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?
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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 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?
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!
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.
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
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!
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