Federal tax credit still an option for some buyers

The federal tax-credit deadline to have a house under contract has come and gone for most homebuyers, but not all.

Members of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days between Dec. 31, 2008, and May 1, 2010, have until April 30, 2011, to enter into a contract on a home, according to the IRS.

The IRS also makes clear that only one spouse of a married couple need meet that overseas requirement for either spouse to be eligible for the deadline extension.

In addition to the Federal Tax Credit, San Antonio area Veterans may also qualify for additonal cash rebates available exclusively from real estate agent Randy Watson of Mission Realty via the Military Relocation Incentives Program.

Texas - America’s Top State for Business

The Texas economy continues to receive national attention. This month, CNBC named Texas America’s Top State for Business for the second time. Texas was also recently named the “Best State to Do Business” by CEO Magazine for the sixth year in a row, and six of Texas’ metro areas were listed as “America’s Recovery Capitals” by Forbes and Moody’s Economy.

No other state is home to more Fortune 500 companies, and Texas is the nation’s leading exporting state for the eighth year in a row. Texas created more private sector jobs than any other state in the nation over the last 10 years. Additionally, Texas’ unemployment rate dropped to 8.2 percent in June, well below the national average.

“As Americans look for the best place to live, work and raise a family, more of them are heading to Texas all the time,” Gov. Perry said. “The root cause of our economic success is hardworking Texans, but pro-job policies, low taxes, predictable regulations and fair legal system have also helped Texas lead the nation in job creation.”

Governor Perry Issues Proclamation for Day of Prayer in the State of Texas Sunday, June 27, 2010

News Release: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 | Austin, Texas

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, the Gulf Coast has suffered an unfortunate loss of life due to the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which continues to threaten livelihoods, economies and precious coastal wildlife ecosystems with devastation and destruction; and

WHEREAS, throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; and

WHEREAS, prayer provides peace and guidance in times of crisis and conflict, and reminds us of the comforting assurance of God's love for us all; and

WHEREAS, it seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join with their fellow Gulf Coast residents and others across the country and around the world to thank God, seek his wisdom for ourselves and our leaders, and ask him for his merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim Sunday, June 27, 2010, as a Day of Prayer in the State of Texas. I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of individuals, the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of entire Gulf Coast environment in the wake of this disaster.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 23rd day of June, 2010.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

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• 06/01/2010 - Press Release
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Texas ENERGY STAR^® Sales Tax Holiday Memorial Day Weekend: May 29-31, 2010

Your old appliances and energy-hogging equipment could be wasting hundreds of dollars in energy each year.  Take advantage of the third-annual Texas ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday during Memorial Day Weekend and get a break from state and local sales taxes on the purchase of select ENERGY STAR appliances and products. You could save hundreds of dollars off the product types below and experience up to 75 percent in energy savings from your new ENERGY STAR products as compared to standard models.

When to Shop

Memorial Day Weekend; Saturday May 29, 12:01 a.m. (after midnight) through Monday, May 31, 11:59 p.m.

Who Can Shop

Anyone in Texas can buy these products on the 3-day weekend at a store in Texas or from an Internet or catalog seller engaged in business in this state. This includes homebuilders, real estate developers, dealers, service providers and contractors. Products may be purchased for existing homes, new homes and non-residential properties. See Shopper Eligibility FAQs.

Eligible Products and Shopping Details

Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on the packaging, appliance or Energy Guide label for the appliances listed below. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items one can purchase during this sales tax holiday. The purchased items may be held in inventory until ready for use. For exemption information on associated fees, please see Delivery and Installation Charge FAQs.

• Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less
• Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less
• Ceiling fans
• Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
• Clothes washers
• Dishwashers
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats*

* ENERGY STAR specification of programmable thermostats was suspended on December 31, 2009; however, any existing stock of ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostats offered for sale by retailers is still eligible for the exemption.

To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, an appliance must meet rigorous energy efficiency and water efficiency standards set by the Federal government. These appliances use less energy and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

For more information visit Texas Powerful Smart: Texas Energy Start Sales Tax Holiday