We were "move-up" homebuyers. I filed our taxes in early April and received our rebate sometime in May. I provided everything they asked for in addition to a few extra things.

Hang in there!

Thanks Tracey. Knowing at least one person who has successfully navigated the process is hopeful. Do you mind telling me what kinds of documentation you provided to begin with?

If you're waiting on the $8000 tax credit, that means you're a first-time homebuyer? We were "move-up" homebuyers and therefore had to provide different info. We had to prove that we lived for 5 years in a previous home within the preceding 8 years (or something like that--I've already forgotten) which required copies of proof of paid real estate taxes or mortgage interest statements for that time period--I provided both---to cover ALL bases so they couldn't come back and ask later for something else. Then on the new house, I provided both the HUD settlement statement (well within the period, which we did up front because we financed the build and "closed" before construction even started) AND the Certificate of Occupancy (that fell just before the extension deadline). They only required one or the other on both old and new residence, but like I said--I wanted to cover all bases and not have them coming back asking for something different.

If you followed the guidelines and qualified and submitted what they asked for, you should have no problem getting it.

Good luck!

Thanks Tracey. We are actually "move up buyers" as well. Its been so long since we filed, I'd forgotten that our tax credit is less than the first time home buyers credit. We provided a settlement statement and the C of O when we filed but they still came back and asked us to provide additional proof that we have lived here since June 30 including a receipt from our mover , recent utility bills and a recent pay stub with new address. We were asked for similar additional information to prove 5 consecutive years of residency in our old home. We have been able to give them everything they have asked for so far......I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Sidney4 - Originally, thousands of refunds were issued to people who didn't qualify for these refunds, even prison inmates with no homes. That is the reason for all the double checking now. If you are due a refund, you should receive it eventually. You can usually check the status of your refund on the IRS website. Have a copy of your return with you because you will need some info to complete the Where's my Refund section.

Janilyn, Thanks this is most helpful.

Wow--they're really making you jump through hoops. I'm so glad they didn't do that to us.

You obviously qualify, so just bear it out--you'll get the refund eventually. I don't think there's much more they can ask for from you!

Thanks Tracey for the words of encouragement. I understand that the IRS does need to do their due diligence but I just don't understand why they have stretched this process out for so many months. It would have made more sense to me if they had asked for everything at one time. Ours is a pretty straightforward situation so there shouldn't have been any red flags that would warrant a deep dive into our records. I just worry that they will keep asking for more information until they ask for something we don't have and then we will be turned down.

BTW, I got on the IRS web site and requested an update on our refund and the response was they were unable to provide us any information.

I do volunteer tax prep and I just saw reference to this report in our monthly newsletter.

Further proof that the more complicated you makes something the harder it is to get it right.

Here is a link that might be useful: Treasury IG Report on Home Buyer Tax Credit