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.