The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010. The President has signed legislation to extend the $8,000 first time home buyer credit and also provide a new $6,500 credit for longtime homeowners who purchase a new home.
First Time Buyer Credit Extended
The old credit expired November 30, 2009, but the new law provides for qualifying buyers who sign a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.
New Home Buyer Credit
The first time home buyer is not just first time buyers, but anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years. This opens the credit to many more buyers who lost their homes and are just now trying to re-enter the market. There are some earnings restrictions that apply, but most new home buyers will qualify.
Existing Home Owners Who Upgrade
Longtime homeowners, those who have owned their home for at least five of the last eight years, can also qualify for a $6,500 credit. Again there are some earnings and purchase price restrictions, but most home buyers will qualify.
The Need Tax Help website has some additional information that you might find helpful.