What Is IRS Form 8396: Mortgage Interest Credit?

A comprehensive guide to IRS Form 8396, the Mortgage Interest Credit, including eligibility criteria, how to claim the credit, and important considerations for homeowners.

IRS Form 8396: Mortgage Interest Credit is a tax form provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that allows eligible homeowners to claim the mortgage interest credit. This credit can reduce the tax liability of individuals who hold a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC).

Eligibility Criteria for Claiming the Credit

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

To claim the mortgage interest credit, you must possess a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) issued by a state or local government. An MCC is typically offered to low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers to help make homeownership more affordable by providing a federal income tax credit for a portion of the mortgage interest paid.

Residence Requirement

The credit is only available for interest paid on the principal residence of the taxpayer. This means that if you move or change the use of your property (such as converting it to a rental property), you may no longer be eligible to claim this credit.

How to Claim the Mortgage Interest Credit

Completing Form 8396

• Part I: Current Year Mortgage Interest Credit

  • Calculate the annual mortgage interest credit using the total mortgage interest paid and the credit rate specified on your MCC.

• Part II: Credit Carryforward from Previous Years

  • If you were unable to use all of your mortgage interest credit in previous years, you can carry forward the unused amount to the current year.

• Submitting the Form

  • Attach Form 8396 to your 1040 tax return and include the total credit amount on the “Nonrefundable Credits” line.

Documentation Requirements

Ensure you maintain records of the MCC, the amount of mortgage interest paid, and calculations for the credit. The IRS may require you to provide documentation to verify your claim.

Special Considerations

Credit Limitation

The mortgage interest credit is subject to limitations, including the amount of your tax liability. If the credit exceeds your tax liability, the excess amount can be carried forward to future years.

Recapture of Credit

If you sell your home within the first nine years of purchasing, you may be subject to recapture of some or all of the credit claimed. This recapture tax is meant to recover the uncollected taxes if the home is sold at a significant gain.

Examples

Example 1: First-Time Homebuyer

John, a first-time homebuyer, purchases a home and receives an MCC with a 20% credit rate. He pays $10,000 in mortgage interest for the year. His mortgage interest credit is $10,000 x 20% = $2,000. John claims this credit using Form 8396, reducing his tax bill by $2,000.

Example 2: Credit Carryforward

Maria could only use $1,500 of her $2,000 mortgage interest credit in the previous year due to her tax liability limitations. She carries forward the $500 unused credit to the current year and claims it on her current year’s tax return along with her new mortgage interest credit.

Historical Context

The mortgage interest credit, established by the 1984 Tax Reform Act, aimed to incentivize homeownership among lower and moderate-income households. MCC programs are managed by state and local governments.

Related Terms

• Nonrefundable Credit: A type of tax credit that can reduce your tax liability to zero but cannot result in a refund.
• Tax Liability: The total amount of tax you owe to the IRS before credits and reductions.
• Principal Residence: The main home where a taxpayer lives for the majority of the year.

FAQs

Can I claim the mortgage interest credit if I refinance my mortgage?

Yes, you can still claim the credit if you refinance, provided the new mortgage continues to be covered by the MCC.

What happens if I sell my home with an MCC?

You may be subject to a recapture tax if you sell your home within nine years of purchase. Consult IRS guidelines or a tax advisor to understand how this might affect you.

Summary

IRS Form 8396: Mortgage Interest Credit is a valuable tool for eligible homeowners with an MCC to reduce their tax liability. Understanding eligibility requirements, limitations, and the process for claiming the credit can help maximize its benefits and support affordable homeownership.

References

• Internal Revenue Service. “Instructions for Form 8396, Mortgage Interest Credit.” IRS.gov.
• Tax Reform Act of 1984. Pub.L. 98-369, 98 Stat. 494.

By adhering to these guidelines and consulting with tax professionals, individuals can effectively use Form 8396 to their advantage.