First-Time Homebuyer Credit Questions and Answers:
 
Homes Purchased Your Hawaii Home in 2008, 2009 or 2010
Do I have to pay back the credit?
 
If the tax credit is for a home you bought in 2008, you must pay back the credit. If the credit is for a home you bought in 2009 or 2010, you do not have to pay back the credit in most cases.
 
2008 Homebuyer tax credit: You must start paying back the credit two years after the year you bought the house. You pay back the credit over a 15-year period as an additional tax on your tax return. If you claim a $7500 credit, for example, you must pay back about $500 per year. Note: The tax credit is basically a 15-year interest-free loan from the government.
 
If you stop living in the house as your primary residence, or if you sell the house before the 15-year repayment period is over, you must pay back the balance of the tax credit in full. In special situations, you do not have to pay back the full amount (for example if you do not make enough profit from the sale of the house to pay back the credit, or if the taxpayer dies).
 
2009-2010 Homebuyer tax credit: You do not have to pay back the credit as long as you own and live in the home as your principal residence for at least three years. If you sell the home before the three years are up, you must pay back the entire credit.
 
Please contact your CPA with any questions.