Best confer with CPA trying understand government guidelines.

You receive annual tax benefit entire time you own a home

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D,

The answers to most commonly asked "Tax Credit" questions can be found on the following website:
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php

Two things are sure. You have to be a first time home buyer to file for the $8,000 credit. If you are married, both of you need to be first time home buyers to get the credit. As far as getting married before or after you enter into an agreement, check with a tax person. You'll want to do that anyway in preparation for your marriage. Another important point is that your transaction must be recorded by November 30, 2009, and both mortgage and title companies will be slammed the month of November. So don't wait.

In reading the ACTUAL IRS form, it says nothing about when you were married. It does have an exclusion for married filing seperately. My opinion as a REALTOR NOT A TAX ADVISER would be at the time you are filing your taxes you need to be married.

Dtrigg
Some info from the IRS site...
You can check with a IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center ...
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html

There is a Center in Anchorage.. The contact info is..
Anchorage Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
949 E. 36th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99508
907) 271-6391
Some of the services provided for Free..Solutions to Tax Issues...Procedural Inquiries...Tax Law Assistance (answers related to your individual Federal Tax Return) ..Tax Forms

Here's a link for your local office and all the information above and more about receiving help
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/0,,id=98253,00.html

Good luck, Dunes