Mortgage Credit Certificate

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In the United States, a Mortgage Credit Certificate (more commonly referred to as MCC) is a certificate issued by certain state or local governments that allows a taxpayer to claim a tax credit for some portion of the mortgage interest paid during a given tax year.

[edit] Uses

The MCC program is designed to help first-time homebuyers offset a portion of their mortgage interest on a new mortgage as a way to help homebuyers qualify for a loan. Because it is a tax credit and not a tax deduction, mortgage lenders will often use the estimated amount of the credit on a monthly basis as additional income to help the potential borrower qualify for the loan.

[edit] Qualifications & Example

Generally speaking, homebuyers who wish to obtain an MCC must meet certain minimum guidelines:
1. Buyers must not have owned a home in the previous three years.
2. Buyers must meet income and purchase price restrictions.
3. Buyers must intend to use the new home as a primary residence.

Some of these restrictions may be waived for certain circumstances. For example, following a natural disaster, state or local governments may raise or remove the income limits for affected municipalities temporarily to help spur redevelopment.

The amount of mortgage credit allowed varies depending on the state or local government that issues the certificates, but is capped at a maximum of $2000 per year by the IRS. As an example, if a homebuyer were to receive an MCC that offers a 30% credit on a $200,000 loan for 30 years with a rate of 6%, the allowable tax credit would be figured as follows (all numbers rounded):
Mortgage Interest Paid (1st Year): $11,933
x MCC Credit: 30%
= Total Credit: $3579
Because the total credit in this example exceeds the IRS limit of $2000, the homebuyer would report a $2000 credit on their tax return. The buyer may continue to receive a tax credit for as long as they live in the home and retain the mortgage.

[edit] External Links

IRS Publication 530, Tax Information for First-Time Homebuyers