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Internal Revenue Service [IRS] review: First time home buyers credit 32

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11:51 am EDT
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We completed the purchase of my personal residential home at the end of July, and applied for the first time home buyers credit of $8, 000 that we are entitled to. We owed no taxes for 2008 nor will we owe any for 2009. We submitted the required proof of the home purchase and have been advised that we will not get a response or rebate until sometime in November 2009. They are dragging their feet for no reason. Anyone else in this boat...we need to get them on the stick. Matt DePaolo

32 comments
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WyoGranny
, US
Jun 01, 2016 2:19 pm EDT
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The recording said, "You are being sued by the IRS. Please return a call to this number." [protected].

I did not call them back. I called my local police department because there had been something about this on our local TV stations in the recent past. The Police Department gave me this web address and told me to fill out a complaint.

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User1329855149
, US
Feb 21, 2012 12:16 pm EST

I was going to e file with the IRS but they say theres a fee for e file

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JasperO
Rantoul, US
Jun 22, 2011 12:57 pm EDT

Okay folks, I see most of you filed for the first-time home-buyer's credit in 2009 or some in 2010. I filed in 2008 when it first came out and I bought my first home moving to CO from MO. Three years later, I receive a notice from IRS telling me I didn't qualify for this credit and now they are charging me for penalties and interest. Naturally, I haven't the entire $7500 I was given as I did some home repairs with the money on my new home. If I make payments, they will charge me interest. Now mind you, they are charging me three years worth of interest, since 2009 when I received the credit, and a penalty that is currently amounting to around $1800! I do qualify but they are trying to use a house I got by default through a divorce settlement that I NEVER purchased against me. I'm working through the taxpayers assistance service and the woman told me a whole bunch of people are in the same boat as I but most of them is due to houses they inherited! This is a scam the gov't is using on us U.S. abiding taxpying citizens to make money. I so regret ever applying for this credit now, truly! I have learned that I will never apply for any gov't monetary aid that is supposed to help us citizens ever again. I will probably be fighting this battle for years and potentially have to hire an attorney. It is not right that they gave me the money, approved me for it, then three years later tell me I didn't qualify and charge me penalties and interests! The stipulations on this first-time home-buyers credit is not clear and is very deceptive. I've even paid the first $500 installment on my 2010 taxes, after the two year grace period given, and the IRS has not even acknowledged that I made the first installment. Now all I want to do is get this $7500 paid back to them as quick as possible but I do not feel I owe a penalty or interests when I am truly a first-time home-buyer. This is a nightmare. Once the IRS audits you and comes after you, they are after you for LIFE! It's like being put in prison or having a death sentence hanging over your head. So you people who have not received the credit yet, maybe that is a blessing to you. I personally would recommend that you don't accept the credit at all.

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Arlene Williams
San Jose, US
Mar 20, 2011 10:45 pm EDT
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My daughter and son-in-law are still waiting for their rebate, almost one year. They did everything on time, submitted paperwork three times, now they are told they are denied, missed the deadline. Absolutley, not true. So, they are submitting paperwork again (fourth time). Also, they were told they owe a hefty fine of $1900. with no explanation, this is a mistake and the agent saw this, but, what a scare! What can we all do. My kids will get involved, but, think it is fruitless. In the meanwhile, they are doing everything they can in dealing with the government.

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vin40
Clyde, US
Jan 21, 2011 1:07 am EST

We recieved the tax credit in 2008 because we needed to boost the cash flow to remodel the house for sale. We lived there for 3 years and then Obama got elected and our house was worthless at that point. The only solution was to let it go into forclosure and wait 7 years and get another home. Now, here it is 2011 and the same government that gave us the money now wants us to pay it back and that is ok with me except my tax refund this year is delayed by 45 days because of a 250 dollar payment that is due off my taxes. They decided this paperwork change 1 week ago and they are causing me to miss out on an oppourtunity to move my family to a state that has plenty of customers for my business. The government needs to do that crap in the second quarter and not the first...idiots. DO NOT GET THE DAMN CREDIT NO MATTER WHAT, IT IS NOT WORTH THE 15 YEARS OF BULL YOU WILL HAVE TO PUT UP WITH!

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Senia
San Ramon, US
Nov 18, 2010 4:47 am EST

We have bought our house in February 2010 and have claimed our credit on 2009 return. IRS has sent us a letter that we don't qualify because we claimed property tax and interest for other properties on our returns. I wrote them back that those were rentals from day one, we never lived there. I list them as rental on all of our tax returns. Then they demanded proof that we actually bought a house this year. I sent them more supporting documentation from the County, bank etc. They seemed to have agreed, sent us a letter that we don't owe anything. Now they sent me another letter saying that the lease agreements on the rentals don't list me as a landlord, but have a property manager name, therefore they now want me to pay the credit+penalties. As if that makes any difference whose name is on the lease agreement - I still didn't live there in the last 3 years, as there are other people who live there, according to the lease agreement. The rentals are in a different State, we have never claimed to have lived in that State as a primary residence - all of our tax returns show a California address. I will call them again, but this is really ridiculous. Even on their own website they give a scenario where a person who had a primary residence decided to rent it out and move into a rental herself, and they conclude that she is qualified for First Time Buyer Credit because she didn't live there in 3 years. Hell, I have NEVER lived in those rentals myself, but they give me a hard time...

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wildboaraza
Cordes Lakes, US
Nov 16, 2010 9:49 pm EST
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Let me know if you get into any class action suit against the IRS.

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IRS Victom
West union, US
Nov 16, 2010 5:56 pm EST

My husband and I used the 2nd time home owner’s tax credit. The home needed work and had not even had the final inspection or a Certificate of Occupancy. We have just got the CO and home completed, now the IRS is revoking the tax credit given to us because they feel we did not occupy the home in a reasonable amount of time. Time limits are not documented they stated, that is just the way they feel about the situation. Is this far? Can you fight the IRS? Would it do any good? The bad thing is, yes it took a few months to complete the home, but my husband is Military and gone most of the time working for the Government. I think this tax credit was to stimulate the economy, but they lied about the tax credit just to get us to buy. Just another way for them to screw us!

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wildboaraza
Cordes Lakes, US
Oct 07, 2010 9:18 pm EDT
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Get an IRS TAS agent.My TAS agent UNDERSTOOD, it took four more months after she received all my information all over again, and more the IRS requested, but I got a partial refund(they still owe me) in odd dollars and odd cents.
I had to use the TAS from one of the slowest IRS intake agencies in the country, San Franciso, as this where my return was originally submitted to. But the IRS would NEVER have sent me my FHBS check. I am grateful to Barbara, TAS agent, San Franciso but bitter and enraged at the IRS and this administrations lies about the stimulus refunds. Time to vote those big money 'wigs' out of DC coming very, very soon.
Good luck, sorry your husband passed away. I know it is difficult for you in every way, and with the kids. Collect everything you can, for their will be a lack of refunds, jobs, food, housing for a long, long time to come.

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2girlsmom
apple, US
Oct 07, 2010 8:52 pm EDT

i purchased my home March 23, 2010. I filed my amended tax return the first week of April 2010. (understanding that i may be one of the ones who are audited because my husband passed away in August 2009, so my filing status will change this year.) after not hearing anything for 3 months, i phoned the IRS. the representative informed me that they required more information and that they sent a letter in June (which i did not receive). so, with the information they required sent off in the mail, i waited again. on August 17, 2010 i received another letter saying that the IRS required more time to review my claim and that i would hear something in 45 days. i called 2 weeks ago and got a very RUDE representative who stated that she was unable to give me any information regarding the progress of my claim and that i shouldn't call anymore because they already sent the letter explaining that they required 45 more days. she basically told me that if i wanted to change anything, i should vote differently. i laughed at her and hung up the phone. so... here i wait, reading responses from others who are in the same boat, becoming increasingly frustrated by the day. being a single parent, home owner and full time employee (of the federal government, nonetheless...) this payment could be a big help to me for childcare and clothing for my kids. instead, i fear that i will never see this money as long as i'm alive.

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wildboaraza
Cordes Lakes, US
Aug 22, 2010 11:50 pm EDT
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Of course the IRS stuck me with a PARTIAL REFUND, NOT paying me the FTHB rebate I am entitled to. Of course, if it takes another seven months(due to the IRS's errors, no matter how long-I will hound them for it, post their delinqency. I have never 'winked' an eye at over $200 worthless incompetency. I get a feeling, they are trying to wind down the rebates and skinny out as many filers for as they can. I also feel they arbitrarily RE-ASSIGNED me to a rebate program NOT the one I legitimately filed under. I'm telling everyone I know, and have retorts of hatred towards the IRS.

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FTHBC
mesa, US
Aug 08, 2010 1:08 am EDT
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When I called to follow up on my FTHBC I was told that there is a thick questionnaire packet to be mailed to me and that after I mailed it back it will be at least another 45 days before I will get my refund. Does anyone know what is this packet about? I filed my HUD and also FORM 5405. What other documents will IRS possible want? PPLLLLEEAASSEE HELP . I need money badly for my children's tuition .

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J Wilkes
Willingboro, US
Aug 02, 2010 11:02 am EDT

I purchased my home November 2008 -- I did an amended return February 2010. I received my check in the middle of March 2010 -- Cashed the check... a week later they sent me a notice, stating that they had updated my account to reflect the credit I had received. About two weeks after that, I received another notice requesting that I repay the credit that I had received, plus interest! Needless to say, I pissed! They gave me 120 days to resolve -- and what's even crazy is that the worker who completed my credit paperwork... must of sent it through the shredder, because they have no record of my paperwork! I have been on the phone with the IRS and the taxpayer advocate service -- they assigned me to Mr. Donald Birkland, coming out of New Jersey... I have called his number and left messages... and have rec'd no response! I'm starting to think he's on a month long vacation! Talk about STRESS!

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wildboaraza
Cordes Lakes, US
Jul 31, 2010 12:06 am EDT
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I even had my closing papers notarized, registered with the County I live in, registered as a documentary closing at a mutually agreeable bank to me and the Seller(both bank there regularly anyhow) for my protection and it's been SIX MONTHS waiting for this slow cruise boat check!
I have NO RUNNING car for my medical appointments for MS, BROKEN lumbar spine, spinal surgeon for next TWO surgeries totally SIX, no way to the pharmacy, no way to laboratories for regular ESSENTIAL blood testing.Just the same old CRAP message on Where's My Refund 'Pillsbury Dough Boy' " meant for dummie tax payers like me.
I don't trust the IRS's FRAUDULENT BEHAVIOR towards me, and most of the others I've read on so many sites I also post on, online. I want MY money, to get a rebuilt engine put in my car, allowing me as a disabled person supposedly protected under ADA, to operate my car to get medical attention STAT.
The IRS is in all kinds of violations of the law and against giving me my LEGITIMATE, LEGAL refund.
I hope their RICH employees CROAK on THEIR ANNUAL SHIP cruises-I used to know some SS and IRS employee women that thought nothing to go on a girl's cruise annually, buy $500 gowns for it, fling themselves in any man's bed on the ship. What a bunch of non-working slut cheaters of the public.Recently comes out, now, the men watch PORNO movies at the office at work instead of processing poor taxfilers returns.

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alvaradojwlsc
Wheeling, US
Jul 30, 2010 8:30 am EDT
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My wife and i closed on our first house july 2009 and we also filed all the proper paperwork for taxes and still as of july 30th have not recieved a check. she called the IRS and they said call back Aug. 16th. What gives? If you owe the government they want their money right now or go to jail but if they owe you they can wait a whole year damn near. Anyone with any data on how to get this to the President who created this crap please email me jalvarado@westliberty.edu

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elh1232
Hinsdale, US
Jul 28, 2010 4:00 pm EDT

I closed on my first home in October 2009, waited to file for credit with my 2009 tax return. That was filed in Feb 2010, I am still waiting for my credit too. I've spoken to the IRS many times, the people they have working their customer service seem very rude and clueless. I sent my settlement statement with my tax return, never heard anything, then I rec'd a letter that they need more info, this was in April. I faxed the info the next day to them, the form they sent asked for phone numbers & best time to be reached. It's ridiculous that they ask you for your phone number but when you call the IRS they tell you that no one will call you if additional info is needed. So, I waited, spoke to customer service a couple of more times, they could only tell me that it was being processed and that I would get a letter in mail if they deny the credit. I rec'd the letter at the end of June that they amended my tax return. I spoke to customer service, they asked if the settlement statement was signed, well the copy I had was not. They advised me to sign the bottom of it & send it in, that should be all that is needed. So, I did that, haven't heard anything. Spoke to someone yesterday, they weren't sure how much longer it would take, but my info had been rec'd. Then they said that my mailing address has been the same since 2006. I explained that the house I bought is on the same street but different house number. Why do they not have anyone that can explain what is going on with this whole situation!?!?

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tpartygirl
Baltimore, US
Jul 19, 2010 12:23 am EDT

Just posted, and for some reason auto type changed Washington Dc to the word school, sorry for the error also found this address which may be helpful. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Hotline P.O. Box 589 Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC [protected]

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tpartygirl
Baltimore, US
Jul 19, 2010 12:04 am EDT

This is very discouraging and extremely disheartening. I have been waiting for 5 months and have spoken to several people at the IRS. They most definitely are stalling. I was most recently told that my request for the credit was entered on the wrong line of my return, which is not the case my account entered it correctly, I have the form in front of me. I now have to send another letter to the IRS and yet a Third copy of my return to wait 45 days for a response. I am researching tomorrow who to file a formal complaint with. I'm also strongly considering organizing a march on School to complain, and raise some publicity. I am sick and tired of being screwed around by the government. Has there ever been a class action suit against the IRS? If not I say we make a precedent and start one. Anyone with any information on how to file a formal complaint or any other pissed off taxpayers willing to go to School feel free to contact me @ corie090@yahoo

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doll205
Birmingham, US
Jul 06, 2010 6:57 pm EDT

has anyone heard of such ?

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doll205
Birmingham, US
Jul 06, 2010 6:56 pm EDT

i sumbitted my information to the irs my hud-1 and frm 5405 after 12 weeks i called they said my case has been closed i will recive a letter of explanation via mail ! unreal !

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WhoCaresAboutYou?
Patchouge, US
Jul 06, 2010 11:03 am EDT
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It's the IRS and government. Bureaucracy works slow.

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pandora2010
, US
Jul 06, 2010 10:59 am EDT
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I am fed up with this CRAP! I sent my amendment the first week of March 2010. I waited 8 weeks to call the IRS because of their guidelines and they told me to check back in a couple of weeks. That's fine I tell myself give them a couple of weeks. One month has passed now we're in 12 weeks; the person told me they have not seen the paperwork but that doesn't mean that it's not there and maybe the person that is looking into it did not post it or something and again call back in a couple of weeks and if I'm missing something I will get a letter in the mail stating it but I haven't gotten anything in the mail. Today I called again which is the 16th week and the representative told me that my paperwork is not there and that I have to re-send my paperwork and I asked her how long would it take you know what she told me "ABOUT THE SAME TIME 8-12 WEEKS". Ain't nothing but a scam from the U.S. government misleading us by offering something good and then screwing us over. I WANT MY REFUND NOW.

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wildboaraza
Cordes Lakes, US
Jul 05, 2010 11:31 pm EDT
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Some filers are still fighting the IRS and FED for up to one or two years to get their legal, legitimate tax refund for first time homebuying.The FED does not have the money and has given open license to the IRS this Spring to deny any claim, any where, for anyone not meeting internal rules known only to the IRS. Caveat emptor! Beware!
The IRS is also trying to pawn off partial refunds on tax filer, making the tax filer finance their own rebate!Don't accept partial payments, those large entities as in banks, corporations didn't.

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jduarte
Houston, US
Jul 05, 2010 7:26 pm EDT
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I purchased my house in December of 2009 and the IRS are doing the same thing to me as you all. The kept telling me that they have not received anything from me and for me to keep checking the status online. I did over and over. The months kept changing about the dates that they said I was going to receive my money. Then they requested a copy of the closing letter. I sent it to them. Now they have a duplicate of all the information i sent them. so guess what now... I got to wait all over again because the IRS have to do some investing. this process will take 12-16 weeks. This is not right because they keep leading people on thinking we gone forget about what they promise to us. I am tired of waiting! So if anyone has a number or know who I can talk to regarding my situation, I would really be grateful.

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Tammy13
las, US
Jul 03, 2010 4:54 pm EDT

We purchased our home in October 2009 we mailed our tax return in February 2010 and have had nothing but grief they state that we previously owned a home and do not qualify. I have sent them numerous letters and documentation to state that we didn't own a home per their guidelines in the last three years and they state they have never received the new documentation, I have sent it certified and priority with tracking numbers and the USPS states they delivered every letter I have sent, but the IRS states they have not received the documentation, I am so sick of the run around I call every 30 days and they just say well we have till this date then they change it the next 3o days, we are so frustrated we need that money we bought a foreclosure and as everyone knows they usually need a lot of work due to sitting for so long . Please we need some help from our congress to make the IRS do their jobs

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Armyguy12000
Brighton, US
Jun 12, 2010 6:03 pm EDT

My wife and I bought a house for the very first time in November of 2009. Did our taxes for the 09 tax year in february and ammended our return the next day for the first time home buyer credit. Here it is June 2010 and the IRS keeps sending us letters every 2 to 3 months saying that they haven't recieved this or that and we have sent them all this paper work 2 or 3 times now. What I suggest all of you to do if you are getting this run around with the IRS is type an email stating your issue in a professional manner to your state senator. My senator is Leonard Boswell, I sent his office an email complaining that the IRS is giving us the run around and I got a call from their office the next day. They will be representing me against the IRS. The state senates office cant help you if you don't bring it to their attention. This abuse from the IRS has to stop, if it were money you owed them they would be relentless in getting it. But if its money they owe you they put it off as long as possible, how are we suppossed to stimulate the economy if the government doesn't pay out the money they promised us.

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knewt
, US
May 26, 2010 8:24 pm EDT

At least I'm not the only one...I guess. I closed on my house July 2, 2009 and filed an addendum to my 2009 taxes for this credit. 10 months later, I still have NOT received this credit. I do not owe any tax money, and have sent EVERYTHING and more to the IRS that has been request (each 4-6 weeks as stated in so many posts above). The latest and greatest was that the fax number my CPA faxed the last bit of info request to apparently was having troubles, and therefore they said they never received it. So, instead of them working with my CPA to just have him refax it to a working number...it was sent to appeals, which by the way take anywhere from 2 weeks to 120 days. That was in February 2010...so maybe, just maybe I'll get this credit by the time I've lived here for an entire year. It really bothers me that I have followed every rule, submitted everything requested (immediately upon request), and yet I still am getting jerked around. And honestly, this credit was the convincing "push" that encouraged me to bravely purchase my own new home. And sadly, as a single woman living on a teacher's pay, that money would definitely be beneficial. Does anyone know who we can officially "complain" to that may be able to help out in these cases?

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allison1971
, US
May 19, 2010 7:24 pm EDT

I bought my house on april, 15, 2010.
i'm legally separated since 2006.
and i did not know my x husband bought house 2007.
i found out couple month ago.he said my name is not on title and deed.
called IRS and they said that i'm not qualify for first time home buyer because he own house.
even i don't kow where is his house.
when i bought my house, thought this house is my first house, but i guess i never had first house.

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BrandiLeigh
, US
May 04, 2010 4:58 pm EDT

I have not recieved my homebuyers credit and I filed a amendment in OCTOBER of 09 ! They keep sending me letters saying they will review my response and contact me in 30 days. Never fails, every month they send me the same letter saying they need 30 more days. i've given them everything they have asked for. Im in need of this money, I was told it would take 3-5 months to recieve the direct deposit and updated my home thinking I would get my refund. Ive called the IRS and spoke with mutiple people, each person has stated they are backed up and need more time. I got a letter in the mail again today, they will not be getting back to me until JUNE 2010 ... thats 8 months after I filed. EIGHT MONTHS !

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roseb0320
Davisburg, US
Apr 18, 2010 6:51 am EDT

We purchased a home on October 5, 2009. Lost our jobs on October 13, 2009. Filed a revised 2008 income tax form. Thinking this 8000.00 would save us. First we were told that it was taking up to 16 weeks to receive refund, which we were looking at the end of January, first week in February. Second week in February, called the IRS, only to find that our return was 'under review'. They could not however tell me why. I had to call back in 30 days. They did forward us to a tax advocate for emergency help, we were told that we were not needy enough, we would be taking the money away from others who were more deserving. The IRS wanted us to prove that this was our principal residence. So I certified my mail to make sure that they got it by the deadline, which was March 14th. Called on April 7th, and they said they now, since I waited till the 7th to call, had 30 more days from that date (which the nowhere did the paperwork say your claim will be reveiwed as soon as you call us). So now, here I sit, I owe 2009 taxes. Which I cannot afford to pay for I am 2 months out on my mortagage payment. (They say we make too much money for emergency assistance, approximately 1400.00 a month on my husband's unemployment, my unemployment currently 'under review by the State of Michigan. house payment is 1270.00 do the math). I dont want pity...I need a job. It isnt from lack of trying. I finally got a job interview, the first one in 6 months. They said they wanted someone with a high school diploma and at least one year collection experience. For which I far exceed those requirements have 20 years experience?! I guess I was having a bad hair day, because besides that, I thought the interviw went fairly well. Maybe I came off too desparate? Anyhoo..I am getting off subject...the IRS. I guess I will have to call back on my 30 day anniversay of May 7th and see what happens then. I think I owe them about 700.00 for 2009, so with interest and penalties, maybe I'll get enough of the 8, 000. to eat out at a fast food restaurant, which right now, would be a luxury.

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dndhawaii
asdf, US
Apr 03, 2010 12:02 pm EDT
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It is all true. My wife and I bought a house November 2009, and filed an amendment with all the supporting documentation on our 2008 tax return to get the $8, 000 credit sooner. After a month, we called to check the status and was informed it would take 12-16 weeks. Come February, we call and the agent said everything looks good in our file and we would receive a check by April 5, 2010. Yesterday April 2, 2010 we received a letter saying our claim is denied until we submit newly revised forms. I call in and the agent says they recently changed the forms and we must fill out the new forms before processing, and by the way we must wait another 12-16 weeks. Just the other day I spoke with someone who previously worked for the IRS, and that person said that they are trained to buy time, and they are not trained to see the big picture of operations. They only know what they are supposed to tell the People. Is the government out of money? What's going to happen when the IRS takes over the revenue operations from the Health Care Bill? When I was applying for graduate school there were many documents, forms, applications and payments that are due before processing. When checking my status, I simply called in with my ID info, verified my identity and the clerk instantly located my file via database and told me what I needed to correct, and how many steps were left before processing. The IRS spends millions on hiring case workers to review our files only to send us a letter 4 months later saying the forms were revised. THIS IS A WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY. The bigger the government the longer the wait and sometimes the wait is indefinite. The IRS should be abolished and We The People should vote out bigger government and let ourselves govern this country. If not, we may all be slaves to this massive governmental system.

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JocPro
Raleigh, US
Oct 06, 2009 8:18 am EDT

Hi-
I'm in the exact same boat. I closed on my home in February of 2009. I filed an addendum to my taxes on April 15(tax deadline) for the homebuyer's credit. The orginal filing paperwork said it would take 2-3 months. Fine, no problem. July came and no response. After calling the IRS several times, I finally got a hold of a LIVE person. She stated that the 2-3 months was for processing and that I should receive my check August 4. Ok no problem. August comes around. No response. After contacting the IRS again on August 16th, I was advised that there was no check date or any information on the status of my money and that it was in REVIEW b/c some people had been lying to receive the money. So I had to wait 2 weeks to receive a letter asking me for more information. I submitted the paperwork on September 1, they received it on the 4th, but held it for 10 days before sending it to the correct dept. Again contacting the IRS, I got a response on the 18th that it was just input into the system b/c they have 7-10 business days to do so...Ok, asking the lady on the phone about the status and the response was she has 30 days from the date they received the letter to respond. I don't want a response, I WANT MY MONEY. I don't understand why this process is so lengthy. If it were the other way around, and the IRS wanted money from me, there would be none of this lollygagging, in fact they would probably just garnesh some wages. So today, I get another letter in the mail saying I do not have to reply and that I would get another reply by Nov. 22, 2009! This is so freaking ridiculous. It would have been easier to just wait and file for 2009 taxes instead. I think the gov't is full of crap and I think we really need to do something about their lack of consideration for returns. This is supposed to be a help, but instead it has become stressful and time consuming...