The guidelines that explain how to claim the tax credit, found in IRS form 5405, state that you cannot claim the credit "if you acquired your home by gift or inheritance." ...

8. The credit is claimed on IRS form 5405, First-Time Homebuyers Credit. 9. Taxpayers can claim the credit for a qualified 2009 purchase on either their 2008 or 2009 tax return.

Claiming the credit looks so easy: You just fill out IRS form 5405, list the address of the house you bought, mail it in and wait a month or two for your money. Who's going to check on whether you ...