A first-time homebuyer purchasing a principal residence in the United States, on or after April 9, 2008, and before May 1, 2010 (or July 1, 2010, if the taxpayer enters into a written binding contract before May 1, 2010, to close on the purchase of a principal residence before July 1, 2010), is eligible for the first-time homebuyer credit. For purchases made in 2009 or 2010 (except in the case of long-time residents of the same principal residence), the credit is equal to the lesser of 10% of the residence's purchase price or $8,000 ($4,000 in the case of a married taxpayer filing separately).
For a principal residence purchased in 2009 or 2010, the taxpayer may elect to treat the purchase as having been made on December 31st of the previous year for the purpose of claiming the credit and establishing the beginning of the recapture period(if applicable).