.
Hi Guys. I had filed mine on 4/22 and received by IRS on 4/26. I finally saw my check after 23 weeks. I had applied in Fresno and looks like most of the people applying in Fresno see their return in week 22-week 26.
I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. I sent in my amended return sept 5th and they received it in Austin Sept 9th. I checked my bank account to tonight and there’s an $8000 credit from the treasury. Apparently they have started doing direct deposit in order to speed up the process. It worked for me cause I received my money within a little over 3 weeks from them receiving my info.
What form to mail except 5405 to get $8000 credit ? There is no place to sign. Please help.
You also need form 1040X to actually amend your taxes.
I’m jealous I sent mine in to Austin the day before you. Wish mine had come that fast.
How is this possible, when the IRS is sending the tax credits via paper check?! Furthermore, your check wouldn’t be a flat $8K, because the IRS has to pay you interest on the $8K!!
When I called a couple of weeks ago I asked the man about direct deposit and was told they normally do not direct deposits on amendments but because they were so behind they were going to start sending direct deposit.
Has anyone been able to check their status on the Where’s my refund website?
Information regarding amended returns is not available on “Where’s my refund?”
Well I’m in New York State and for some reason ended all the way up in Kansas! I just hope it doesn’t get sent to OZ along with Dorothy and Toto!!!!!!!!!! 18 weeks and counting, send HUD-1 last week, will be calling tomorrow to see if they got it.
I know weird how these things work out. I sent my amended return to the Atlanta office and after 18 weeks received my check yesterday from Austin, TX…Maybe they are distributing to less busy offices to help with the delays. It might be a good thing.
Oh my gosh, just read your email lori. I, too, filed my return in Austin office still haven’t received anything. I’m going on week 17. Was told still in processing. You are so lucky to have received in such a timely manner.
i sent out my ammended return on June 17th with my closing statement as back up. i just recieved my check on October 5th. 2 days before the estimated 16 week processing time was up. i live in southern california but the return address from the mailed chaeck was from philadelphia(?). good luck people!
Our status was: They received our 1040X and 5405 on July 31st. It went to a processor, on August 13th. I have been calling every week (1-800-829-0582 Ext. 462), since August 13th.
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with an IRS Agent, today (October 8th) and she verified all my information, AGAIN. She put me on hold. When she got back on the phone, she said that our check will be mailed, on Oct. 16th which is next Friday. I asked her for the whole amount of our tax credit and she said $8,154.00, and she said that it will be mailed by PAPER CHECK. She said that although we filed our 2008 taxes electronically, the IRS does not send the tax credit electronically, but by paper check. She said that the check will be mailed to our new address that was updated in the system, per our request on the 1040X.
Which IRS office did you send it to? I sent mine to Fresno, CA. I was told the same thing – Oct. 16th but that it would now be direct deposited which surprises me because I thought they only send it by mail. Maybe they are finally speeding the process up…I sent my request on June 1st – 4 1/2 months…unbelievable the way the drag their a$$es. I can afford my home but my car died about 3 mos ago so I’ve been struggling on transportation. Knowing this money is coming to me but not knowing when has been the most irrarating part of this process. Especially during unexpected hard times.
I filed my ammendment 2008 return on 9/4/2009 and asked the postal office what the best method was to confirm receipt. They advised me to choose priority mailing which required a delivery signature, although this was a PO Box address in Fresno. I never received a signature confirmation and now I am wondering if they even received the tax ammendment…any suggestions?
After 8 and a half weeks, I have received a letter from the IRS (Fresno) requesting further documentation. They want an occupancy permit for a newly constructed home. I don’t have one because it wasn’t required where I built. Guess I’ll be calling an inspector today, but even though I live here now, I’m not sure there’s enough done to qualify for the occupancy permit. I’ll find out more in a few hours.
Mjohnson
Yes my refund was for more than $8000 but I didn’t want to look at my account again just to tell a stranger exactly how much it is! It sounds like you’re basically calling me a liar. If the IRS isn’t doing direct deposit then that’s fine with me cause someone just gave me $8000 for free! Maybe the agent you talked to doesn’t know what they are talking about. It’s okay I know you’re jealous!
Update #1
I got a letter yesterday requesting my HUD-1… sent it confirmed priority mail today… I will be tracking and calling religiously. Wish me luck! Hope you are all close to recieving your credit
We sent our amendment in on 5-5, they received it on 5-8, but they couldn’t tell me this until 9 weeks had already passed. Called numerous times, talking to a different person each time, and they all said something different. “Well sir, your amendment is still in processing”, “Your amendment went in for examination.”, “It just came out of examination.”, “Well it’s still processing sir, i can’t tell you much more until after our computers are updated this weekend.”, call back on monday, “It’s still in examination sir.” Then just 3 days ago, about 22 weeks later, they finally send us a packet requesting more documentation… Are you kidding me, honestly…. Just wondering how much longer it’s going to take now… it’s starting to get old…. It’s my money and I want it now!! :P HAHA
Finally contacted my tax advocate and I qualify because of the hardship I’m going through. He received my fax, walked it to the examiner (they happen to be in the same building) and he said it could take up to 10 days for them to get back but it could be less. I’m really crossing my fingers that the check is mailed by next Friday if not, I’m putting the house up for sale and move back into my apartment (where my oldest son lives now) but I’m not going to let this ruin my credit and I’m not going to get into a hole I can’t get out of. If I don’t get a check by next Friday then F*** them. My main concern is finding a job, feeding my youngest son, and paying my bills. A house is just a house, I haven’t been in it long enough to even have settled in. Haven’t even been able to decorate or take anything out of boxes. No furniture just 2 beds, so…F*** them. Yes, I’m upset, very upset.
Liz,
I am very sorry that you are in this position… You are completely correct the house is just a house… your son is worth MUCH more than a house, ever could be. I am truly hoping you get the check A.S.A.P… I’ll be crossing my fingers for you!
We mailed our 1040X at the end of May and still have nothing to show for it 18 weeks later. Government-run anything stinks in my opinion.
I mailed my return July 2 and just talked to the IRS. He said I’ll be getting a letter from the Audit Department asking for more information but he couldn’t tell me when the letter will be sent if it hasn’t already. Then at least 45 days for processing the info I send back. I said, “So do you think I’ll get the money this year?” He said, “No, ma’am. I don’t.”
Merry Freakin’ Christmas.
I am in the same shoes as some of you i amended my tax return on may 13th 2009 for the 1st time home buyers, and also mailed all the necessary documation they required. This is almost six months and still waiting. When I called and spoke with an agent he said I will received more papers to send back what is this more and more paper yet other people gots their before this is ridulous. I prayer and hope something positive comes out of this because each representative have a different topic when I called. Waiting patiently
I called to make sure they got it at about the 4 week mark. They confirmed reciept and said it would be about 8 weeks to process. At 7 weeks I called to see if it was processed/processing and was told it wasn’t and now it was 8-12 weeks. At the 12 week mark I called and was told it wasn’t processed and it was now 12-16 weeds. At week 15 I called to see if it was even processing and it still wasn’t. On the day of the 16th week I was told it was not processing and was now sent for referal for 30 more days. My address didn’t change because I thought we’d have the check sent to our old home before the new one was fully built….8 weeks from close. This is just ridiculous!
Well – the saga ends for me! After many calls to the IRS, and many actual status updates — it’s in examination, it’s out of examination, the book entries have been made, the check will be sent, I got the actual check today. Funny thing is, I have a small offset with the IRS (some stupid old state tax thing from years ago) — when they told me the check mailing date was last Friday, they said “you’ll be getting it offset.” I was fine with that, but when the check showed up today.. full value plus $147.75 interest.
Mailed to Fresno May 12
Check received October 13
Five months plus one day.
The IRS wasn’t ready for the deluge of home buyers who qualified for the $8000 tax credit. They have been hit with thousands upon thousands of ammended returns around the country. Even so, 12 to 16 weeks and longer even? That’s absurd. But, I, as all of you, am in the same boat. On week 14 now and the last call said 12 to 16 weeks. The IRS rep gave me a date of 11/16/09, which is actually 18 weeks form when she confirmed receipt of the return. So, I don’t think even the IRS knows when a return will be processed and when, or even if, a check will be cut and mailed. I purchased a house primarily because of the credit. I had assumed that it would take 4 to 6 weeks and actually included this money in my budget for August and September. Of course now, with no check from the IRS I had to use my credit cards to pay for work that needed to be done to the house. So, my advice, file the amended return but don’t count on the money any time soon. Don’t rely on getting this money for paying bills with deadlines and such. You’ll only end up disapointed. We will all just need to wait until the check is in our hands and trying to burn a hole in our pocket.
So… those of us that got interest — does anyone know if we’re going to get 1099-INTs for this? I’m guessing “yes.”
Yes you have to claim the interest next year on your taxes. My FTHBC took 11 weeks and five days to get. I closed July 28 and received it today.
Yes – you will get a 1099-INT….sad, but true
Just got off the phone with the IRS and was told the same thing. Still in examination. Sent my amended June 8th and sent in additional information the first week of August to Austin office. I asked why it was taking so long. I told them there were others who received their money in 5 weeks or so out of the Austin office, but they said it depended on the tax examinder’s workload. They told me to wait another two weeks. I was really counting on money about a month ago. Guess I can’t count on that.
I tried to apply early for this credit assuming that no one would ever look at it until after my closing date. So I sent it in two weeks early hoping to get a jump on things. About a week after I sent it in I got it back saying “You can’t apply until after your closing day.” Darn. So now I’m in the waiting game with everyone else. Good luk to us all…
Still nothing, I’m hoping that by some miracle there’s a check in the mailbox today. I haven’t heard from my tax advocate since last friday (October 9th) and he said that it can take up to 10 days for someone to get back to him, I’m just hoping that when they got the HUD-1 from him that they just released it. I guess it’s OK to dream, right? Still no job, have sent out a countless amount of resume’s, nothing. College degree, over 25 years in my profession, willing to take a 30% cut and still nothing. In the meantime, mortgage payment has not been paid this month, 29 degrees and no heat so my son and I are sleeping in the same bed with 4 covers and the dog to keep warm. If I would have known I was going to be laid off 30 days after buying the house I wouldn’t have done it. I had reserves that lasted me 3 months, that’s gone. Ten days will be on 10/23, if my tax advocate tells me…I have no news, Saturday 10/24 the house is going up for sale. So much for the American Dream.
Well, mail carrier just came by, nothing…looks like there’s going to be a for sale sign up soon. Words cannot describe how I feel right now, it’s been 19 weeks and there is no light at the end of the tunnel anymore. Good thing I haven’t unpacked and that all I have are boxes and 2 mattresses.
Welllllll… I just filed amended on October 5th, so I’m a very unhappy newbie reading all your comments. It’s nice to serve out platitudes like “don’t count on the money until you get it”, but unfortunately a new house seems to generate it’s own schedule of commitment deadlines that defy the best laid plans.
We’ll make it though; just pull in the horns, invest in peanut butter, jelly, vitamin pills and hope for a mild winter. Luckily I’m a retiree, so the mortgage payment, taxes and homeowners policy aren’t issues, but car insurance, gasoline, trash pick-up, phone bills, food, and water bills certainly are.
Given the current state of the economy, it’s suprising the people who passed tax initiative rebate aren’t more interested in seeing that it works. Seems like it’s created a new way to get into a financial jam instead of helping people out of one.
I am on week 23 myself. The most frustrating part is that every time I call they give a different answer – it’s in processing, it’s in examination, it’s out of examination, it’s still in processing…. ugh. I just want to be treated like an adult! I don’t think I would have bought the house if it wasn’t for this credit. And since I bought the house, the firm I work for layed off 15% of the staff, cut off bonuses, reduced salaries, canceled the dental insurance, etc. I still have a job, but who knows what will happen next week or next month.
My question is, if the IRS if treating so many people like this, why is this not on the news? I think this is more important than balloon boy or whatever other stupid thing that passes for news nowadays!
i agree with you rob on that about putting it on the news because i am on week 19 and i have been calling and calling and i get a diffrent answer every time and when i sent my papers in i included closing papers and proof that i bouht my house because my tax pro told me that i need to inclued proof that i bouht the home so that they don’t ask for it if something come up… i just want the credit before christmas so my kids can be very very happy i know it’s the same for the rest of yall on here as well that have been waiting i know a gril around the corner from me that close on her house a month after i did and she got her money about 6 weeks ago . she closed july 19.09 and i closed june 15.09 we put our information in the mail about 3day after closing that is something else i am just ready so that i can quit watching for that check in the mail ……………………
25 weeks now and still counting….this crap is gettin a bit ridiculous….. I don’t care what anyone says about the IRS getting bombarded with so many amendments they don’t know what to do with, they SHOULD have been ready…. HONESTLY… did they think they weren’t gonna have anyone applying for this credit?? This would normally be their downtime of the year, but beings this credit was put through, wouldn’t you think they’d prepare a bit better for all the amendments that come in?? Did they hire a bunch of high school accounting students to do these returns or what?? The time this is taking for anyone is just retarded…. I don’t NEED the money right now, but i do know people that DO need the extra money… So i guess i’m speaking on behalf of a few people besides myself…….
This sounds great for those of you who have already received your credit, but I filed in April 2009 and am in my 28th week of waiting for this refund. I received a letter on Oct. 9, 2009 saying they verified my proof and I should see a check within 6-8 weeks. Our government is truly DRAGGING their feet on this! Wish me luck!
I just got off the phone with the IRS for the N-th time. The previous time they told me that I can call 30 days after my refund has been sent for review, which was today. The lady on the phone told me that technically it would be 30 days at midnight tonight and that I can call tomorrow. She can’t send a referral today because it it technically 29.5 days and the IRS is known for its RIGID deadlines. I just busted out laughing. Rigid deadlines? It has been 23 weeks since they received my return. Was the 16 weeks that it was supposed to take to process it not a rigid deadline? And why is it that nobody can explain to me the difference between processing, examination, and review? I really think that the customer service people are given a list of excuses to give to people that call. I was told a different thing everty time I called until today. Today they told me the same thing they told me when I first called 8 weeks ago. They must have gone through the list and are back on excuse number one.
I also asked if there is a chance of me receiving a check this year, and she flat out said, “Hopefully, you can be approved for an adjustment sometimes in January.”
I closed on my house on March 23, sent my 5405 and 1040X the following day, and exactly 6 weeks later, received a letter stating that my application had been closed beause I “had not yet purchased the home”. I made copies of the forms I had sent in, and my dates were all accurate. When I called in, they stated they couldn’t help me because they cannot access closed application – I was livid – and I sent in another application.
Round 2 of my application was received by the IRS on May 21. After waiting 6 weeks, I started my round of phone calls with them, only to be told that it will now take 12-18 weeks or whatever it is that they seemed to tell everyone else. Then on September 21, I received a letter from them saying that my application was under examination by another office, and it would be another 60 days before I would hear anything. My patience got the worst of me, and I called back yesterday after reading many of your posts. I was told that they sent me a letter requesting additional information, but that I should receive it within the next 2 weeks. My questions are:
1. How long will I have to wait after I send in the requested information?
2. Why does it take the IRS 2 weeks to send a letter via snail mail, but when I send something via snail mail it takes 2-3 days?
3. There are people in my same neighborhood that have closed after me and already received their return. What is the excuse for this again?
4. Is there a formal place (ie – website, address, email address, hotline, etc) where we can report complaints such as this?
Waiting 8 months (you do the math on the number of weeks) for something that was promised in 2 months is completely unacceptable. If you promise something, you should deliver, period.
I ammended my return at the end of May 2009 and just received my check plus interest in the mail yesterday, February 19th. It took almost 9 months to get my money. The waiting game is ridiculous.
I filed my first application on May 24, the day after closing on my house. It was returned to me as closed 6 weeks later, stating that I have not purchased my home yet. The copies that I made of my applications proved otherwise, but the IRS could not “open” it back up. So I was forced to apply again.
Round 2 of my applications was received by the IRS on May 21. On September 21, I received a letter stating that my application was being examined by another office. This means nothing to me, so I called and asked for an explanation. During all of this, the processing time promised went from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks. I am well beyond that now. After reading several of your posts, I called yesterday and found out that they have sent me a letter requesting additional information (but couldn't tell me what additional information), and that I would receive it within the next 2 weeks. My questions are:
1. After I return the requested documents, how many more months will I have to wait?
2. Why does it take IRS letters 2 weeks via snail mail, but when I send stuff via snail mail, it takes 2-3 days?
3. There are people in my neighborhood who have closed well after me who have already gotten their returns – so the excuse that the applications go to different offices means nothing to me. What is the real deal?
4. Is there a formal place (ie – website, email address, snail mail address, hotline, etc.) where we can submit official complaints such as this?
I find it unacceptable that I was promised 6-8 weeks, and that was 8 months ago. What is promised should be delivered – if you're incapable of delivering, don't make a promise. 8 months. Ridiculous.
Liz,
How did you contact your advocate? Did you get a number? How would I go about obtaining a number?
You can call this number to be assigned an advocate 1-877-777-4778. After calling this number, they will assign you an advocate in your state. Hope this helps!
Contact your tax advocate, it helps. I finally did and he was extremely helpful. I would have had to wait an additional 60 days. He was able to have the credit released, the check was manually prepared and it's in the mail, I should receive it Monday or Tuesday. Good luck.
After 17 weeks I asked for a tax advocate. It took a week for an advocate to call me. Once the advocate contacted me I had to fax her my HUD, (this is the third time I had to fax the HUD in to someone). She (advocate) said to give her 30 days to get back to me. Same shtuff, 30 days seems to be the rote answer to any questions regarding timeframe. We're now at the end of week 19, this wasn't even an amended form, it was an original filing. It's just ridiculous how long it is taking them to process these credits.
Just imagine the efficiencies of the public option. I say that, and I actually support the proposal. I'm on week 8. I'm just thankful that I don't really have a need for the money, and assume that it will get here when it gets here. I called a couple of weeks ago and it was in examination.
I do I find my tax advocate? When I call the IRS just ask for my tax advocate?
Thanks for the help.
I, too, contacted tax advocate and within three days got my credit released. I even got a follow up phone call yesterday, Nov. 9th, that my check will be mailed Nov. 20th. Can't wait! It's been already 22 weeks! Finally happy in Texas!
I agree we are all in this ship wreck together…..25 wks and still waiting for me, I live in Arkansas, first “true” homebuyer. I am not actually as mad as I was now that I have read this forumn, it makes me feel better that I wasn't the only one waiting FOREVER!!! I borrowed my closing cost and I'm about ready to sell blood to pay it back!
Wow!! I typed how long does it take to get your tax credit on ASK. Just Closed on Oct 20th and sent off amended return on 24th. Sounds like I might not see a check until next summer. Not the good news I was looking for. Maybe I should contact a tax advocate now!!!! I do wish you all luck, especially those who have been waiting so long.
Closed on 9/16/09. Mailed my return on 10/1/09. IRS received on 10/5/09. So I am currently at 6 weeks. I am curious, how long should I wait to contact a tax advocate? I had my amended return professional done by H&R block and sent in my HUD statement with my amended return. I called and confirmed that my return has been received by the IRS. Of course, the current time frame is 12-16 weeks for processing. I have contacted my congressman regarding processing time frames. It seems to me that it makes sense to process these credits quickly so that people can use these funds as they wish and this just might stimulate the economy. It is unfortunate that fraudulent activity has created issues for individuals that truly qualify for the credit.
I just got off the phone with the IRS and I have been told that the 5405 was not on my file. Even though I know I sent it along with my HUD statement and the 1040x. It took the IRS six weeks to inform me of this and I only found out because I called them. Does anyone have any suggestions on who I should call next? I went to my local IRS office and they were not seeing tax payers only taking payments. Therefore, I have to wait until I receive the letter from the IRS and then send them the 5405 for the second time. I am told that my processing time will start over even though it was someone’s error in the mail room. I am at wits end on this thing. It isn’t about me needing the money it is about the principle of it all. If this money is intended to stimulate the economy then the money needs to get out to taxpayers so that they can put the money back into the struggling economy. If anyone can provide information on who I can talk to it will be extremely helpful.
I contacted a tax advocate and he was extremely helpful, within a week he had my tax credit released (due to hardship) and within two weeks I had my credit with interest. I highly recommend to anyone going through a bad time to contact your advocate, it worked for me and hopefully you’ll get the same results.
Well I decided to call he IRS tonight to see what was up with our rebate. The wait time wasnt long. I was told they rec it on 7/30/09 and that it was still in processing. It would be out of processing next week and then it would take 2 weeks to get it out to the check dept and then 3 weeks after that we should rec it. Thats christmas eve. Unreal how long this is actually taking.
This credit is nothing short of a nightmare. Closed 6/26 mailed my amended 7/15, called the IRS 4 weeks ago at week 12 the agent told me it was “under examination”. I said what is there to examine it’s a W-2 and the standard deduction!!! The agent told me they were reviewing most of the returns that the address contained a unit number as they seemed “suspect” (I bought a condo) and to call back in 4 weeks since the standard processing time is now 16 weeks (perhaps they should revise the form to reflect that since it still stays 8-12???). Called back today @ 16 weeks agent told me that they sent out an INITIAL letter of contact 10/10. INITIAL letter at 3 months out, is that hilarous to anyone else? Never received said letter so the agent tells me I have to wait 30 days from the day it was sent before she can do anything. Today is November 16th and the letter was sent October 10th. Told the agent to the math, she got flustered and said “oh. you’re right, sorry i’m lost I don’t really know what i’m doing”. Well, at least she’s honest. She told me she had to send a referral to the service center to re-send the letter since it obviously got lost in the mail (funny, how it seems as the only mail that ever gets lost is from the IRS!). Duplicate copy of information request will take up to 30 days. Let me guess you want a copy of my settlement sheet. Perhaps you should have asked for those UPFRONT (I read the instructions for the 5405 three times because I really couldn’t believe they didn’t want it attached). Agent told me to look at the bright side “it’s free money”. It’s only free money if it materializes lady. Really wishing I could detract my amendment and just file with my 2009 taxes in Janaury, i’d probably see the money sooner. And to think they just extended the program. How are you going to extend a program that you can’t even handle to begin with?
Just to follow up, I heard from the advocate yesterday that my credit will be direct deposited this Friday. I went to “where’s my refund” and sure enough it says the same. It took twenty one weeks and a tax advocate but, finally it’s been cleared. Thanks for all the information I got here and, good luck to you all.
Update #2
I recieved a paper saying that they recieved my paperwork and they should have an answer to me by Dec. 28th. So I waited a week after getting that paper, I then decided to call. I was informed that the paper that was sent was simply a computer generated reply to signify that they recieved my paperwork. However, it was not guaranteed that they would have an “answer” to me by then. I have been waiting since May 19th… it seems like this is credit is never going to come.
Closed on my home June 1st 2009, amended my 2008 Tax Return and sent it off on Oct 13th. IRS recieved it on the 19th of Oct…………..haven’t heard anything yet! I think it’s all a load of crap cause if it takes as long as some of you say I’ll already be working on my 2009 taxes and still be waiting on the credit.
I filed back in August and today is Dec. 6th. I was told that my paper work is still processing. :(
Just got off with IRS after a wait time of 25 minutes. I closed on 10/13 and sent my paperwork on 10/26. Check with additional $210 of interest has been prepared BUT it will be mailed on 12/18th and will take another 2 weeks before I will eventually receive it. This is the first time I called them and I did not hear anything in between. Best wishes for those who are still waiting…
I also waited over 25 minutes to speak to a rep. I was told to call back on Dec. 11th. It’s been over 16 weeks now. Hopefully, I’ll hear something good on the 11th. JK, did they ever request documents?
Good Luck to all!
I also waited over 25 minutes to speak to a rep. I was told to call back on Dec. 11th. It’s been over 16 weeks now. Hopefully, I’ll hear something good on the 11th. JK, did they ever request documents?
Good Luck to all!
I spoke w/the IRs today being that I was told to call back on Dec, 11th. After 16 wks, I’m now being told that I would have to wait for a letter in the mail before I submit documents. I asked the rep. when will I receive the letter, she said “I can’t tell you that”. My amended taxes was selected for review and now I have to send proff of settlement, mortgage statement and ID.
Anyone looking to claim this credit, should send the above mentioned documents along with the return to avoid delays.
IRS really needs to get it together.
I was so shocked to read that so many people are going through a hard time with this tax credit and my story is pretty identical to all of yours. I closed at the end of August and sent in my return in September and they received it on September 15. I have called several times and everytime I get an awful agent on the other line. Today I called again and now they do not know where my return is and told me that I should not even try to call back until 16 weeks and I was furious and told them that I wanted to speak to a supervisor and they refused. So I feel like I may never see this refund because they can not even locate the paperwork which they stated was in exam before.
I hope the IRS gets their act together- now I am working with my US Representative to see if they can provide any resolution. Good luck to everyone!
I must agree, the agents are not terribly charming. They go through their routines pretty perfunctorily. But, with a little guile, I think I got what I wanted from them. I believe I have a good understanding of how this systems work. First, let me state that I am an Accountant and a Government Auditor. As such, I was appalled by the inefficiency of the whole process. In any event, here is whats happening:
The 1040X (Return Amendment) form deliberately does not have any room for direct deposit information. That’s on purpose. It creates more of a time delay when you receive your check by mail. That’s all float time. In other words, the more time delay on payments, the long the revenues stay in the Treasury coffers. Also, keep in mind that if you changed your address AFTER you filled your 2008 Tax Return, the Refund check from your Amended Return may be mailed to the original address on the return. Even if you checked the box for a “change of Address.” The process for updating your address is separate from the process for approving your eligibility for the Tax Credit. Even more amusing, you can’t do anything about it! The IRS does not have a way to let you update you address while your amended Return is a “Pending” status. I actually called the Tax Credit Hotline (1-800-829-0582 EXT 462) and asked them to make sure the check goes to the right address (30 days in advance of receiving my check) and they told me that it was all automated and there was nothing they could do. By the way, if your check does go out to the wrong address and gets returned to the P.O. for some reason, it takes them 30 more days to reprocess a check. AND (or you ready for this), if you do not ask them to reissue you a check to your new address, they WILL NOT do it automatically. AND when they do, it will take another 30 days before they mail it to you!!!
One last quick note. In order to verify your status, the IRS gets a HUD statement to verify your purchase. Guess how long that takes? It is not required for the tax payers to include it in his Amended Return, but I think it should be a mandatory requirement to make this process faster.
I grilled the Customer Service Rep (at the number above) for complete information. Remember, each situation is different, but what I wrote is the gist of what the Rep told me.
If I were the Auditor for this process, I would recommend the following changes:
1. Make the address change and the verification process happen simultaneously.
These steps should not be separate.
2. Change form 1040X to allow Direct Deposit (no brainer).
3. Make it mandatory for tax payers to include their HUD info.
4. Send all the Customer Represenatives to CHARM SCHOOL!
If the IRS follows my recommendation, we would have our refunds in a couple of weeks.
Follow up from my note from October. You got it, still waiting. Closed 07/23/09. Mailed return 07/24/09. IRS shows received 07/26/09. They did not process it until October. Then they asked for a HUD statement. Mailed that in 10/24/09. They received 10/26/09. (I live in Atlanta and the office that receives the mail for the IRS for my region is local). So, mid November I call, and guess what? “We did receive your paperwork and a check should go out in 2 to 4 weeks.” Cool – I thought, just in time for Christmas. Then I receive a letter, “We’ll review and respond to your submitted paperwork by 1/13/2010.” Are you kidding me? SIX MONTHS from when I closed? and no guarantee I’ll get a check by 1/13/2010? Just a RESPONSE? WTF? That is insane. Holy cow. I am calling my congressmen and senators. Thank God I didn’t plan on that money. (You can’t hear my Sarcasm, but it’s in there. Trust me.
I’m right in there with you! I’ve waited for 25 weeks. provided everything I’ve been asked to provide, called zillions of times and continue to get a run around with the government!. I made a huge mistake of thinking I’d have it in a reasonable time. I tore out my kitchen and bathroom thinking that I’d use this money to remodel. What a jerk I was to think that the government might actually expedite something it promises. I sure wish I could have a real live chat with President Obama and tell him how bad this wait has hurt! But I’m sure he is sitting pretty watching everyone sweat over his idiot promises!
Update from my previous comment. I was told my letter was mailed on Dec. 15th, 09. Today is the 22nd and I haven’t received the letter. The rep. informed me that it will still take several months before I get a check.
Good Luck Everyone!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The change is good and it s not the presidents fault that there are not good or reliable workers that are working for the federal government(IRS).That was probably working there before he even came into office.Just be patient and pray about,don’t forget it’s free money and you cant count for something you never had.Myself for an example,I’m a single mom of four children closed on my house in November my house need so many repairs and updates but Im not going to stress about because I no that money is due to me one way or another.Also we have to take into consideration that this a wonderful program that the president put in place for first time homebuyers but we’re just at the hands of mercy of someone else(IRS Staff)and I’ve learned that any program that is big and new like this, 9 out 10 there going to be big problems and delays.Also thank the ones who have lied and said they purchased a home when they didnt that’s why the IRS is being more careful.Good Luck!
Rose,
You’re right about one thing–WE DO NEED TO PRAY!!! Pray that the government will leave us and our money alone. . .you must realize something very important and that is this:
The government has no money of their own–they either print it or collect it in taxes, and then they come up with brilliant ways (i.e. this homebuyer credit) to return some of YOUR MONEY (or maybe even your neighbor’s money if he’s in a higher tax bracket) to you!!!!
Don’t put too much trust or faith in the Federal Government–you’ll end up very disappointed!
everyone wanted CHANGE, well you got it !
….and if you think this is bad, wait untill you are waiting in lines for that FREE public health care everyone wants !
KiRBY,
Amen to that!!! This credit is the perfect example of why we don’t want the government running anything important–they couldn’t organize a 2 car parade if you ask me!
We closed at the end of May, sent our amended taxes on June 3. After a great deal of hoop jumping, we finally received a letter on December 29 saying our refund of $8k will be mailed in 6-8 weeks. It said nothing about paying interest. How do they calculate interest? I would love to know.
I mailed my return the first part of june and they got it on 6-15-09 ,and nothing as of yet still waiting on my money ,but i got a letter 4 weeks ago and they said that to send in a hud 1 settlement statement asap, now i’m waiting ,and should hear somthing by 1-11-10 so by the grace of GOD i should recieve my tax credit right after my 2009 taxes now this will be very very lovely …………….I’ve got to the place were i can sit back and wait on it now because christmas is out the way and i had wanted to have it before then so my kid could have a good christmas,BUT THEY DID ANYWAY THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kacie don’t talk about OBAMA like that he’s doing what he can BUSH is the one got every thing messed up WELL THAT’S WHAT I THINK …………. OBAMA have nothing to do with the IRS being backed up on returns……….And the thing of it ALL is that people see were it is free money like your self, and me to ……. To buy a house and get 8,000 DALLORS come on now it is millons trying to get this credit……………..ps:::::::: I’M NOT BEING RUDE I’M SPEAKING THE TRUTH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I filed my first time home buyer credit in an amended 2008 tax return in September 2009. They received it September 21, 2009. It is January 4th 2010, and still no check. I recently got off the phone with the I.R.S. and now they are telling me it was transfered to another department which has no time frame. According to the representative on the phone, it could take anywhere from 2 weeks, to a year to get my check, or a reason why I was DENIED!!! Basically, I may never get a check for reasons unknown. I legitimately bought a home and fell under ALL of the criteria to qualify for the tax credit. It is very irritating to be told 6 weeks, then 8-12 weeks, then 10-16 weeks, and now I am being told that there is no time restriction and that they can take as long as they want to take. If the government is going to put a policy into place, then they should live up to the expectations in which they advertised. As far as I am concerned, this tax credit is a joke because even if you legitimately buy and qualify for the credit, there is absolutely NO GUARANTEE of EVER receiving it.
This tax credit it very frustrating!!! I closed on July 1 and they received my ammendment in the Fresno office on July 7th. I was told 8-10 weeks, then I was told 12-16 weeks, then I was told it was going to the “examiners officer”. I fax in any and all documentation and I was told that I would have to wait till the 2nd of January to get an answer. I too was begining to think this was a big joke. I called every couple of weeks to get the status and it was just one dissapointing phone call after another. No one was on the same page and no on had any information. As long as you truley qualify for the credit you should get it. I was told yesterday that I was finally approved. Now it has to go to another department to have a check issued. I was told that it would take a minimum of 3 weeks to be issued and that they have no idea if it will be paper check or direct deposit. At first I was told they never do direct deposit on ammendments and now I am being told that however you requested to get your regular taxes back (via direct deposit or paper check) is how I should get my refund. All and all I would say there is a lack of information on the part of the IRS. It is kind of upsetting and dissapointing. They did say that I would get interest going back to July so that is a good thing i guess.
We closed on our house on May 25th!!!!! and we are still waiting for the exam dept to process our claim. I have called several times and sent in what I was told to send and I just got off the phone with a guy who says it is not even assigned to a case worker!!!
This does not surprise me really, I was told back in August that the case was closed, only to call back the same day and find out it was not closed…….these people have no idea what they are doing and we have what is easily the most simple claim. We never had a house before, we live here only, the deed has been recoreded for months now. Cut and dry case. I didn’t count on this money when buying the house but we did figure it in for “future remodelling” costs like new breaker box etc etc. Guess those projects will have to wait.
I was told today that I have not even recieved the “569 form” yet which will request additional paperwork. I also tried to get a tax advocate and they are useless unless you are about to be forclosed or your car is going to be repoed…….Bottom line folks, kick up your feet and get a big thick novel to read cause it’s gonna be a long wait when you deal with Uncle Sam’s misfits…..ughhg mm I mean the IRS
I closed on Oct 5th and sent my papers in. I called early Dec and was told that on Nov20th my file was pulled for review. What triggered the review was my address on my amended return didn’t match my new home address. Well, turbo tax didn’t let me change my address on my old tax form! Duhh! It’s probably just a line they give you. Anyways, I was told to give it 30-45 days from Nov 20th for them to review. Guess I’ll call tomorrow, although I Really don’t want to because I know it’s going to be some new excuse or review that it is going through. I really need this money by March! I may call my advocate :)
I amended my 2008 tax return in early June of 2009. It is January of 2010. I still haven’t received my check. I HAVE, however, received 4 different letters from the IRS claiming that they have not yet gotten to my file yet and that I should expect to hear from them at a later time. The most recent says I should expect them to get to my file in February. That’s 9 months.
I sent in our amended return at the end of May 2009 and still have not received my check. I have not even received a letter in the mail requesting addition paperwork. Even though, they have told me twice now that I would receive a letter in the mail. It has been 8 months now and I’m still waiting. Its collecting interest which is nice and all but i’m tired of waiting. I would like to know how much interest and how it is determined?
I send me amendment in on Sep. 4th. They received Sep 8th. On Oct. 26 received letter saying I was sent to exams. On Nov 6th received letter for more information. On the same day I faxed information. Early December (i don’t remember date) I received letter saying they had received the information I faxed and they would get back with me around January 25th. So far almost 18 weeks. I don’t even bother calling anymore. I don’t expect to ever get the check. If I do great but really I don’t find it worth the aggravation. I would have been a nice bonus but not worth stressing out over anymore. I was hoping to have it to help with Christmas but didn’t. I give up the IRS wins.
been waiting for 7 months. They said they closed our file a month ago, gave us a date of when we should receive the check, that was four weeks ago. Called to see why it didn’t come, they said they can’t tell us when the check would be mailed out but it has been closed. Called back today, they told me to call back in ANOTHER two weeks if we haven’t gotten it.
They received ours on Aug. 28, it went to exams on september 28. Did a referral on December 18 and another at the beginning of January. Called the Michigan taxpayer Advocate and they said they could be on no help because the IRS is in a “Dead Cycle” to wait till the 22nd then try again and then I could file a form 911 if I was in an Economic hardship. Well, I’ve been on the phone for a couple hours now. I called the general line, got a lovely lady who gave me the number of the exams office. So I called them and the lady there said there’s not much I can do here’s the number for the Kansas City Exams office, but you know what…ITS A BAD NUMBER!!! So we’re at about 21 weeks and waiting now with no end in sight, but I am determined to at least get some sort of answer today. Jeez, I could be halfway done with a pregnancy by now:( Its just sad.
Bought the house in April, filed IMMEDIATELY afterwards, still waiting… thankfully we are fine financially but it is just a pain! We are on week 36 and call monthly. We have never received anything in the mail and no one has any answers. Very frustrating.
Does anyone have the number to call??
I have not been waiting near as long as most of you, only 10 weeks but I would like to make sure they have at least received my information. This worries me that people are waiting 6-9 months. I though it would only take 8-12 weeks.
Received a letter yesterday from the IRS saying that they approved my credit but not to expect the check for another 6 to 8 weeks. that will make it nine months waiting IF i get it then.
I brought a house June 25. IRS received my paperwork July 2. They sent me a letter requesting information to verify my address. I brought a townhouse with a unit number. I received a letter claiming that I would hear a apply from them Jan 13, 2010 in October. Right before Christmas I decided to call the IRS again, and spoke to a very nice woman, whom than told me, that the letter I received was just the first letter, I would receive another letter requesting more information and that I was not assign an examiner yet. She told what else to send, and hopeful by the time I am assign an examiner all my paperwork will be together and the process will be faster. So far I have send my HUD statement which by the way was with my original amendment, deed paper work, and letter of occupancy. The second round was drivers license with my new address on it, current paycheck with new address on it, car registration new address, and a copy of my mortgage. Oh and by the way, still nothing. So I think next week I will send them, my first born child that I haven’t had yet and a pint of blood. But I pray to GOD that all will work out. I would love to have this money to play off the bills (etc.,credit cards and furniture) I have made for myself since purchasing my very first beautiful home. Keep everyone posted. Good Luck!
Hello Again,
Anthony after I posted, I checked the mail today and I also received the same letter. So hopefully it will come when they say. It would make it 8 months for me. I guess it is wait and see.
Keep everyone posted
Bought our home at the end of June. We turned around and filed our amended return in July. They said that they didn’t get it until August and said that I didn’t file my 5405 with the paperwork. Which is rediculous because I am an accountant and know which papers to file. So they said they would send a letter in the mail and I would just have to send in the form. BUT they would have to start the process all over again and NOW it takes between 12-16 weeks instead of 6-8 weeks. So I did what they said…and waited….and waited. I called In Sept, Oct, Nov, and December. Nothing. I finally got ahold of someone at the beginning of January and they said that it was sent to be examined. Now they wanted my HUD statement (which why didn’t they ask for that in the first place), my id with my new address, mortgage statement and something else that showed my address such as a bank statement (yeah right, like I was giving them that information!) or a paycheck stub. At this point, the lady told me there isn’t a time limit and they can take as long as they want on it. But as soon as they do accept it, it can take another 6-8 weeks after that to get my check.
I was going to use that money to winterfy my new home so that my heating bills wouldn’t be so bad. Looks like the government AND the electric company are winning out this year.
28 weeks and counting!
IRS received Oct 26th. We’ll be at 12 weeks total time, next week. I hope to get this by next winter *sarcasm*
Seriously, someone should start a class action lawsuit to get someone’s attention.
I have been waiting every since june.2009 and i got a letter dec .1.2009 say that they need hud 1 form and other information { you already know} so i sent it right away fax it so i get a letter today and it said that i would hear something by 2.15.2010 and i’m waiting because i’ve been really ready to recieve it so that i could quit waiting and waiting so hopfully i should hear something by then ……………………… thanks to everyone for your comments because i really thought that i was the only one it was happening to at one point and i am for real yall so now i know it’s not just me ……………………..ps:::::: GOOD LUCK TO EVERY ONE THAT’S STILL WAITING ……. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON MY HEAR BACK FOR THEM…….
I posted a comment a couple weeks ago. I called them again and they assigned to a tax advocate which is a specific person who is in charge of helping me get this money. I called him and left him a message. He called me back the next day and told me the paperwork that I needed to fax over. I faxed it the next day. He called me that day letting me know that he received the paperwork. He said he would send it to them and it would be examined. He said that will probably take two weeks and then I would probably receive it two weeks after that. He said he would call me when he knew something. I am so glad that finally someone is in charge of helping me. It has been 8 months before they could do this, which is ridiculous. Its been a week since I faxed it so we will see if I actually have the money within the next 3 weeks. I had a friend who bought a house in july, sent his in, in july and got his money in august….ridiculous if you ask me!!!!!
I’m hoping you have better luck with the tax advocate. In my opinion the advocate is nothing more then a deterrence. I’ve had one since the beginning of December. and have had all the same promises :( and at least once a month now we get the letter stating that she is working hard on it and we should hear something soon. I filed early July and have given up calling!! If I ever have this money in my hand I’ll be completely amazed!
We closed on out first house June 15, 2009. I ammened my taxes and they said they recieved it July 17, 2009. We called several times and on the 1st of December we finally recieved a letter requesting more info. I got it together and mailed it off on Dec. 3, 2009. Called yesterday Jan. 22, 2009 and now they claim they just recieved my paper work Jan. 14th and it will be at least Feb. 20 before they will know anything. Everytime we call the IRS gives us a different answer and we never know what to expect. At one time they said we should recieve the check in a couple of days because it is in the mail and then we talk to another person and he says they didn’t know what they were talking about that they were just guessing on what was going on. I also asked if I would recieve interest on this refund because of all that the people that say they have recieved interest there response was we don’t not give interest on first time homebuyers credit. I understand this is free money but they are doing people wrong leading them on this long and not giving any strait up answers. I have a friend who sent hers off a week before mine and recieve it 5 weeks later. My house was a HUD and I am in my 29th week and still waiting…
deanna you should have fax it because that’s what i did so they could get it faster……. soon as i fax it it took one day to update in the system and i’m waiting on a response between now and the 15 of feb…..girl some of your story sounds like mine ……….
I faxed mine to Atlanta twice, once in the beginning of December, once at the end, and then I certified mailed it the first week of January. They have refused to acknowledge receipt of it each time. One agent told me the worst way to send it is faxing. I’m on 28 weeks of waiting. I’m finally supposed to have a taxpayer advocate, and that person failed to call me. Looks like I’ll be calling back the taxpayer advocate service line on Monday to report another failure. This may never end.
That’s a ”””LIE””” because they recieve my fax ON DEC 1 and i call to check on it THE NEXT FEW DAYS and they said it has been updated and to give them 45 day to hear back from them, ””’AND””’i recieve a letter JAN 13 saying that i wiil hear something bye feb.15 so i’m waiting to see because i’m ready i’m ready to get this 8,000 plus tax …….and it has been 32 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have doubled the time frame am SO tired of this mess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Going on nine months now. I have a tax advocate who has called me several times with updates, but no real date of when we will receive our “transaction.” Now it’s time to do 2009 taxes. I wonder if I had waited until this year instead of amending our 2008 return, would it have speeded up the refund? What a mess. And just how do they calculate interest on the refund?
Please be prepared to wait 12 months in order to receive your refund! I filed mine on 8/27/09! I am still waiting. Hundreds/Thousands of us expected to receive in an 8-12 week time frame. This is the not the case!
BE WARNED!
Thanks,
just an update… as I said before, my amended return was accepted July 28th. Today I finally received a letter stating that my amendment is approved and I will receive a check in 6 to 8 weeks. Why on earth it takes soooo long to cut a check is beyond me but I’m thrilled I see a little headway!!
Closed on our house in June 2009 and filed an amendment to 2008 taxes they received it Aug 09. I called in November and this rude lady said it was in closed status… and acted like I couldn’t get the money! I said, “It’s my first time buying a house and I met all the requirements I SHOULD GET THE MONEY!” She put me on hold and then came back to say that she would sent it to reviews and I should hear something in a month. I got the letter 2 months later saying it was being processed and it could take another month to hear back from them. My husband is livid and I am annoyed! I’m just glad I am not the only one dealing with this because I thought I had done the amendment wrong, although turbo tax was very easy and walked me through everything! Yeah, so along with the rest of you I have been waiting…. since August 09 with no exact time frame as of when we will get our check!
Update: I purchased my first home on July 2. The IRS has had my amended return since July 13. They sent me to Atlanta exams in September. I didn’t get my first correspondence from them until December 5! I faxed the documents requested on December 7, 30 and mailed on January 7. I then received a letter saying they proposed denying my credit because I didn’t send the documents. Outraged, I contacted the taxpayer advocate service. Finally, yesterday, on the very last day for the taxpayer advocate to contact me, she did. She said the IRS now has three weeks to make a determination. Only on Friday did they admit they received my documents. So, I should get my check in five “short” weeks, bringing my wait to a likely grand total of about 33 weeks. I pray this happens as it should.
Im hearing a lot about “ammended” tax returns. Did anyone file for the credit while filing your 2008 tax return?.I did today, and now looking for feedback from others who may have some info on their wait time?
Update
I amended my taxes back in July and I’m still waiting………The letter sent “supposedly” Dec. 15th never got to my home. I was told to call back Jan. 15th, being that she said the letter can take up to 30 days. I called last week to see if another letter was sent and the lady asked me to just mail in the documents. Do you think I’ll have this money by christmas?
I also found out today that in order to receive the First Time HOmebuyer’s Credit, one must submit a HUD settlement statement and proof of ownership.
Wow! Didn’t that make sense a year ago.
HAS ANYONE ON THIS BLOG RECEIVED THEIR MONEY?
We closed in July 09 and still haven’t even received any confirmation. I am terrified now that we will never get it. I didn’t realize they could deny you if they try to contact you and you don’t respond. I had no idea there was even a confirmation coming in the mail, but I can tell you we’ve received nothing! Not a single mailing. This is a mess. We would have never bought the house knowing this was going to happen. We are really relying on that money to make repairs. Who knew that 7 months later we would be sitting in winter in a house with terrible insulation! This is just sad.
I received a letter on January 11th that my refund had finally been approved and I should receive my check in 6-8 weeks. Has anyone else received this? Did you actually get the check and if so how long did it take? I just can’t really believe it until I have the check in hand.
Yes, Celeste. I closed on my house June 25. Send in paper work twice. And received a letter dated Jan 8. that I was approved and should received the $8000 plus interest. So now I am waiting just like you. Some said it will come in the mail and other say it will be deposited in my checking account because that is how I requested my 2008 refund to be deposited. So I guess I will just and see. Good luck!
Update
I received my check yesterday on the 8th.
I updated on here around the 10th of Jan. that I received the letter saying that I’d been approved and the application was being sent for check processing. I today received a letter from my tax advocate stating that the check would be mailed Feb. 5th. along with the included 250.00 extra interest. My original application was accepted by the IRS July 28 after closing on July 1st. For those questioning direct deposit or check…. It was stated clearly in the original application that no money would be direct deposited for the 1st time home owner credit. Everyone would be cut a check.
Sounds like we got our approval letter around the same time. I never had an advocate. I hope my check is sent next week too.
Finally! I received a call from my tax advocate that my check is being mailed on February 5th with over $250 in interest. This has taken a full nine months so be prepared to wait that long.
If this isn’t an indictment of just how messed up things are….
I closed in September, but didn’t send in my amended 2008 tax return until the middle of November. Today I called the IRS and they said a check has been cut, including over $200 in interest and was mailed on January 29th. So for me, it looks like about 10 weeks total. I filed using the old Housing Credit form and attached absolutely no documentation as instructed. Was sent to the Mass IRS office.
My fiance and I closed on our house 7/5/09,as advised by our real estate agent we filled the 5405 and 1040x forms. We were told we should receieve our credit by mail in 4-6 weeks. She had also mentioned another client of hers recently received hers just 4 weeks after she sent out such forms. 25 weeks later and still haven’t receieved anything. We figured that the IRS would be backed up, and had yet made any phone calls. We figured we waited this long,we may as well find out what’s going on when we go to file taxes this year.
At the end of Dec. we received notification saying the IRS needed a copy of our mortgage statement and HUD1 statement to see if we’d be approved for the tax credit. Why wouldn’t we??! I’ve read all the info and there is no reason why we should NOT be entitled to the credit. Neither my fiance nor myself have ever purchased a home,we’re U.S. citizens,neither of us make more than the 75,000 annually,we did not inherit home from family,and we have not moved out of our home nor plan to etc. I’d also like to mention I think it’s incredibly wrong that in the event you loose your significant other,that your entitled to pay their half of the $8,000 back.
After reading everyone’s comments here I think that it’s in our best interest to contact our tax advocate and see what they can do for us. Thanks to everyone for the insight! Wishing you all the best of luck!
I’m going to be closing on my house here in the next couple weeks and all I can say is WTF !!!!!!!?????
I sure hope I don’t have to wait as long as some of you have.
Just a quick update.. I received my check today, it would be a little over 8 months. Now I can paid some bills and enjoy my new home. To those who are still waiting, be patient, I know that it is hard, because you might have that money spent already and really need it because I did. But for those of you that are believers, trust in the Lord and He will deliver at the right time. To all my new homeowners Congratulation on my our first home and good luck.
Btw Ryan, it might just be easy to file for the credit on your taxes, if you haven’t already. Or you could be one of the luck ones who did not have to wait very long. Good luck and congrats
5 months and still waiting…I called the examination center again today. They said it would be another month before they looked at my supporting documentation. Said some people have been waiting 10 months. I asked, is that supposed to make me feel better? Because it doesn’t. I still need the money. All of this started because my tax return address is a PO Box, and of course the home has a physical address. There is no home mail delivery in our town.
Also I was told not to file my 2009 taxes, since a hold would just be placed on them until they could clear this up (which was an amended 2008 return to claim the credit)…So now I am waiting on that refund money as well. Thanks, IRS!
We have not yet received our amended 2008 tax return (we filed last april) and we have already received our 2009 tax return. They did not put a hold on it.
The title to this article still cracks me up… “Receiving the first time homebuyer credit takes about six weeks” — Try SIX MONTHS! I’m on week 30, and they have until February 25 to make a decision. My taxpayer advocate said they then have another two weeks to update their system. Then, they have another 6-8 weeks to actually mail the check!
I mailed in my amended 2008 form in mid-August and I still haven’t received anything.
Well well the time has come IT ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yall i just received a letter today saying that they have APPOVED me for the credit and that i will receive interest as well AND THAT I WILL GET IT 6 TO 8 WEEKS………… Yall i have been waiting every sence june 12 .09 hear it is feb 9.2010 I KNOW SOME OF YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING LONGER THAN THAT BUT THIS IS A RELEAF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT MY PAPERS TODAY SAYING THAT THEY APPROVED IT HONEY THEY CAN TAKE 8 TO 12 WEEKS AS LONG AS I GOT MY PAPERS SAYING THAT THEY WILL GIVE IT TO ME …….I’M SO SO SO BLESSED AND HAPPY RIGHT NOW I HAVE BEEN ALL DAY THANK YOU GOD …..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS::for those of you that have been waiting for a long time it’s coming yall if you really really bought a home and it’s your first home then you will get it the wait is just so long man I’M JUST GLAD IT’S OVER FOR ME SO I SHOULD GET MY MONEY AT THE END OF MARCH OR SOMETIME IN APRIL….
Finally after many months of waiting I received my check today with interest! I hope the Irs begins to speed up things for everyone else that haven’t received theres yet!!
Well, I finally go through to the IRS after many hours of holding. THis time around instead of calling 800-829-1040 and jumping through those hoops, I called the Tax Advocat Service (TAS) at 877-777-4778. We spoke to someone of thankfully confirmed our info had at least been received, and explained it had been around the block several times before being shelved with all the other applications. We were told that this happens, and then they pull them off the pile as legitimate requests when someone calls on them and then works the request. From today (2/11/10) we were advised 30 days for a decision, which I presume will be a request for a HUD, and then more waiting.
So, my reccomendation is if you’re having trouble getting to someone in the IRS that give rat’s behind, contact the TAS first as they seem better about giving answers.
I bought a home 9/01/2009 and amended my 2008 tax return with the form for the homebuyers credit attached plus supporting documents (copies of my Driver License, mortgage payment statement, closing statement, homeowners insurance, and a utility bill with proof of address). Sent it off Januaury 15, 2010 through Certified Mail and the IRS received it January 19, 2010. I received a letter in the mail today February 12, 2010 that said my refund will be sent in approximately 2 weeks. I think the more supporting documents that you attach the faster the process will be.
In my previous e-mail I mentioned that my return was being examined. Therefore; I mailed all supporting documents TWICE, yesterday I received a letter indicating that my request was denied being that I didn’t foward supporting documents. I’ve been waiting since July, so i guess that means I have to send the same documents a THIRD time.
WILL ANYONE HAPPEN TO KNOW THE NUMBER TO A TAX ADOVATE? I LIVE IN LONG ISLAND.
THANKS
The taxpayer advocate intake number is 1-877-777-4778. The same thing happened to me – where I sent in all my information THREE times and got a letter proposing to deny the credit by claiming I hadn’t sent it in. When I told the taxpayer advocate intake person about this letter, he immediately agreed to assign me a taxpayer advocate. Once assigned, an advocate has ten business days to call you. The intake person will tell you which taxpayer advocate office you will probably be assigned to (they told me Jacksonville, but I was farmed out to Atlanta.) Just so you know, my taxpayer advocate waited until the tenth day to call me (of course), even though I had been waiting since July, like you, and am still waiting. Good luck, though.
Thanks for the information JRFL. Good Luck, to all.
Getting your refund for the FTHBC could take a LONG time. I sent in my ammended return on May 22nd 2009 and IRS said they received it on May 26th. Today is February 13th 2010, and I just received a letter from the IRS stating that I will have my check in the next two weeks. That is a total of 9 months I’ve waited…..absolutely rediculous! If you haven’t called to check on your return, you need to because that will get the ball rolling. In Novemeber I was asked to send in a list of information, and in January I was informed that they were reviewing my return. Have lots of patience….you’ll need it! Good luck to all!!!
Update from my last post in December. After 6 months, I finally received my check in February. I suggest anyone who is having a problem to contact your Congressman or Senator because it did help alittle and if you need to submit paperwork they can send it faster. Good Luck to everyone that is still waiting.
More like 6 months and still counting. I closed 8/14/2009, mailed the amended return within the week. Was not notified until November that the I was “sent to exams.” Then in January the IRS sent a letter stating they required additional information. Sent the information same day by fax and email on the 8th. Recieved a letter 1/31 stating they had another 30 days to either review the documents or send another letter stating they were still reviewing the documents….so here we are well into February and still no closer to recieving the tax credit. My 2009 taxes will likely be filed and paid before my amended 2008 taxes which were sent nearly 7months ago.
Update: Called tonight to request a Tax Payer Advocate. I’m crossing my fingers. Next step is the congressman’s office….
Just an update:
Called to get a taxpayer advocate and magically my credit has been allowed. According to the advocate my check is scheduled to be cut on March 5 and will include almost $300 in interest. So, if you are having difficulties get an ADVOCATE ASAP….highly recommended!
I’ve emailed 60 Minutes, local news stations, 20/20. I don’t want to see Miley or Brittany or
stories on lost cats, I want to see the IRS explain nationally why these checks are taking 4, 6 months to go out. You can google my name and see that I bought the house.Feb 5th I spoke with someone at IRS Refund hotline today after holding for 45 minutes, that stated he was “un-trained” in dealing with calls regarding the home buyer credit. I asked to be transfered to someone that could give me a current update, 20 more minutes of waiting only to be told to be patient. I’m in “processing”. They confirmed receiving my HUD 1, Deed, utility bills as proof. I even sent the property tax bill because they want more suplemental taxes! LMAO! I asked for a tax advocate. They told me “that’s not needed”, that I should here something in 30 days. They’re robots, the magic number is 30!! They’re programmed to tell consumers B.S.
And I’m amazed not one news channel has carried this story…Maybe reporting real news that affects everyday workers is a thing of the past? I’m at 18 weeks now. They’ve had all my docs since Oct 9th. I called Feb 9 and they finally put in a FORM 911 for an tax advocate to help me. The advocate has 3 days to call..We’ll see. I have decided not to stress myself out any further. Leaking patio, no heat, and all…I’m thankful I have my home and I hope the refund will turn up one day so that I can repair it.
UPDATE:
2/19: Revd a call from tax advocate today…she stated all of my proof had been sitting in IRS customer service dept since Jan 5th and had not been forwarded to exams.
She is sending PDF file to Irs Exams today. They will have until March 5th to respond to advocate with release date of check. T/A said roughly expect check by 1st week of April…that will be my 6 month anniversary..NOT 8 WEEKS OR 12 OR 16 AS STATED.
DAMN SHAME
Carolyn, you are luckier than – I passed my 8-month anniversary on February 2. They confirmed that they received the paperwork on December 18, 2009. I called today and they stated that no one has even looked at it. I was hoping to get the check for my 30th birthday, mid-March. Apparently, that is not going to happen.
Rob,
Same thing happen with my file sitting in customer service dept for 45 days.
It had not been look at or forwarded to exams.
I was only told this after several calls and finally getting through to a semi-helpful person.
She transferred the file to exams while we were on the phone and filled out a form 911 for the advocate as well. I also filled out a 911 form and faxed it myself. Within 5 days 2/19/2010, advocate called and started the procees of getting an release date for the check from the exams dept. She stated exams has until March 5th to provide that date. Once release date is provided, Advocate stated wait time for check ranges 2-4 weeks, since checks are sent out once a week on Fridays ONLY. I understand your grief. They have turned this dream into an nightmare. I can afford my home just fine, but there are many repairs that need attending too. We’re treated like beggers and criminals for wanting what was promised and rightfully due to us. Good Luck on your journey…
I closed on my home on May 30th. I submitted my 1040X in August and it was received on 26 August. I have been in the wiating game since then. I finally contacted a tax payer advocate on the 28th of January. I was told that someone from my local tax payer advocate service would contact me in 5 days. On the 4th day I was contacted and told to forward the HUD-1 (settlement Statement), Mortgage Statement, and Certificate of Occupancy (my new home was new construction). I faxed this information on 5 feb and sent a certified hard copy on the same day. I left a message with my advocate and never received a call back in the past 2 weeks even though his voicemail said he returns calls in 24 hours. I finally heard from his manager today apologizing for him not returning my call. Not only has he not returned my call, he has not done anything with the supporting documents that I sent to him. His manager has assured me that she will send the supporting documents today and I should hear from them by March 11th!!! I don’t understand why they have taken so long. The IRS should have anticipated an increase in amended returns to claim this credit and should have had additional manning to support this. I will continue to wait and by God’s grace I will hear something soon.
I just recieved my check plus interest! it didnt even take a full month! i sent off my amended return january 19th! cant believe i got it so fast. but i bet all of the supporting documents that i sent with it helped out alot!
I already sent in my return. I see that some people are getting theirs much quicker. Could you tell me what documents you sent to get your return in 1 month? I already sent in my Hud 1 statement. What else should I sent? Lord only knows how bad I need this money!!!!
This is an update to my first comment. I sent in two tax returns. One just had my tax return and my HUD 1 statement. The other return I sent in had additional information like my HUD 1 statement, my contract, a copy of my occupancy permit. I just looked on the irs website and it said that I would get my return on April 6. Thank GOD! I sent my original return on Feb. 4th. Hopefully it will come then. I wont be happy until I get it in my hand.
Shatara
Hello,
What supporting documents did you include with your amended return?
Traci
this tax credit was pretty much an emtpy promise from the government to encourage people to buy a home. I sent my amended return in November 1. Every 30-45 days, I receive another letter from the IRS bascially saying, so sorry, stay tuned. Now 3 1/2 months later, a letter in the mail saying–hey do it all over again because we amended the form in december of 2009 and you filled out the form that was the correct form at the time you amended, but who cares. Who cares that the result is basically the same either? Let’s just churn some paper, and then make you do the paperwork all over again. It’ll be 2011 before I see my first-time homebuyer tax credit, if even then. Wow–what a failing. Shame on Obama. I voted for him but suspect that the government doesn’t even have the funds to pay out this “credit.”
I just sent my paperwork in late January and by the looks of these posts I can not count on this money, My house needs repairs! I guess I won’t see this check so soon !
Paperwork submitted and received in July 2009. It’s February 2010, and I’ve been told to wait until March 2010 before they can provide me any status. Very frustrated!
I sent mine in the beginning of August 2009 and they told me that same thing wait until Mrach 29 and then call back they said it was in examination process???
Well, closed on my house on 10/15/09…sent in papers 10/28/09 fiance got her half, i haven’t gotten anything, called 30 days ago to be reviewed, called today still being reviewed call back next week review system is down and she can’t see any notes. WHAT! it’s been 16 weeks, my friend closed 16 days after my fiance and I and she got hers right after my fiance did in november….so what is going on….they were filed the same how is it this hard to review papers and see that I actually bought a house and i’m not trying to fraud them? its crazy…yea we are getting interest, but come april 2011 and we have to file for 2010 taxes they will tax us on that interest…… **rolling eyes**
I got a call from my tax advocate today. He should be fired to start off with because he would not return my phone calls. I spoke to him on January 14th and he sent a letter stating he would call me by February 12th with an update. I called and called and left voicemail after voicemail and he did not return my call at all. He only called today to tell me that he got an e-mail from the exam office and said that they finally approved our credit and the check would be sent out in 7 to 10 days. I’m not getting my hopes up on this because we sent in our amended return at the end of May 2009. So it will be over 9 months when we get this money.
I know how you feel, but at least my advocate answered the phone to tell me she basically wasn’t doing anything except resending my information. I was approved a taxpayer advocate on January 15. She didn’t call me until January 25. She said that she would have a response for me by February 25. She called today to tell me she won’t have a response for me by the 25th and now it is March 9, which is only one week shy of when the dimwits in the Atlanta examination department said they would get back to me anyway! 32 weeks and counting…
Please let us know when you actually receive the check. Best of luck.
I am on week 36 myself. I think that the Atlanta office must be the worst in the country.
Hello all,
Since we purchased our home after November 6, 2009, the IRS requested that we send more documents. We’ve already filed our 2009 taxes but now we want to file an amended tax return, could someone shed some light on what we need to do?
Thank you in advance
If you amend your taxes to get the FTHBC send in the HUD1, light bill, DL with new address, pay stub with new address and make sure that your amended return has new address on it or it will go up for review.
This whole tax credit was a sham to get the housing market booming again!!!! I filed Aug 26 2009, they received it on Aug 31, I’ve called a bunch of times saying it was being processed, and as of today haven’t gotten a check or any letter telling me whats going on. This is ridiculous. It’ll probably be another few months!
I have been reading down through these comments and I just want to say that I am glad that I waited to file my 8000 tax credit with my 2009 taxes. It seems like the people that amended their 2008 taxes are waiting weeks without knowing anything. Probably because most homebuyers did it this way and they are flooded with amended returns, also people did not know that they needed to include the HUD-1. We closed on November 23, 2009 and I actually got our tax papers ready to amend for 2008 but…just never sent them. So then they did the whole updated 5405 so I had to wait forever….patiently….until the new form was available. I just decided to file all my taxes together and I of course could not e-file so I mailed our taxes on 2-23-10. Since I did not amend, I am able to check the status of my refund online, which I have checked once even twice per day to see if it said anything else but…”they cannot provide any information about my refund, it can take up to 6 weeks to process.” But! It does say on the site that you can check the status usually 3 to 4 weeks after mailing a return. It turns out that today is exactly 4 weeks from when I mailed it and when I check the status it said, “they received our return and it is processing and as long as no errors were found and we do not owe taxes we should receive our refund by April 6, 2010. So if all goes well with our refund it will be right under 9 weeks for us…I just hope this is true! I’m glad that I can just get online and check the status so I do not have to call. I did our taxes with Turbo Tax and it told me that I had to include that 5405 and the HUD-1 to be processed. Another advantage of waiting is that we made less money this year than the last and we have a child too. So we are getting more back from our 2009 and then we add the 8000 and we have a nice chunk of change coming… I am excited to get this money and pay some stuff off and go shopping!!
For now…I will keep dreaming……lol
Those who have waited to file with 2009…you will get your regular refund…however the homebuyer credit will go through the audit like everyone else’s which means a long delay. Sorry.
confused.. how does dates from 2-23-10 to when you posted on 3-3-10 equal 4 weeks of waiting??
I file this credit with my 2009 return on Jan 24, 2010 and they still saying nothing. They did not start processing the 2009 returns with the credit until March 2, 2010. I have sent it in twice, first time forgot the proof of purchase and I sent that, they received that 3 days later, but they still have not received supposelly the second complete set, going to call today. I need repairs done on my house also.
I sent in all my info on January 20th. I spoke to the IRS the other day and they said it was approved on Feb 23. He said I should receive a check within a month.
Sent 2009 paper return with FTHB credit Jan 22, 2010, IRS has received return they say I should have it back by March 30th. I will repost if it happens.
I’ve posted a few times here…I filed in October…after multiple calls
and finally a tax advocate, I received a letter on Feb 25th stating refund will
be sent in 6-8 weeks. If this rings true, this will put me at just over 6 months of waiting “patiently.
Though I was frustrated, I was never rude to the some times rude Irs reps.
What would be the point…I did however keep notes of names and ID#’s and the dates
of when I called…time consuming, yes…but I had run out of patience after 3 months of waiting.
Regardless of if you need the rufund now or not, it should not take more than 2-3 months for processing. Buying a home is public record, even without supporting docs, they can google a person’s name and see that they bought a home. Good luck everyone!
After mountains and mountains of bad news (wait a month, wait another month, wait another month, and so on), my taxpayer advocate is supposed to tell me tomorrow whether the IRS approved my credit. There is absolutely no reason for them not to approve it. I’ve had an advocate since the beginning of JANUARY and this is the second extension I’ve had to give the IRS since working with the advocate. I’m sitting at 34 weeks of waiting. ALMOST NINE MONTHS. I will update again with tomorrow’s news.
Approved!!!! But no release date…
I was approved too with the help of my advocate I got approved on the 5th and my advocate said they only have the 19th and the 26th to have my check sent out. It still takes a week or 2 for the system to update and for them to make adjustments to the amend. So it shouldn’t be long for us to get it now. PS everybody else that is still waiting GET AN ADVOCATE
i to have been waiting since july 20,2009 everytime i call the irs i was getting a different answer
finally got a tax advcate hope to get some good news soon.
Right there with you. I went the advocate route a week ago and they tell me I need a copy of basically everything that I sent in initially, the kicker is that the IRS NEVER told me they needed any more paperwork even though I called them countless times. Im hoping I will get it soon. Good luck to you.
Just spoke to the IRS. Mailed in the information Jan 20 and approved Feb 23. Check is supposed to be mailed out on friday.
I was concerned after reading all these posts. So you filled in Jan 2010 and recieved confirmation in Feb 2010?
Update….I posted here in the beginning of the month – I said that I checked my status for my 2009 tax return online (I had to mail it in) at the four week mark and sure enough it said it was received, processing and I should receive my refund by April 6, 2010.
Today I checked again, one week later and it said that my tax refund is scheduled to be direct deposited on March 12, 2010. The amount listed is my full amount I was expecting – the credit plus our refund for 2009. So that is this Friday and I guess I will wait and see on Friday if it is there…..I will post back if it finally made it! I read other places that it was only a mailed check……interesting.
Update….I checked our account this morning and sure enough it was in there…the full amount! So, filing our 2009 taxes with the 8000 credit as part of it paid off!….and got our credit and our 2009 refund together in 5 weeks and 2 days…..thank you IRS.
So from my experience with this whole thing….filing with the 2009 taxes is the way to go! I am sure I am not the only one with these results. Good luck all.
Hi Gemma,
The 5405 form is new for 2010. I think the IRS was so backed up in the past because they were learning the system of the credit. I think things will start to speed up from here on. I sent my 5405 with my hub statement on jan 23. I called the IRS the other day and they said I was approved feb 23 and they check will be mailed out march 12. I hope this helps!
This sounds more promising. Yes, i only just filed so don’t mind waiting 6-12 wks. I guess they bulk up at staff at this time. Thank you.
well, back on May 7 of 2009, my information was received by the irs…. 10 months later…. still no check… though, our circumstances a little different from others i think, beings we’ve owned a house before and requalified, is why it’s taking so long for us. Tried the advocate route to no avail, so our tax preparer has been helping us. 1 more week and we should find out where we stand, hopefully anyways. Congrats to those that obviously didn’t have to wait nearly as long as us, and good luck to those that have just recently filed.
On January 4, 2010, I posted on this website about my struggle with getting my check. After six months of waiting……………………..still NOTHING!!! I am not strapped for cash, but there are some repairs I would like to make to my house that there is really no reason to go in debt for. I call the IRS EVERY Tuesday and I am told a different thing every week. At one point someone told me that I was denied and then the next week they said they had made adjustments and now it is in a “holding pattern.” I know the IRS has to play it safe because they were getting people who made stuff up and awarded them a credit to find out that the name they used was phony. I am sorry, but that is the IRS fault. When I filed my amended return, I had all my loan paperwork, settlement statement, deed, everything I thought I would need. They ONLY needed the date I purchased the home, who I purchased it from, and how much I purchased the home…..gee….I wonder why they had people fraudulently scamming them. MAYBE IT’S BECAUSE THE IRS IS RETARDED. They should have required more info, and I know thats why they are being extra careful, but on the other hand, I don’t care, their “safety” isn’t my problem, they should have thought about that when they printed the forms for this credit. So after all of this bull, I have contacted my attorney and he put me in link with a tax payer advocate, which is basically a person that goes to the IRS and kicks them in their @$$ to get them moving. I am praying this is what gets it done. I don’t know why I expected this to go smooth from the get go because if there is one thing we all know about our government. This was a project set in place by republicans and democrats working together. In the FAMOUS words of Lewis Black, “There is only one thing dumber than a republican and a democrat, and thats when these pricks work together.” I wish you all better luck going through this because I have had it with this stupid run around. It would not surprise me if I never get a check because thats the way my luck usually runs. Take care, all of you. Stay in touch and share your story on my facebook page. Just search for me on facebook, Travis McGuire.
I just called the Irs and was told that my money will be direct deposit next week. Well the problem is I went to Jackson Hewitt last year and received a RAL. I no longer have that pre paid credit card that Jackson Hewitt gave me last year. So now I have to wait till it hits the bank and then be sent back to the IRS so they can cut me a check. This is crazy
I just called and spoke to another person and she told me that my check will be sent to me and not direct deposit. She also said that it will be cut on the 26th with added interest of $299.14. I’ve been waiting since Aug 11th 2009. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!
Hello can you tell me what number you are contacting the IRS at? I get all automated lines
6 weeks!!?? Ha! Try 7 months and counting! I filed in August of last year and I have made COUNTLESS calls the the irs and I still dont have my refund or an explanation as to why! I did everything right and they keep telling me to “be patient”. The IRS is the biggest joke of an organization I have ever dealt with.
Finally…Filed October 13. Sent Suporting docs on my own Jan 5th (never recv letters from IRS),
got an Tax Advocated Feb 19th. Check will be mailed Mar 26th.
What a long, slow, miserable, frustrating road I’ve been own.
$8219 is what I’m getting which includes the TAXABLE interest they’ve tacked on.
Now I can do some repairs and save the rest for a rainy day.
Best wishes to those who are still going through the grind…this experiance has been a complete mess.
I closed on Dec 28, 2009 in Virginia. I see some have talked to agents every place I get is automated. Can someone help me with getting a contact phone for someone? I have not been waiting long but at the looks of all the responses it looks like I will be waiting a long time. So can someone please give me some insight on what I should do.
Thank you
Call 1800 829-0582 and push extension 462. This is the number I was calling. You actually get a real person who is actually knowledgeable.
Jan 20- Sent In my hub statement and 5405.
Feb 23- Everything was approved
Mar 15- Got my 8000 check in the mail
Hopefully I get mine in the mail that fast. I doubt it cause they sent my reg tax return and said they may need additional information.