From: NAR Government Affairs
> RE:   Senate Action on Stimulus Bill
> Date: 5 February 2008
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> Last evening the United States Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan amendment, offered by REALTOR® Champions, Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) to the Economic Stimulus Bill creating a $15,000 tax credit to individuals who purchase a home in the next year.
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> Specifically, the Isakson-Lieberman amendment to the pending economic stimulus bill would provide a direct tax credit to any homebuyer who purchases any home. The amount of the tax credit would be $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. Purchases must be made within one year
> of the legislation’s enactment, and the tax credit would not have to be repaid.
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> The amendment would allow taxpayers to claim the credit on their 2008 income tax return. It also seeks to prevent misuse by only allowing purchases of a principle residence and by recapturing the credit if the home is sold within two years of purchase. The amendment would sunset the current $7,500
> housing tax credit on the date of enactment.
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> While the final details of the Stimulus Bill are still being debated, this amendment represents a tremendous step forward in NAR's efforts to stabilize housing markets around the nation.  Because of the efforts of REALTORS®, we expect the final Economic Stimulus Bill will contain several major
> housing provisions.  We will continue to update you as the bill progresses through the legislative process.