Reported covered position: N/A
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Income and expense are whole-filing amounts associated with this lobbyist, not personal compensation or an allocated share.
No topic inference: each bill number appears in source LDA issue text assigned to this lobbyist.
Community Choice in Real Estate Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties. C.A.R. is also lobbying on the idea of having either Congress or the Treasury Department instiute a plan where they would create a federal mortgage interest buy-down program to bring down interest rate spreads to historical averages and reduce mortgage interest rates since the spread between mortgage rates and Treasury rates are abnormally high. C.A.R. lobbied on the issue of putting the GSE's (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) into convervatorship and what their future should be. In addition, C.A.R. lobbied on the issues of the loan limits for GSE's and FHA in both their size, scope, and duration.
Specific issues are shown only where the LDA source assigned them to this lobbyist. Targets apply to the associated filing.
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2008 · fourth_quarter · Q4
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6521 - The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act) would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Source: Senate LDA
Community Choice in Real Estate Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company.
Community Choice in Real Estate Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Comment letter sent to OFHEO concerning their agreement with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Attorney Generals's Office of New York concerning appriasal standards. C.A.R. beleives that this agreement sidestepped the proper and legal routes for the GSEs to enact new rules and has one state drafting federal changes.
Community Choice in Real Estate Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Regulation Z - The Federal Reserve published their final rule amending Regulation Z (Truth in Lending). The intent of the new rule is to curb abusive lending practices that helped lead to the current foreclosure and financial crisis. The new rule will create a new category of loans known as higher-priced mortgage loans. Loans that fall into this category will have new protections that include: prohibiting a lender from making a loan without regard to borrowers' ability to repay the loan requiring creditors to verify the income and assets, banning any prepayment penalty if the payment can change in the initial four years, requiring creditors to establish escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. There are also new rules that will impact all loans securitized by a consumers principal residence. They are: creditors and mortgage brokers are prohibited from coercing a real estate appraiser to misstate a home's value, companies that service mortgage loans are prohibited from engaging in certain practices, creditors must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for any mortgage loan secured by a consumer's principal dwelling. Comment letter was sent to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) which was also copied to members of Congress. The comment letter concerned allowing all loans eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie to be pooled together in the To-Be-Announced (TBA) market.
REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which would increase FHA loan limits to $550,000 and increase the downpayment requirement for FHA to 3.5%. Would also include $150 billion in preforeclsoure counseling, and a $10 billion increase in mortgage revenue bonds. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Title I: Building American Homeownership - Building American Homeownership Act of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. (Sec. 103) Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. RESPA Reform - Was lobbied on concerning a new proposed four-page (letter size) Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that would standardize the GFE and enhance the disclosure of loan terms, including: the initial interest rate and monthly payment, whether the interest rate and principal balance can increase and the maximum amount they can increase, whether the loan has a prepayment penalty and/or a baloon payment, the yield spread premium, if any, and the total estimated settlement charges. In conjunction with the proposed rule, HUD intends to seek legislative changes to RESPA that will require delivery of the HUD-1 to the borrower three days prior to closing, establish a uniform statute of limitations applicable to governmental and private actions under RESPA, and increase civil money penalties for specific RESPA sections and provide authority to HUD and State regulators to seek injunctive and equitable relief for violations of RESPA. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. The program is built on the idea, expressed by Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, that creating new equity for troubled homeowners is likely to be a more effective way to avoid foreclosures. New loans will be based on a familys ability to repay the loan, ensuring affordability and sustainable homeownership. 2. No investor or lender bailout. Investors and/or lenders will have to take significant losses in order to benefit from the proceeds of the loans refinanced with government insurance. However, these losses would be less than the losses associated with foreclosure. 3. No windfall for borrowers. Borrowers will share their new equity and future appreciation equally with FHA. Borrowers will pay for the FHA insurance. 4. Voluntary Participation. This will be a voluntary program. No servicers will be compelled to participate. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Credit markets are fearful and frozen in part because banks and other financial institutions do not know what their subprime mortgages and related securities are worth. The uncertainty is forcing lenders to hoard capital and stop the lending necessary for economic growth. This program will create certainty and get markets flowing again. FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act - Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. In exchange for the acceptance of a substantial write-down of principal, the existing lender or mortgage holder would receive a short payment from the proceeds of a new FHA loan if the restructured loan would result in terms that the borrower can reasonably be expected to pay. The existing lender or mortgage holder will have a cash payment and no further credit exposure to the borrower. This could potentially refinance between 1 and 2 million loans (and help these families stay in their homes), protect neighborhoods and help stabilize the housing market. Under the program, a borrower or existing loan servicer of an eligible loan would contact an FHA-approved lender, who would determine the size of a loan that would be consistent with the requirements of the program and that the borrower could reasonably repay. If the current lender or mortgage holder agrees to a write-down that is sufficient to meet the requirements of the program and make the new loan affordable, the FHA-lender will pay off the discounted existing mortgage. In addition to a first lien, the program gives the government a soft second lien to help defer the governments costs and prevent unjust enrichment (e.g., borrower flipping). When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. Federal Reserve's Proposed Rule; Docket No. R-1305. The Board proposes to amend Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act and Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act. The goals of the amendments are to protect consumers in the mortgage market from unfair, abusive, or deceptive lending and servicing practices while preserving responsible lending and sustainable homeownership; ensure that advertisements for mortgage loans provide accurate and balanced information and do not contain misleading or deceptive representations; and provide consumers transaction-specific disclosures early enough to use while shopping for a mortgage.
Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R. 3221 temporarily increases the VA loan limits to the same as those found in the economic stimulus package (125% of an MSA, capped at $729,750) through December 31, 2008. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat income received by partners for performing investment management services as ordinary income received for the performance of services.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat income received by partners for performing investment management services as ordinary income received for the performance of services.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat income received by partners for performing investment management services as ordinary income received for the performance of services.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat income received by partners for performing investment management services as ordinary income received for the performance of services.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6521 - The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act) would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which would increase FHA loan limits to $550,000 and increase the downpayment requirement for FHA to 3.5%. Would also include $150 billion in preforeclsoure counseling, and a $10 billion increase in mortgage revenue bonds. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Title I: Building American Homeownership - Building American Homeownership Act of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. (Sec. 103) Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. RESPA Reform - Was lobbied on concerning a new proposed four-page (letter size) Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that would standardize the GFE and enhance the disclosure of loan terms, including: the initial interest rate and monthly payment, whether the interest rate and principal balance can increase and the maximum amount they can increase, whether the loan has a prepayment penalty and/or a baloon payment, the yield spread premium, if any, and the total estimated settlement charges. In conjunction with the proposed rule, HUD intends to seek legislative changes to RESPA that will require delivery of the HUD-1 to the borrower three days prior to closing, establish a uniform statute of limitations applicable to governmental and private actions under RESPA, and increase civil money penalties for specific RESPA sections and provide authority to HUD and State regulators to seek injunctive and equitable relief for violations of RESPA. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. The program is built on the idea, expressed by Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, that creating new equity for troubled homeowners is likely to be a more effective way to avoid foreclosures. New loans will be based on a familys ability to repay the loan, ensuring affordability and sustainable homeownership. 2. No investor or lender bailout. Investors and/or lenders will have to take significant losses in order to benefit from the proceeds of the loans refinanced with government insurance. However, these losses would be less than the losses associated with foreclosure. 3. No windfall for borrowers. Borrowers will share their new equity and future appreciation equally with FHA. Borrowers will pay for the FHA insurance. 4. Voluntary Participation. This will be a voluntary program. No servicers will be compelled to participate. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Credit markets are fearful and frozen in part because banks and other financial institutions do not know what their subprime mortgages and related securities are worth. The uncertainty is forcing lenders to hoard capital and stop the lending necessary for economic growth. This program will create certainty and get markets flowing again. FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act - Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. In exchange for the acceptance of a substantial write-down of principal, the existing lender or mortgage holder would receive a short payment from the proceeds of a new FHA loan if the restructured loan would result in terms that the borrower can reasonably be expected to pay. The existing lender or mortgage holder will have a cash payment and no further credit exposure to the borrower. This could potentially refinance between 1 and 2 million loans (and help these families stay in their homes), protect neighborhoods and help stabilize the housing market. Under the program, a borrower or existing loan servicer of an eligible loan would contact an FHA-approved lender, who would determine the size of a loan that would be consistent with the requirements of the program and that the borrower could reasonably repay. If the current lender or mortgage holder agrees to a write-down that is sufficient to meet the requirements of the program and make the new loan affordable, the FHA-lender will pay off the discounted existing mortgage. In addition to a first lien, the program gives the government a soft second lien to help defer the governments costs and prevent unjust enrichment (e.g., borrower flipping). When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. Federal Reserve's Proposed Rule; Docket No. R-1305. The Board proposes to amend Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act and Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act. The goals of the amendments are to protect consumers in the mortgage market from unfair, abusive, or deceptive lending and servicing practices while preserving responsible lending and sustainable homeownership; ensure that advertisements for mortgage loans provide accurate and balanced information and do not contain misleading or deceptive representations; and provide consumers transaction-specific disclosures early enough to use while shopping for a mortgage.
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA and would ban seller funded downpayment assistance programs on FHA insured loans. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R. 3221 temporarily increases the VA loan limits to the same as those found in the economic stimulus package (125% of an MSA, capped at $729,750) through December 31, 2008. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R. 3221 temporarily increases the VA loan limits to the same as those found in the economic stimulus package (125% of an MSA, capped at $729,750) through December 31, 2008. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R. 3221 temporarily increases the VA loan limits to the same as those found in the economic stimulus package (125% of an MSA, capped at $729,750) through December 31, 2008. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for certain home purchases.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for certain home purchases.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for certain home purchases.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for certain home purchases.
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6521 - The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act) would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA and would ban seller funded downpayment assistance programs on FHA insured loans. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
Soledad Canyon Mine Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
Soledad Canyon Mine Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6521 - The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act) would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA and would ban seller funded downpayment assistance programs on FHA insured loans. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6521 - The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act) would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Regulation Z - The Federal Reserve published their final rule amending Regulation Z (Truth in Lending). The intent of the new rule is to curb abusive lending practices that helped lead to the current foreclosure and financial crisis. The new rule will create a new category of loans known as higher-priced mortgage loans. Loans that fall into this category will have new protections that include: prohibiting a lender from making a loan without regard to borrowers' ability to repay the loan requiring creditors to verify the income and assets, banning any prepayment penalty if the payment can change in the initial four years, requiring creditors to establish escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. There are also new rules that will impact all loans securitized by a consumers principal residence. They are: creditors and mortgage brokers are prohibited from coercing a real estate appraiser to misstate a home's value, companies that service mortgage loans are prohibited from engaging in certain practices, creditors must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for any mortgage loan secured by a consumer's principal dwelling. Comment letter was sent to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) which was also copied to members of Congress. The comment letter concerned allowing all loans eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie to be pooled together in the To-Be-Announced (TBA) market.
Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Comment letter sent to OFHEO concerning their agreement with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Attorney Generals's Office of New York concerning appriasal standards. C.A.R. beleives that this agreement sidestepped the proper and legal routes for the GSEs to enact new rules and has one state drafting federal changes.
Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company.
Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013.
Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
STOPP Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
STOPP Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
STOPP Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
STOPP Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Housing America's Workforce Act
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties. C.A.R. is also lobbying on the idea of having either Congress or the Treasury Department instiute a plan where they would create a federal mortgage interest buy-down program to bring down interest rate spreads to historical averages and reduce mortgage interest rates since the spread between mortgage rates and Treasury rates are abnormally high. C.A.R. lobbied on the issue of putting the GSE's (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) into convervatorship and what their future should be. In addition, C.A.R. lobbied on the issues of the loan limits for GSE's and FHA in both their size, scope, and duration.
Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company.
Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Comment letter sent to OFHEO concerning their agreement with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Attorney Generals's Office of New York concerning appriasal standards. C.A.R. beleives that this agreement sidestepped the proper and legal routes for the GSEs to enact new rules and has one state drafting federal changes.
Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Regulation Z - The Federal Reserve published their final rule amending Regulation Z (Truth in Lending). The intent of the new rule is to curb abusive lending practices that helped lead to the current foreclosure and financial crisis. The new rule will create a new category of loans known as higher-priced mortgage loans. Loans that fall into this category will have new protections that include: prohibiting a lender from making a loan without regard to borrowers' ability to repay the loan requiring creditors to verify the income and assets, banning any prepayment penalty if the payment can change in the initial four years, requiring creditors to establish escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. There are also new rules that will impact all loans securitized by a consumers principal residence. They are: creditors and mortgage brokers are prohibited from coercing a real estate appraiser to misstate a home's value, companies that service mortgage loans are prohibited from engaging in certain practices, creditors must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for any mortgage loan secured by a consumer's principal dwelling. Comment letter was sent to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) which was also copied to members of Congress. The comment letter concerned allowing all loans eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie to be pooled together in the To-Be-Announced (TBA) market.
Borrower's Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6521 - The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act) would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
Borrower's Protection Act of 2007
Client: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS · Firm: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA and would ban seller funded downpayment assistance programs on FHA insured loans. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
S. 101 - Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service and defines the basic rules for net neutrality. S. 215 - Internet Freedom Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain Internet neutrality duties for broadband service providers (providers), including not interfering with, or discriminating against, the ability of any person to use broadband service in a lawful manner. Allows providers to engage in activities in furtherance of certain management and business-related practices, such as protecting network security and offering consumer protection services such as parental controls.
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties. C.A.R. is also lobbying on the idea of having either Congress or the Treasury Department instiute a plan where they would create a federal mortgage interest buy-down program to bring down interest rate spreads to historical averages and reduce mortgage interest rates since the spread between mortgage rates and Treasury rates are abnormally high. C.A.R. lobbied on the issue of putting the GSE's (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) into convervatorship and what their future should be. In addition, C.A.R. lobbied on the issues of the loan limits for GSE's and FHA in both their size, scope, and duration.
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. C.A.R. sent a comment letter to the California Congressional delegates concerning the need for an economic stimulus package that included: An extension of the GSE and FHA loan limits at their current 2008 levels, removing the payback requirement for the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit and allowing buyers to utilize these funds at the time of home purchase at no additional cost, preserving the ability for creditworthy homebuyers to receive seller-funded downpayment assistance, and preventing unscrupulous foreclosure consultants from preying upon uninformed and vulnerable homeowners. Additionally, lenders participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) should be required to extend credit down to Main Street (making credit more available to consumers and small businesses), expedite the process for short sales, and expedite the resolution of banks real estate owned (REO) properties.
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
Filing targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2008 · third_quarter · Q3
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace, included real estate tax extenders of brownfield deduction, the 15-year leasehold improvement, deduction of state and local taxes, and a 1-year patch of the AMT. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans, included community development block grants to purchase foreclosed properties, includes a new $500/$1000 standard deduction for property taxes, and includes a revision of the rules governing second home conversions and the capital gain exclusion. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA and would ban seller funded downpayment assistance programs on FHA insured loans. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. H.R. 6694 - The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 would revise the requirements for seller-financed downpayments for mortgages for single-family housing insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title II of the National Housing Act and to authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
S. 101 - Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service and defines the basic rules for net neutrality. S. 215 - Internet Freedom Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain Internet neutrality duties for broadband service providers (providers), including not interfering with, or discriminating against, the ability of any person to use broadband service in a lawful manner. Allows providers to engage in activities in furtherance of certain management and business-related practices, such as protecting network security and offering consumer protection services such as parental controls.
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R. 3221 temporarily increases the VA loan limits to the same as those found in the economic stimulus package (125% of an MSA, capped at $729,750) through December 31, 2008. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. S. 3023 - Veterans' Notice Clarification Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations specifying the contents of a currently-required notice to claimants of a complete or substantially complete application, including regarding: (1) different contents for notice depending on whether the claim is an original claim, a claim for reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for increased benefits; (2) additional or alternative contents depending on the benefit or services sought; (3) for each type of claim for benefits, the general information and evidence required; and (4) the timing of the notice issuance.
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. H.R. 5887 - Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California. C.A.R. also wrote a letter of support on this bill which was sent to members of Congress. H.R. 6078 - Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
S. 3406 - the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to redefine the words/terms disability, major life activities, and being regarded as having such an impairment.
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 1424 - the "Emergency Economic and Stabalization Act of 2008" included a $700 billion rescue plan to restart the flow of capital in the marketplace. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Regulation Z - The Federal Reserve published their final rule amending Regulation Z (Truth in Lending). The intent of the new rule is to curb abusive lending practices that helped lead to the current foreclosure and financial crisis. The new rule will create a new category of loans known as higher-priced mortgage loans. Loans that fall into this category will have new protections that include: prohibiting a lender from making a loan without regard to borrowers' ability to repay the loan requiring creditors to verify the income and assets, banning any prepayment penalty if the payment can change in the initial four years, requiring creditors to establish escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. There are also new rules that will impact all loans securitized by a consumers principal residence. They are: creditors and mortgage brokers are prohibited from coercing a real estate appraiser to misstate a home's value, companies that service mortgage loans are prohibited from engaging in certain practices, creditors must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for any mortgage loan secured by a consumer's principal dwelling. Comment letter was sent to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) which was also copied to members of Congress. The comment letter concerned allowing all loans eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie to be pooled together in the To-Be-Announced (TBA) market.
Filing targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2008 · second_quarter · Q2
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Comment letter sent to OFHEO concerning their agreement with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Attorney Generals's Office of New York concerning appriasal standards. C.A.R. beleives that this agreement sidestepped the proper and legal routes for the GSEs to enact new rules and has one state drafting federal changes.
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. H.R. 5918 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. S. 2795 - SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements.
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
S. 101 - Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service and defines the basic rules for net neutrality.
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes, includes a FIRPTA fix that would allow escrow to hold documents, and allows for the use of mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime loans. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. H.R. 5720 - Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Allows first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. H.R. 6049 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. This includes: the deduction of state and local taxes, use of mortgage bonds to refinance residences for veterans, 15-year leasehold improvement deduction, brownfield deduction, and includes a new standard property tax deduction of $350 ($700 for married individuals filing a joint tax return). H.R. 6081 - Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel, makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence, increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009, and revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years. H.R. 6275 - Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liabilities; (3) treat net income and loss from an investment services partnership interest as ordinary income and loss. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 Includes GSE and FHA reform, including: increases the conforming loan limit, prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property, increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment), prohibits any funds for such cash investment from: (1) the seller or any other person or entity benefiting financially from the transaction (seller-funded downpayment assistance); or (2) any third party or entity reimbursed by any of such parties, tax provisions, and extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements. Also includes an FHA Rescue Plan which would allow for lenders to write down loans to 85% of their appraised value but then those loans would be purchased and insured under FHA. H.R. 5818 - Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 (Building American Homeownership Act of 2007) - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. 2. No investor or lender bailout. 3. No windfall for borrowers. 4. Voluntary Participation. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act (FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act)- Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. HUD RESPA Proposal - C.A.R. is opposing this specific RESPA Reform proposal because of concerns that it goes beyond the original scope of the proposal, the timing of the provisions, and targeted comments that seem to be directed at specific at volume discounts, average cost pricing, price tolerances, a new definition of "required use", and a new "closing script" which must be read aloud at closing.
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
Filing targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2008 · first_quarter · Q1
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts. H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 3997 - Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief and earnings assistance to members of the uniformed services, increase penalties for noncompliance with tax requirements, and make technical amendments and clerical corrections. Makes permanent the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing of residences without regard to first-time homebuyer requirements. Increases to $100 million the veterans' mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states. H.R. 4884 - Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 would allow for 100% financing of certain VA home loans, would set limitation on the amount of fees that can be charged, and would increase the VA conforming loan rate to 150% of the conforming loan rate. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000.
S. 101 - Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service and defines the basic rules for net neutrality.
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity. S. 2223 - Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for habitat conservation and restoration. Makes permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for individual and corporate charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes. Allows certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs and property losses relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for each of calendar years 2008 through 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Extends through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. S. 2133 - Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act, or the HOMES Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing mortgage loans to authorize modification of a mortgage agreed to in writing by a debtor meeting specified requirements and the holder of a claim secured by an interest in real property initiated before September 26, 2007, that is the debtor's principal residence. Allows the principal amount of such a mortgage loan to be lowered to the fair market value, if less than such amount, of the real property securing the loan at the time of the submission of the debtor's plan for the payment of debts. Permits waiver of otherwise applicable early repayment or prepayment penalties. Permits, also, prohibition of, delay in, or voiding of any adjustments to the rate of interest in the case of an adjustable rate mortgage. S. 2136 - Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period.
H.R. 3915 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - Title I: Residential Mortgage Loan Origination - Subtitle A: Licensing System for Residential Mortgage Loan Originators - Encourages the states, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) for the residential mortgage industry. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Also includes and increase in FHA loan limits. H.R. 2895 - National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Fund). Declares that: (1) the Fund shall consist of certain amounts of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transferred to the Fund under specified law, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) savings; and (2) all assistance provided from the Fund shall be considered to be federal financial assistance. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which would increase FHA loan limits to $550,000 and increase the downpayment requirement for FHA to 3.5%. Would also include $150 billion in preforeclsoure counseling, and a $10 billion increase in mortgage revenue bonds. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 2338 - FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Title I: Building American Homeownership - Building American Homeownership Act of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation, changing one element in the formula from 95% to 100% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) limit the principal loan obligation to 100% of the appraised value of the property. (Sec. 103) Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility criteria for cash down payment for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. Reduces such payment from the current 3% to 1.5% of the appraised value of the property. S. 2595 - The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 would require licensing for loan originators on a national level as well as state level. RESPA Reform - Was lobbied on concerning a new proposed four-page (letter size) Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that would standardize the GFE and enhance the disclosure of loan terms, including: the initial interest rate and monthly payment, whether the interest rate and principal balance can increase and the maximum amount they can increase, whether the loan has a prepayment penalty and/or a baloon payment, the yield spread premium, if any, and the total estimated settlement charges. In conjunction with the proposed rule, HUD intends to seek legislative changes to RESPA that will require delivery of the HUD-1 to the borrower three days prior to closing, establish a uniform statute of limitations applicable to governmental and private actions under RESPA, and increase civil money penalties for specific RESPA sections and provide authority to HUD and State regulators to seek injunctive and equitable relief for violations of RESPA. Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 - The HOPE for Homeowners Act of 2008" creates a new program within FHA to back FHA-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The program is built on five principles: 1. Long-term Affordability. The program is built on the idea, expressed by Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, that creating new equity for troubled homeowners is likely to be a more effective way to avoid foreclosures. New loans will be based on a familys ability to repay the loan, ensuring affordability and sustainable homeownership. 2. No investor or lender bailout. Investors and/or lenders will have to take significant losses in order to benefit from the proceeds of the loans refinanced with government insurance. However, these losses would be less than the losses associated with foreclosure. 3. No windfall for borrowers. Borrowers will share their new equity and future appreciation equally with FHA. Borrowers will pay for the FHA insurance. 4. Voluntary Participation. This will be a voluntary program. No servicers will be compelled to participate. 5. Restore confidence, liquidity, and transparency. Credit markets are fearful and frozen in part because banks and other financial institutions do not know what their subprime mortgages and related securities are worth. The uncertainty is forcing lenders to hoard capital and stop the lending necessary for economic growth. This program will create certainty and get markets flowing again. FHA Housing Stabilization & Homeownership Retention Act - Program would permit FHA to provide [up to $300 billion] in new guarantees that would help to refinance at-risk borrowers into viable mortgages. In exchange for the acceptance of a substantial write-down of principal, the existing lender or mortgage holder would receive a short payment from the proceeds of a new FHA loan if the restructured loan would result in terms that the borrower can reasonably be expected to pay. The existing lender or mortgage holder will have a cash payment and no further credit exposure to the borrower. This could potentially refinance between 1 and 2 million loans (and help these families stay in their homes), protect neighborhoods and help stabilize the housing market. Under the program, a borrower or existing loan servicer of an eligible loan would contact an FHA-approved lender, who would determine the size of a loan that would be consistent with the requirements of the program and that the borrower could reasonably repay. If the current lender or mortgage holder agrees to a write-down that is sufficient to meet the requirements of the program and make the new loan affordable, the FHA-lender will pay off the discounted existing mortgage. In addition to a first lien, the program gives the government a soft second lien to help defer the governments costs and prevent unjust enrichment (e.g., borrower flipping). When the borrower sells the home or refinances the loan, the borrower will pay from any profits the higher of (1) an ongoing exit fee equal to 3 percent of the original FHA loan balance; or (2) a declining percentage of any profits (e.g., from 100 percent in year one to 20 percent in year five and 0 thereafter). After year five only the 3 percent exit fee will apply. Federal Reserve's Proposed Rule; Docket No. R-1305. The Board proposes to amend Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act and Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act. The goals of the amendments are to protect consumers in the mortgage market from unfair, abusive, or deceptive lending and servicing practices while preserving responsible lending and sustainable homeownership; ensure that advertisements for mortgage loans provide accurate and balanced information and do not contain misleading or deceptive representations; and provide consumers transaction-specific disclosures early enough to use while shopping for a mortgage.
H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the maximum value of a REIT's total assets than may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2419 - Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - includes a provision that would catagorize what is considered a "like-kind" exchange under IRS section 1031. It would prohibit as like-kind the exchange of improved property for non-improved farm land. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest; also known as carried interest. H.R. 3221 - Housing bill which includes a $7000 tax rebate for homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home as well as a provision that allows for carryback losses in taxes. H.R. 5643 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). H.R. 5565 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S. 1624 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as corporations for income tax purposes certain publicly traded partnerships which directly or indirectly derive income or gain from providing services as an investment adviser (as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940) or asset management services. S. 1988 - First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based, one-time refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers of ten percent of a principal residence's purchase price ($3,000 maximum credit, $6,000 maximum credit for joint filers). S. 2566 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company.
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. H.R. 3121 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. H.R. 3959 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to provide for phased-in actuarial premium rates for recently purchased pre-FIRM single family properties used as a principal residence and purchased for at least $600,000. C.A.R. opposes H.R. 3959. S 2284 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013.
Filing targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2007 · year_end · YY
H.R. 1685 -Data Security Act of 2007 - Prescribes security procedures for an entity that maintains or communicates sensitive information implement in order to protect the information from an unauthorized use likely to result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the consumer.
H.R. 43 - Brownfields Housing and Community Renewal Development Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to establish a grants program for redevelopment activities for brownfield sites.
H.R. 3609 - Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, and removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence.
H.R. 365 - Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish voluntary guidelines, based on the best currently available scientific knowledge, for the remediation of former methamphetamine laboratories.
H.R. 568 - Reverse Mortgages to Help America's Seniors Act - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the aggregate and insurance benefit limitations on the number of home equity conversion (reverse) mortgages for elderly homeowners that may be insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
H.R. 2132 - Small Business Health Plans - To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a small business health benefits program.
H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage.
H.R. 644 - Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants (without certain otherwise-required loan guarantees) to eligible public entities and Indian tribes to assist in the environmental cleanup and economic development of brownfield sites including mine-scarred lands.
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature.
H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts.
Filing targets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Treasury, Dept of
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2007 · mid_year · MM
H.R. 2385 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting “Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 2475 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee home equity conversion mortgages for elderly veteran homeowners. S. 1409 - 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act - would extend and improve access to a number of benefits designed for veterans. This includes exempting “Veterans from paying loan fees and expand opportunities for veterans to purchase, build, repair or improve a home by increasing access to low interest loans through the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Loan Program for homes valued up to $625,000. The current program requires loan fees and is capped at the conforming loan rate of $417,000. H.R. 551 - Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the eligibility period of veterans for mortgage financing and requires annual inflation adjustments after 2010 to limits on state veteran bond amounts.
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2006 · year_end · YY
H.R. 5503 - FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2006 amends the National Housing Act to increase high-cost area and project-based additional mortgage loan limits for Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgages for: (1) rental housing; (2) cooperative housing; (3) rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing insurance; (4) moderate income and displaced family housing; (5) housing for the elderly; and (6) condominiums. S. 1710 - Reverse Mortgages to Help America's Seniors Act would amend section 255 of the National Housing Act to remove the limitation on the number of reverse mortgages that may be insured under the FHA mortgage insurance program for such mortgages. S. 2597 - Federal Housing Fairness Act of 2006 would raise the FHA loan limits nationwide to the lesser of the conforming loan limit, or the median single-family home price in the area. Comment Letter on Competition in Real Estate - Comment letter was sent to the Chairman Ney and the House Financial Services Committee concerning hearings on "The Changing Real Estate Market" and competition in the industry. C.A.R. expressed their concerns over any attempts at further and burdensome federal regulations beyond the successful ones already in place. Additionally, we disputed the claim that there is a lack of competition in the real estate industry. H.R. 378 - Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Act directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a mortgage emergency assistance program for qualifying homeowners with National Housing Act-insured mortgages who are temporarily unable to meet their obligations due to financial hardship beyond their control. H.R. 1461/S. 190 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005 would amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to establish the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which shall have supervisory and regulatory authority over Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Finance Corporation and the Housing Finance Oversight Board. Sets forth provisions respecting: capital levels, classifications, and undercapitalized entities, loan levels, housing goals, and enforcement and compliance. Also amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to increase total asset requirements for community financial institution members. Additionally, in the House, amendments (Garrett Amendment) were discussed concerning increasing the FHA conforming loan limits. H.R. 1999/S. 771 - State and Local Housing Flexibility Act of 2005 - Flexible Voucher Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to public housing agencies to provide tenant-based and project-based rental assistance, and tenant-based first-time homeownership assistance to low-income individuals. (This program replaces the housing choice voucher program.) Sets forth program provisions. H.R. 3043 - Zero Downpayment Pilot Program Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure first-time homeowner zero-downpayment mortgages for one-family residences, including one- to three-unit dwellings, condominiums, cooperatives, and manufactured housing. H.R. 5121/S. 3535- Expanding American Homeownership Act will allow for the increase in FHA insurable limits from 95% of an area’s median home price with a ceiling of 87% of the conforming loan limit to 100% of an area’s median home price capped at 100% of the conforming loan limit, allow condos to be insured in the same manner as single-family homes, allow for the coverage of zero-down loans, allow for the FHA to insure 40-year mortgages, includes a provision intended to make it easier for homebuyers who are eligible for HECM (also known as a reverse mortgage) to gain access to the equity in their home, and allow the FHA to set its insurance premiums by risk. H.R. 176 - FHA Single Family Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2005 amends the National Housing Act to increase Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single family mortgage limits.
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2006 · mid_year · MM
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS via CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2005 · year_end · YY
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) with members of Congress concerning the future of California bases/land use if they are closed by the BRAC Commission.
H.R. 798/H.R. 3755- Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2005 directs the EPA to establish guidelines on the remediation of former methamphetamine laboratories and increase penalties for methamphetamine traffickers.
H.R. 43 - Brownfields Housing and Community Renewal Development Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to establish a grants program for redevelopment activities for brownfield sites. H.R. 60 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for state and local general sales taxes. H.R. 411 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes, for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and for tuition and related expenses. H.R. 778 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. H.R. 1077 - Internet Consumer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. H.R. 1112 - Stealth Tax Relief Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the exemption from the alternative minimum tax for individual taxpayers in 2007; and (2) extend through 2007 the allowance of certain nonrefundable tax credits against alternative minimum tax liability. H.R. 1147 - REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of a REIT's total assets thay may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets. H.R. 1250 - Expensing Property Expands our Nation's Strong Economy Act of 2007 or the EXPENSE Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the limitations on the expensing of depreciable business assets; and (2) allow taxpers to elect a two-year recovery period for depreciable property. H.R. 1261 - Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an inflation adjustment based upon the gross domestic product deflator to the adjusted basis of certain assets (including C corporation common stock and tangible property used in a trade or business) held by a taxpayer for more than three years for purposes of determining gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of such assets. H.R. 1422 - Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. H.R. 1677 - Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax administration and taxpayer protections including an alternative procedure for furnishing a non-foreign affidavit in connection with the sale of a U.S. real property interest. H.R. 1753 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the current year tax deduction (expensing) for environmental remediation costs; and (2) repeal requirements for the recapture upon sale of such deduction as ordinary income. H.R. 1813 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. H.R. 1850 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. H.R. 1876 - Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts attributable to the discharge of certain residential mortgage obligations. H.R. 1942 - AMT Middle Class Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on individuals to: (1) allow a deduction from such tax for state and local taxes; and (2) adjust the AMT exemption amounts for inflation after 2006. H.R. 2014 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. H.R. 2091 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow bonds guaranteed by any federal home loan bank to be treated as tax-exempt state or local bonds (thus excluding interest on such bonds from gross income). H.R. 2206 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 – Included in this bill was a provision that would increase to $125,000 (with annual inflation adjustments) the expensing allowance for small business assets and extends such expensing allowance through 2010. H.R. 2318 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for state and local income and property taxes as an adjustment in computing alternative minium taxable income. H.R. 2380 - Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2007 - Makes the repeal of the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes under the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001 permanent (under the Act, those taxes would be reinstated after December 31, 2010). H.R. 2659 - Conservation Reserve Program Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to treat payments under the Conservation Acreage Reserve Program as rentals from real estate and thus not self employment income subject to employment tax. Transfers from the general fund of the Treasury to specified social security trust funds amounts necessary to cover any reductions in trust fund revenues resulting from this Act. H.R. 2715 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include heavier vehicles in the limitation on the depreciation of certain luxury automobiles. H.R. 2737 - Health Care Relief Act of 2007 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow previously uninsured individuals a refundable credit for health insurance costs and to provide tax incentives to encourage small business health plans. H.R. 2834 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as ordinary income (i.e., income taxed at regular income tax rates) income received by a partner from an investment services partnership interest. Defines "investment services partnership interest" as any interest in a partnership held by a person who provides services to a partnership by: (1) advising the partnership as to the value of specified assets (e.g., real estate, commodities, or options or derivative contracts); (2) advising the partnership about investing in, purchasing, or selling specified assets; (3) managing, acquiring, or disposing of specified assets; or (4) arranging financing with respect to acquiring specified assets. H.R. 2893 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that qualified homeowner downpayment assistance is a charitable purpose, and for other purposes. S. 138 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a surviving spouse to exclude from gross income up to $500,000 of the gain from the sale or exchange of a principal residence owned jointly with a deceased spouse if the sale or exchange occurs within two years of the death of the spouse and other ownership and use requirements have been met. S. 269 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the expensing allowance for depreciable business property from $100,000 to $200,000; (2) make such allowance permanent; (3) increase to $800,000 the asset cost threshold for calculating reductions in such allowance; (4) allow an annual inflation adjustment to the expensing allowance and the threshold amount after 2007; and (5) allow a taxpayer to revoke an election to expense such business property without the prior consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. S. 700 - Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. S. 926 - Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods. S. 1078 - Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance. S. 1155 - Conservation Reserve Program Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to treat payments under the Conservation Acreage Reserve Program as rentals from real estate and thus not self employment income subject to employment tax. Transfers from the general fund of the Treasury to specified social security trust funds amounts necessary to cover any reductions in trust fund revenues resulting from this Act. S. 1361 - Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (i.e., a 15-year recovery period); and (2) modify the rule for determining the adjustment to earnings and profits for depreciation of such property. S. 1394 - Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts attributable to the discharge of certain residential mortgage obligations. S. 1416 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. S . 1453 - ITFA Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend until November 1, 2011: (1) the ban on state taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce; and (2) provisions allowing states with Internet tax laws enacted prior to the ban to continue enforcing such laws.
H.R. 365 - Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish voluntary guidelines, based on the best currently available scientific knowledge, for the remediation of former methampehtamine laboratories. H.R. 644 - Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants (without certain otherwise-required loan guarantees) to eligible public entities and Indian tribes to assist in the environmental cleanup and economic development of brownfield sites including mine-scarred lands. H.R. 1917 - Species Rescue Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide for expedited consultation and conferencing (within 60 days of the date on which initiated) with respect to impacts on endangered or threatened species of federal agency flood control actions. H.R. 2530 - Endangered Species Compliance and Transparency Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrators of the Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Southeastern Power Administration to provide: (1) estimates of each customer's share of each Administration's direct and indirect costs for compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in monthly billing statements; and (2) an annual report estimating such costs (on a project-by-project basis for the Western Area Power Administration and on a system-wide basis for the other Administrations) to the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. S. 635 - Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish voluntary guidelines, based on the best currently available scientific knowledge, for the remediation of former methampehtamine laboratories. S. 658 - Endangered Species Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary of the Interior to use data that are empirical or have been field-tested or peer-reviewed in any case in which such Act requires the Secretary to use the best scientific and commercial data available in the determination of a species for inclusion on the endangered or threatened species list.
H.R. 926 - Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that: (1) uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity; or (2) fails to provide, to any person displaced by the use of eminent domain for any economic development purpose, relocation assistance under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Excepts from the first clause property taken for: (1) use by a public utility; (2) a road open to the public or common carriers; (3) an aqueduct, pipeline, or similar use; (4) a prison or hospital; or (5) any use during and in relation to a national emergency or national disaster declared by the President. H.R. 2316 - Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 - Prohibits a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner (Member) from directly negotiating or having any agreement of future employment or compensation until after the election for his or her successor, unless such Member files a statement about such negotiations or agreement with the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct within three business days after their commencement. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to require: (1) quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosures reports; (2) electronic filing; (3) disclosure of registered lobbyist on contributions; and (4) disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and congressional employment. Declares that information on a member of a coalition or association need not be included in any registration if the amount reasonably expected to be contributed by such member toward the coalition's or association's legislation-influencing activities is less than $500 during the quarterly period during which such registration would be made. H.R. 2317 - Lobbying Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require a registered lobbyist who bundles two or more contributions made (in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000) to a covered recipient during a quarterly period to: (1) file a quarterly report with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives; and (2) notify the covered recipient by certified mail before filing such report. S. 48 - Private Property Rights Protection Act - Makes ineligible for federal funds any condemning authority or acquiring party that engages or participates in a taking or condemnation of any real property interest not for a public use or public purpose using the power of eminent domain, without the owner's consent. Requires any entity applying for federal funds to certify eligibility. Allows the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to audit any condemning authority or acquiring party that has made such a certification. S. 101 - Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service and defines the basic rules for net neutrality. S. 215 -Internet Freedom Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain Internet neutrality duties for broadband service providers (providers), including not interfering with, or discriminating against, the ability of any person to use broadband service in a lawful manner. Allows providers to engage in activities in furtherance of certain management and business-related practices, such as protecting network security and offering consumer protection services such as parental controls. S. 495 - Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2007 - Enhances punishment for identity theft and other violations of data security and sets requirements for data brokers on what a breach is and proper notification responses to a breach are. S . 1178 - Identity Theft Prevention Act - Requires any commercial entity or charitable, educational, or nonprofit organization that acquires, maintains, or uses sensitive personal information (covered entity) to develop, implement, maintain, and enforce a written program, containing administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, for the security of sensitive personal information it collects, maintains, sells, transfers, or disposes of. Trigger Lists - Trigger lists are generated when a credit inquiry is made, usually upon application for a mortgage or other credit product. The credit reporting bureaus compile information (prescreening) and sell it to other lenders or lead generators who then use it to contact consumers with solicitations. The process is permitted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act as long as a “firm offer of credit” can be made. H.R. 1685 -Data Security Act of 2007 - Prescribes security procedures for an entity that maintains or communicates sensitive information must implement in order to protect the information from an unauthorized use likely to result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the consumer.
H.R. 111 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. H.R. 698 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. H.R. 1996 - Preservation of Federalism in Banking Act - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States and the Home Owners' Loan Act to declare applicable to either a national bank or federal savings association any consumer protection in state consumer law of general application (including unfair or deceptive acts or practices, consumer fraud law and repossession, foreclosure, and collection). H.R. 2061 - Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Reduction Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person, in connection with a subprime federally related mortgage loan, from providing mortgage lending services or mortgage brokerage services unless such person is certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as having been adequately trained with regard to subprime lending. S. 413 - Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature. S. 1100 - Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to establish in lieu of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency, headed by a Director, which shall have authority over: the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Finance Facility, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). S. 1222 - Stopping Mortgage Transactions which Operate to Promote Fraud, Risk, Abuse and Underdevelopment Act, or the STOP FRAUD Act - Amends federal criminal law to make it unlawful for any mortgage professional to: (1) defraud any natural person or financial institution regarding an offer of consumer credit secured by an interest either in real property or in personal property used as a principal dwelling; or (2) falsely obtain money or property from a natural person in connection with an extension of consumer credit secured by an interest in such property. S. 1299 - Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem a mortgage broker, in the case of a home mortgage loan, to have a fiduciary relationship with the consumer. Subjects each such mortgage broker to all federal and state requirements for fiduciaries. S. 1356 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company.
H.R. 391 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to continue, until February 15, 2007, to insure, and to enter into commitments to insure, home equity conversion mortgages for elderly homeowners under the National Housing Act, without regard to the maximum aggregate number of mortgages insured or maximum dollar amount of insurance benefits specified in such Act. H.R. 1427 - Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Act) to establish, in place of the present Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Requires loan limit adjustments for high-cost areas to: (1) the lesser of 150% of the foregoing limitation for a particular size residence; or (2) the amount equal to the median price in such area for such size residence. Applies such an adjustment only with respect to mortgages on which are based securities issued and sold by the corporation involved. Requires the Director to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to provide formula grants to increase homeownership for extremely low-and very low-income families. H.R. 1851 - Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise requirements for public housing agency inspections of each dwelling unit for which a housing assistance payment contract is established. Requires an initial inspection before any assistance payment is made. Allows such payments if failure to meet standards is a result only of non-life threatening conditions. H.R. 1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash downpayment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance, including mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers who obtain a mortgage secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. S. 427 - Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to provide an additional 100,000 incremental vouchers for tenant-based rental housing assistance under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in FY2008. S. 947 - 21st Century Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1948 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in carrying out any program through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to: (1) appoint and fix the compensation of Administration personnel; and (2) use premium-generated income for information technology upgrades. H.R. 568 - Reverse Mortgages to Help America's Seniors Act - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the aggregate and insurance benefit limitations on the number of home equity conversion (reverse) mortgages for elderly homeowners that may be insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
H.R. 2132 - Small Business Health Plans - To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a small business health benefits program.
H.R. 1065 - Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state other than the home state of an insured from requiring a premium tax payment for nonadmitted insurance. H.R. 1682 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - Instructs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the status of the national flood insurance program for specified pre-FIRM properties (containing a structure neither constructed nor substantially improved after the later of December 31, 1974, or the effective date of the initial rate map published by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA) for the pertinent area); (2) the extension of mandatory flood insurance coverage purchase requirements to properties located in any area that would be designated as having special flood hazards but for the existence of a structural flood protection system; and (3) the mandatory purchase requirement in connection with non-federally related loans. H.R. 2761 - To extend the Terrorism Insurance Program of the Department of the Treasury, and for other purposes. S. 74 - High Risk Protection Act - Requires amounts appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program to be allocated based solely on risk (which shall include an evaluation of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences and consideration of any previous terrorist attacks). S. 928 - Homeowners Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding: (1) estimated loss costs associated with the contracts for reinsurance coverage; and (2) development of prevention, mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding standards that better prepare and protect the United States from catastrophes. S. 929 - Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state other than the home state of an insured from requiring a premium tax payment for nonadmitted insurance. S. 1061 - Homeowners' Insurance Noncoverage Disclosure Act - Requires state-registered insurance companies to include on the front or first page of each individual homeowner's policy a noncoverage disclosure box that restates in plain English all conditions, exclusions, and other limitations pertaining to coverage under that policy. H.R. 91 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage.
Filing targets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)
H.R. 8/ S. 420 - Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 would make the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 concerning the repeal of the Federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax (Death Tax/Estate Tax) permanent. H.R. 25/S. 1921 - Fair Tax Act of 2005 - Repeals the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Internal Revenue Code of 2005. Imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. H.R. 453 - Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide owners of residential properties built in the United States before 1978 a tax credit for lead-based paint abatement costs performed by a certified lead abatement contractor. Limits the amount of such credit to 50 percent of the cost of the abatement, not to exceed $1,500 per dwelling unit. H.R. 1010/S. 580 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit certain amendments, waivers, or other modifications to mortgages held by a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (REMIC) or a Grantor Trust without disqualifying such mortgages as REMIC or Grantor Trust mortgages. Permits amendments, waivers, or modifications that do not extend the final maturity date of a mortgage, increase the outstanding balance of the mortgage, result in the release of an interest in real property securing the mortgage, or result in an instrument or property right which is not debt for Federal income tax purposes. H.R. 1549/S. 859 - Renewing the Dream Tax Credit Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow homebuilders and investors a general business tax credit for building or substantially rehabilitating residences for low and moderate-income individuals in certain areas, including a rural area, an Indian reservation, or an area of chronic economic distress. H.R. 1663/S. 621 - would both amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the 15-year recovery period for the depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement property (property held and improved by a lessor). H.R. 2668/ S. 3116 - Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2005 amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods. H.R. 2980/ H.R. 3268- Eminent Domain Relief Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the non-recognition of gain from the involuntary conversion (by eminent domain) of taxpayer property. Exempts such taxpayer from certain tax rules for involuntary conversions, including the requirement that the condemned property be converted into similar property within a specified two-year period. H.R. 3098/S. 132 - Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act of 2005 amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. Reduces the amount of such deduction for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes exceeding $100,000. H.R. 4128/S. 1895 - Private Property Rights Protection Act would make ineligible for federal funds any condemning authority or acquiring party that engages or participates in a taking or condemnation of any real property interest not for a public use or public purpose using the power of eminent domain, without the owner's consent. It would also allow a property owner who is notified that his or her property will be taken to file for and attach a Fifth Amendment property protection statement (PPS) indicating that the condemning entity is exceeding its authority. H.R. 4297/ S. 2020 - Tax Relief Act of 2005 were tax reconciliation bills. Included in these bills were real estate related tax provisions concerning: a one-year trial for specific mortgage insurance premium deductions, a one-year extension for brownfield tax deductions, a one-year extension for leasehold improvement property 15-year recovery period for depreciation, extensions and changes to qualified mortgage veteran bonds, and a one-year adjustment for the alternative minimum tax. H.R. 5638/ H.R. 5970 - Permanent Estate Tax Relief Act of 2006 would allow for estates under $5 million ($10 million for couples) to be exempt from the estate tax. Estates that are over $5 million but below $25 million would be taxed at the same rate as capital gains, currently 15%. Estates that are over $25 million would be taxed at double the capital gains rate, currently 30%. H.R. 3194/S. 1330 - Both bills would give employers a tax credit of up to 50 percent of $10,000 or 6% of the purchase price of the employee's principle residence (whichever is less). H.R. 6111 - The Tax Relief and Healthcare Act of 2006 included extensions to Internal Revenue Codes that included, leasehold improvements deductible and amortized over 15-years, Brownfield improvement deductions, and a mortgage insurance premium deduction. S. 1883 - Empowering More Property Owners With Enhanced Rights Act of 2005 would amend the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to require a federal agency when acquiring real property to provide to a property owner with: (1) at the beginning of the negotiation process, the current contact information for the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsperson; (2) a description of available mediation and other dispute resolution alternatives; and (3) in specified cases, a copy of the appraisal. Downpayment Assistance Programs - Have contacted members of Congress and staff at Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concerning their May 4, 2006 ruling that organizations that provide seller-funded downpayment assistance to buyers cannot qualify as tax-exempt organizations. In order to qualify the programs must be properly structured and operated under the rules the IRS has set for not-for-profit organizations. Employee Housing Downpayment Assistance - Have contacted staff/members of Congress about the possibility of introducing legislation that would allow for employee housing downpayment assistance programs that would give employers an incentive to provide their employees with housing downpayment assistance and make the downpayment assistance tax-free to the employees. Tax Reform - Have contacted members of Congress concerning the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform report, which was issued on November 1, 2005. Discussions were about the Real Estate related concerns, such as the mortgage interest deduction, home equity lines of credit, and state/local tax deductions. These issues have been addressed in conjunction with discussions concerning the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). House Concurrent Resolution 272 - Expresses support for the current standards of the mortgage interest tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code and opposition to the initial recommendation of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform to limit such deduction. FIRPTA Changes - Have contacted members of Congress concerning changing the provisions in the Foreign Investment Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) to allow a seller of property to provide the information required by FIRPTA to escrow or another settlement provider as an alternative to providing that information to the buyer.
H.R. 3665 - Veterans Housing and Employment Improvement Act of 2005 amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assist certain disabled veterans who are residing temporarily in housing owned by the veteran's family member in acquiring adaptations necessitated by such disability. H.R. 2952 - American Veterans Homeownership Act of 2005 amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of qualified veteran for purposes of the veterans' mortgage bond program to include all veterans who served on active duty regardless of date of service, allow veterans to apply for financing under such bond program up to 25 years after the end of their active duty, and revise volume limitations applicable to the issuance of such bonds in certain states. H.R. 4264 - Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005 would amend title 38 of the United States Code to improve outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 1139/S. 1350 - Wireless 411 Privacy Act would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number of any current subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. H.R. 1360/ S. 852 - Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005 or FAIR Act of 2005 establishes within the Department of Labor the Office of Asbestos Disease Compensation responsible for processing claims for compensation for asbestos-related injuries and managing the Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund to create a fair and efficient system to resolve claims of victims for bodily injury caused by asbestos exposure, and for other purposes. H.R. 1069/ H.R. 3997/ H.R. 4127/ H.R. 5318/ S. 115/ S. 751/ S. 1216/ S. 1408/ S. 1594/ S. 1789 - Data Accountability and Trust Act would protect consumers by requiring reasonable security policies and procedures to protect computerized data containing personal information, and to provide for nationwide notice in the event of a security breech. There is also a concern due to the fact that the law would pre-empt current California State law. H.R. 4128/S. 1704/S.1895 - Private Property Rights and Protection Act of 2005 states that no State or political subdivision of a State can receive Federal economic development funds during a fiscal year where they use their power of eminent domain to take away private property to be used or to be subsequently used for economic development. H.R. 5252/S. 2686 - Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 would require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas). Outlines requirements for distribution of universal service support to eligible communications carriers. Establishes a Broadband for Unserved Areas Account. Included in this is the debate over the issue of "net neutrality". H.R. 3631 - The Eminent Domain Limitation Act of 2005 would make it so states will be ineligible to receive any federal funds for use of eminent domain when used for economic development and that states must show all other alternatives were exhausted.
H.R. 846 - Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 2005 creates a reinsurance coverage program available only through contracts for reinsurance coverage purchased at regional auctions. Establishes a Disaster Reinsurance Fund and a National Commission on Catastrophe Risks and Insurance Loss Costs. H.R. 804 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to declare that assistance provided under a program for flood mitigation activities with respect to a property shall not be considered income or a resource of the owner of the property when determining eligibility for or benefit levels under any income assistance or resource-tested program that is funded in whole or in part by a federal agency or by appropriated federal funds. H.R. 4366 - Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2005 instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. Authorizes the Secretary to make homeowners protection coverage available through contracts for reinsurance coverage. Restricts purchase of such coverage to eligible state programs. Prescribes criteria for state eligibility. Establishes the Consumer Hurricane, Earthquake, Loss Protection (HELP) Fund to pay for payments to covered purchasers under contracts for reinsurance coverage for eligible losses, as well as Commission operating costs and reinsurance program administrative expenses. H.R. 4973/ S. 3589 - Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2006 would increase the borrowing authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to $25 Billion, increase the coverage limits for residential flood insurance from $250,000 (structure) and $100,000 (contents) to $335,000/$135,000, increase coverage on non-residential properties from $500,000 to $670,000, increase amount FEMA can raise premiums annually from 10% to 15%, review the nation’s flood maps (including mapping the 500-year floodplain), phase in actuarial rates for subsidized vacation homes, second homes, and non-residential properties, and extend the mitigation program for properties with severe repetitive losses. H.R. 5637 - Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2006 would: 1) apply the regulatory authority of the insured's home state over non-admitted lines of coverage, and 2) allow the purchasers easier access to surplus/non-admitted lines of coverage by waiving state due diligence requirements. S. 467- Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2005 would amend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to extend the terrorism risk insurance program from 2005 through 2007. Extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) - TRIA was set to expire on December 31, 2005 unless there was an extension passed by Congress. Due to the terrorist attacks, it became extremely difficult (if not impossible) for owners of commercial properties at risk to obtain insurance; many insurance companies began to insert terrorism exclusions into their insurance policies. The extension of this program meant that terrorism exclusions on existing insurance policies remained removed and all policyholders had the ability to secure coverage for terrorism risk.
H.R. 3824 - Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2005 would amend the ESA of 1973 relating to determinations of endangered or threatened species, recovery plans for such species, and the role of states and private property owners in protecting such species. Letter concerning Endangered Species Delisting - C.A.R. was a signatory of a letter sent to the Department of the Interior concerning the encouragement to delist the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beatle from the Endangered Species List.
H.R. 111/S. 98 - Community in Real Estate Act would prohibit financial holding companies and national banks from engaging, directly or indirectly, in real estate brokerage or real estate management activities. H.R. 1182 - Prohibit Predatory Lending Act would amend the Truth in Lending Act to impose restrictions and limitations on high-cost mortgages, to revise the permissible fees and charges on certain loans made, to prohibit unfair or deceptive lending practices, and to provide for public education and counseling about predatory lenders. H.R. 1295- Responsible Lending Act would protect consumers against unfair and deceptive practices in connection with higher cost mortgage transactions, strengthen the civil remedies available to consumers under existing law, provide for certain uniform lending standards, improve housing counseling, better mortgage servicing, enhance appraisal standards and oversight, and establish licensing and minimum standards for mortgage brokers. H.R. 5746 - Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2006 would require an industrial bank holding company to register and file certain reports with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) within ninety days after becoming an industrial bank holding company, prohibit such holding company from being controlled by a commercial firm, and grandfathers certain institutions to exempt them from the requirements of this Act. Comment Letter on Industrial Loan Company Applications - Comment letter was sent to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) concerning their consideration for the application filed by Wal-Mart Stores and Home Depot to become an industrial loan company (ILC). Comment Letter on Nontraditional or Exotic Loans - Comment letter was sent to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) concerning nontraditional loans and if stated income should be allowed for underwriting as well as whether future income should be considered. If future income is considered in underwriting, how should it be done and will it only be allowed as a positive or also as a negative. The OCC was requesting comments on nontraditional loans and if they are becoming a risk to the economy as they are becoming easier to obtain and being offered to borrowers with a higher probable risk.
H.R. 525/ S. 1955 - A bill to amend title I of the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to expand health care access and reduce costs through the creation of small business health plans and through modernization of the health insurance marketplace.
Filing targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)