Credits for builders, some buyers
Still, the new legislation would help hombeuilders since part of the bill calls for tax relief for many homebuilders. The bill would allow homebuilders and other firms affected the by the mortgage meltdown, such as investment banks, to use losses in 2008 and 2009 to get back taxes they owed over the previous four years. That's a change from the two years allowed under current tax law.
That provision, if passed, will cost the government between $6 billion and $28 billion in future tax revenues, according to a range of estimates. It's uncertain just how much of that money builders would see but the sector is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the bill.
Howard said many smaller privately held builders are not likely to make any money this year. So the tax credit proposed in the legislation is crucial for them.
And it will be helpful for the industry leaders too. Luxury home builder Toll Brothers (
TOL,
Fortune 500) is the only one of the larger, publicly traded homebuilders expected to report a profitable quarter during calendar 2008.
Some critics of the bill have said the legislation won't help consumers much, however. The bill includes little direct assistance for home buyers and home owners, other than a $7,000 tax credit for those buying homes in foreclosure.
But Howard says this could still help the housing market since it could provide incentives to people to buy foreclosed homes. Howard said the growing supply of foreclosed homes on the market is adding to the housing glut.
Builders lost out on the chance of getting even more help though.
Provisions that would have given a tax credit for those buying new homes sitting vacant for a long period of time were cut during the final negotiations on the bill Wednesday.