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The California Form 3528-A, officially known as the Application for New Home Credit, serves as a crucial document for sellers of newly constructed homes that have never been occupied. This form is specifically designed for transactions occurring between March 1, 2009, and March 1, 2010, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating tax credits for eligible buyers. The form consists of several key sections, starting with Part I, where the seller certifies that the property in question qualifies as a single-family residence that has not been previously occupied. This certification is critical, as it establishes the foundation for the buyer's eligibility for the tax credit. Part II focuses on escrow information, requiring details such as the escrow number, closing date, and total purchase price, while also determining whether all buyers intend to use the home as their principal residence. If they do, the seller can claim a credit amount equal to 5% of the total purchase price or a maximum of $10,000, whichever is lower. In cases where not all buyers will reside in the home, further calculations are necessary to ascertain the qualified purchase price and the corresponding credit amount. Part III captures essential information about the qualified buyers, including their ownership percentages and individual credits, ensuring that the allocation of the tax credit is accurately reflected. This form, therefore, not only streamlines the process of claiming tax benefits but also ensures compliance with California's tax regulations.

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TAXABLE YEARCALIFORNIA FORM

2009

 

 

 

Application for New Home Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3528-A

Part I Seller’s Certiication (Important: Use this form only with the sale of a home that has never been occupied)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINT CLEARLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seller’s Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEIN or CA Corp no.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary of State (SOS) ile number

SSN or ITIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Address (including suite, room, PO Box, or PMB no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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State

 

ZIP Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Address of Property Sold

City

Perjury Statement

Parcel Number

County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State ZIP Code

-

Under penalties of perjury, I hereby certify that the property is a single family residence that has never been previously occupied. I certify that the information provided above is, to the best of my knowledge, true and correct.

Seller’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________ Date:_________________________

Seller’s Contact Name: _____________________________________________________ Telephone Number (________) ________ -______________

Part II Escrow Information

1

Escrow Number

I฀1 ____________________

2

Date Escrow Closed

I฀2 ____________________

 

 

MM / DD / YYYY

 

Escrow Company Name _______________________________________________________________________

 

Contact Person ______________________________________________________________________________

 

Contact Person Telephone Number (_____) _____-______

 

3

Total Purchase Price

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I฀3

00

4Will all the buyers be living in the home as their principal residence? Check applicable box. If Yes, go to line 5.

 

If No, skip line 5 and see line 6 instructions

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

m฀Yes m No

5.

Enter 5% (.05) of the Total Purchase Price (line 3) or $10,000, whichever is less. This is the total credit amount

I฀5

00

Do not complete Line 6 or Line 7 if you checked Yes to Line 4.

 

 

6

Enter the Qualified Purchase Price. See instructions

I฀6

00

7

Enter 5% (.05) of the Qualified Purchase Price (line 6) or $10,000, whichever is less. This is the total credit amount . . .

I฀7

00

FAX completed Form (Side 1 and Side 2) to: 916.845.9754

For Privacy Notice, get form FTB 1131.

8161093

FTB 3528-A C2 2009 (REV.2 03-09) Side 1

Part III Qualiied Buyer’s Information

Escrow Number: __________________________

 

Perjury Statement

 

By completing and signing, the Buyer is acknowledging that he/she is purchasing a single family residence in which he/she intends to live for a minimum of two years as his/her principal residence and which is eligible for the homeowner’s exemption under R&TC Section 218.

Buyer 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINT CLEARLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s First Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial

Buyer’s Last Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s SSN or ITIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Buyer’s Ownership Percent

 

Buyer’s Individual Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______ _____ _____ _____ _____%

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.00

Spouse’s/RDP’s First Name (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial

Spouse’s/RDP’s Last Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse’s/RDP’s SSN or ITIN

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s Telephone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

( __________ ) __________ – _______________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State

Zip Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse/s/RDP’s Signature (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s First Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial

Buyer’s Last Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s SSN or ITIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Buyer’s Ownership Percent

 

Buyer’s Individual Credit

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______ _____ _____ _____ _____%

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.00

Spouse’s/RDP’s First Name (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial

Spouse’s/RDP’s Last Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse’s/RDP’s SSN or ITIN

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s Telephone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

( __________ ) __________ – _______________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address

City

Buyer’s Signature

Spouse/s/RDP’s Signature (if applicable)

State Zip Code

-

Date

Date

Buyer 3.

Buyer’s First Name

 

Initial

Buyer’s Last Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buyer’s SSN or ITIN

 

* Buyer’s Ownership Percent

Buyer’s Individual Credit

 

 

-

-

______ _____ _____ _____ _____%

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.00

Spouse’s/RDP’s First Name (if applicable)

 

Initial

Spouse’s/RDP’s Last Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse’s/RDP’s SSN or ITIN

-

Buyer’s Telephone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

( __________ ) __________ – _______________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address

City

Buyer’s Signature

Spouse/s/RDP’s Signature (if applicable)

State Zip Code

Date

Date

-

* Married/RDP couples are considered to be one buyer. If married/RDP, enter the combined percentage in the Buyer’s Ownership Percent field.

Side 2 FTB 3528-A C2 2009 (REV.2 03-09)

8162093

Form Specifications

Fact Name Fact Details
Purpose The California Form 3528-A is used to apply for the New Home Credit for sellers of newly constructed homes that have never been occupied.
Eligibility The form is applicable only for homes sold after March 1, 2009, and before March 1, 2010, that are intended for use as a principal residence.
Governing Law The form is governed by the Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Section 17059, which outlines the requirements for the New Home Credit.
Credit Amount The credit amount is calculated as the lesser of 5% of the total purchase price or $10,000, and it cannot be carried over to future years.
Submission Process The completed form must be faxed to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) at 916.845.9754 within one week of the close of escrow.
Limitations The credit cannot be claimed if the property has been previously occupied or if the buyer does not intend to occupy the residence for at least two years.

California 3528 A: Usage Guidelines

To complete the California 3528 A form, follow these steps carefully. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting. The form must be sent via fax to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) after the close of escrow.

  1. Part I: Seller’s Certification
    • Print your name, FEIN or CA Corporation number, and address clearly.
    • Provide the address of the property sold, including city, state, and ZIP code.
    • Include the parcel number and county.
    • Sign and date the certification statement, confirming the property has never been occupied.
    • Include your contact name and telephone number.
  2. Part II: Escrow Information
    • Enter the escrow number and the date escrow closed.
    • Provide the name of the escrow company and the contact person's details.
    • Enter the total purchase price of the property.
    • Indicate if all buyers will live in the home as their principal residence by checking the appropriate box.
    • If "Yes" is checked, calculate 5% of the total purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less, and enter it as the total credit amount.
    • If "No" is checked, complete the qualified purchase price section and calculate the total credit amount based on the qualified purchase price.
  3. Part III: Qualified Buyer’s Information
    • Complete the buyer’s information for each qualified buyer, including their name, SSN or ITIN, ownership percentage, and individual credit amount.
    • For married couples or registered domestic partners, enter the combined ownership percentage.
    • Sign and date the form for each buyer and their spouse, if applicable.

Once the form is completed, fax it to the FTB at 916.845.9754. A copy should also be provided to the buyer within one week after the close of escrow. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately to avoid delays in processing.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the California 3528 A form used for?

The California 3528 A form is an application for the New Home Credit. This credit is available for individuals who purchase a new home that has never been occupied. The form is used by sellers to certify the home’s eligibility and by buyers to claim the credit on their tax returns.

Who is eligible to use the California 3528 A form?

Eligibility for the form is limited to sellers of new homes that have never been occupied. Buyers must intend to use the home as their principal residence for at least two years. Both individuals and married couples can apply, but the credit can only be claimed for one principal residence per taxpayer.

How do I complete the California 3528 A form?

The form has three parts. In Part I, the seller certifies that the home has never been occupied. Part II requires escrow information, including the total purchase price and escrow number. In Part III, the buyers provide their information, including ownership percentages and signatures. Each section must be filled out clearly and accurately.

What happens after I submit the form?

Once the form is completed, the escrow company must fax it to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) within one week after the close of escrow. A copy should also be provided to the buyer. The FTB will then allocate the credit on a first-come, first-served basis and confirm the allocation with the buyer.

What is the maximum credit amount I can receive?

The maximum credit amount is $10,000 or 5% of the purchase price, whichever is less. This credit is spread out over three years, meaning you can claim a portion each year on your tax return.

Can the credit be carried over to future years?

No, the credit cannot be carried over to future years. If the credit exceeds your net tax for the current year, the unused portion will not be available in subsequent years. It is important to ensure that you claim the full amount within the allowed timeframe.

What if I have more than one buyer?

If there are multiple buyers, each buyer's ownership percentage must be calculated. The total credit amount will be divided among the buyers based on their ownership percentages. However, only buyers who will occupy the home as their principal residence for at least two years should be included in the calculations.

Common mistakes

  1. Inaccurate Information: Providing incorrect personal details, such as names or identification numbers, can lead to delays or rejections of the application. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches official documents.

  2. Failure to Sign: Neglecting to sign the form is a common mistake. Both the seller and the buyer must provide their signatures to validate the application.

  3. Missing Dates: Omitting important dates, such as the date escrow closed, can create confusion and may hinder the processing of the application. Always double-check that all dates are filled in.

  4. Incorrect Purchase Price Calculation: Miscalculating the total purchase price or failing to round amounts correctly can affect the credit amount. Ensure that calculations are accurate and follow the rounding rules.

  5. Not Checking Eligibility: Failing to confirm whether the property qualifies as a new home that has never been occupied can lead to wasted effort. Review the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting the form.

  6. Inadequate Buyer Information: Providing incomplete or unclear information about the buyers can result in processing delays. Each buyer's details must be clearly stated, including ownership percentages.

  7. Submitting Incorrectly: Some individuals mistakenly mail the form instead of faxing it to the correct number. Adhere strictly to the submission guidelines to avoid complications.

  8. Ignoring Deadlines: Failing to submit the application within the required timeframe can disqualify the credit. Be mindful of all deadlines related to the application process.

Documents used along the form

The California 3528 A form is essential for those involved in the sale of a new home that has never been occupied. However, several other documents often accompany this form to ensure a smooth transaction. Here’s a brief overview of those documents.

  • California Form 540: This is the state's individual income tax return. Buyers will use this form to report their income and claim any applicable credits, including the New Home Credit.
  • Form 1099-S: This form reports the sale of real estate. It is essential for tax purposes, as it helps the IRS track real estate transactions and ensures proper reporting of gains or losses.
  • Escrow Instructions: These are detailed guidelines provided to the escrow company outlining the terms of the sale, including the responsibilities of each party and the timeline for the transaction.
  • Title Report: This document provides information about the ownership history of the property and any liens or encumbrances. It ensures that the title is clear before the sale is finalized.
  • Homeowner's Exemption Application: This application allows eligible homeowners to receive a reduction in property taxes. It is often filed alongside the purchase documents to secure tax benefits.
  • Purchase Agreement: This is the contract between the buyer and seller outlining the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, contingencies, and closing date.
  • Disclosure Statements: Sellers must provide disclosures about the property’s condition, including any known issues. This transparency helps protect buyers and ensures compliance with state laws.
  • Loan Documents: If the buyer is financing the purchase, these documents detail the terms of the mortgage, including interest rates, repayment schedules, and other obligations.
  • Property Inspection Report: This report assesses the condition of the home and identifies any repairs needed. Buyers often rely on this information to make informed decisions.
  • Closing Statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure): This document summarizes all the financial aspects of the transaction, including closing costs, credits, and debits for both the buyer and seller.

Having these documents ready can streamline the process and help ensure that all parties are informed and protected throughout the transaction. Each plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of real estate sales in California.

Similar forms

The California Form 3528-A is an important document for those involved in the sale of a new home that has never been occupied. Several other documents share similarities with it, often serving related purposes in real estate transactions. Here’s a list of eight documents that are similar to the California 3528-A Form:

  • Form 540: This is California's personal income tax return form. Like the 3528-A, it requires personal information and details about income, but focuses on reporting income rather than property transactions.
  • Form 1099-S: Used for reporting the sale of real estate, this form captures the gross proceeds from the sale. Similar to the 3528-A, it ensures proper reporting of financial transactions to the IRS.
  • Form 4506-T: This form allows taxpayers to request a transcript of their tax return. It can be similar in that both forms may be used to verify information needed for tax credits or deductions related to property sales.
  • Form 8829: This form is for claiming expenses for business use of your home. Like the 3528-A, it involves calculations related to property but focuses on business deductions rather than tax credits for home purchases.
  • Form 1040: The standard individual income tax return form. It shares similarities with the 3528-A in that it captures personal financial information, including tax credits and deductions related to property ownership.
  • Form 8862: This form is used to claim the Earned Income Credit after it has been disallowed. Both forms require certifications about eligibility, though 8862 focuses on income rather than property transactions.
  • Form 8283: Used for reporting noncash charitable contributions. This form and the 3528-A both require detailed descriptions and valuations, although the 8283 pertains to donations rather than sales.
  • Form 593: This is the Real Estate Withholding Tax Statement. Similar to the 3528-A, it deals with property transactions and includes information about the seller and buyer, ensuring compliance with tax withholding laws.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California 3528 A form, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do print clearly in all sections to avoid any confusion.
  • Do double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
  • Do ensure that the property has never been occupied before claiming the credit.
  • Do submit the form via fax to the correct number within one week of closing escrow.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms may delay processing.
  • Don't mail the form; only fax submissions are accepted.
  • Don't claim the credit if the home has been occupied previously.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form where indicated.
  • Don't provide information for buyers who will not occupy the home as their principal residence.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The California 3528 A form can be used for any home sale.
  • This form is specifically for the sale of a new home that has never been occupied. Using it for previously occupied homes is incorrect.

  • Misconception 2: All buyers must be married to qualify for the credit.
  • Individuals, including single buyers and unmarried couples, can qualify for the credit as long as they meet the requirements of the form.

  • Misconception 3: The credit amount is always $10,000.
  • The credit is capped at $10,000 or 5% of the total purchase price, whichever is less. Therefore, the actual credit amount may be lower.

  • Misconception 4: The form must be mailed to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
  • Instead of mailing, the completed form must be faxed to the FTB at the specified number within one week after the close of escrow.

  • Misconception 5: The credit can be claimed for multiple homes.
  • The credit is only applicable to one qualified principal residence per taxpayer. Multiple claims for different homes are not allowed.

  • Misconception 6: Buyers can claim the credit without seller certification.
  • Buyers must receive a certification from the seller that the home has never been occupied before they can claim the credit.

  • Misconception 7: The credit can be carried over to future tax years.
  • This credit is nonrefundable and cannot be carried over. It must be used in the year of the purchase.

Key takeaways

Filling out the California 3528 A form can seem daunting, but understanding its key components can simplify the process. Here are four essential takeaways:

  • Eligibility Requirements: This form is specifically for the sale of a new home that has never been occupied. Ensure that the property qualifies as a single-family residence and that all buyers intend to live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years.
  • Accurate Information is Crucial: Complete all sections clearly and accurately. This includes the seller's information, escrow details, and buyer's information. Any discrepancies can delay processing or even lead to denial of the credit.
  • Credit Calculation: The credit amount is calculated as the lesser of 5% of the total purchase price or $10,000. Understanding how to compute the total purchase price and the qualified purchase price is essential for determining the correct credit.
  • Submission Guidelines: After completing the form, it must be faxed to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) within one week of the close of escrow. Do not mail the form, as it will not be processed if sent by post.