California has adopted tax credits for new home purchases and first-time homebuyers. The credits are available for qualified taxpayers who purchase a qualified residence on or after May 1, 2010 and before January 1, 2011. Since there are ceilings on the total credits available for all taxpayers, it will be wise to apply for them early.
Documentation Requirements For Homebuyers Credit will mean headaches for many
Starting with 2009 federal income tax returns, taxpayers will be required to attach certain documents in order to claim the New Homebuyer Credit. A new credit of up to $6,500 is available to taxpayers who have lived in a residence for more than five years, but they might have trouble finding documents to prove their residence during the five-year period.