Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program was established as a federal homebuyer assistance program designed to help low- and moderate-income families afford homeownership. An MCC allows qualified homeowners to claim a non-refundable federal income tax credit for a portion of the mortgage interest paid each year, effectively reducing their federal income tax liability and increasing their disposable income for mortgage payments.
Program Status: No New Applications
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program is no longer accepting new applications. However, reissuance applications for existing MCC holders are still being accepted when refinancing and must be processed through an MCC Participating Lender.
Homeowners considering refinancing should confirm lender participation before proceeding.
Please review the MCC Participating Lenders List and contact a participating lender directly when exploring refinancing options.
Info for Current MCC Holders
To qualify for an MCC reissuance, all original program requirements must continue to be met. Reissuance is not automatic and is subject to review and approval. An existing MCC holder must meet all of the following requirements at the time of refinance:
- Principal Residence Requirement: The property must continue to be occupied by the homeowner as their primary residence.
- Business Use Limitation: No more than 15% of the total area of the residence may be used for business purposes (including home-based businesses or room rentals).
- No Change in Title: There must be no change to the property title. The addition of any person to the title may result in revocation of the MCC.
- Refinance Qualification: The homeowner must be able to qualify for a refinance with or without an MCC.
Failure to meet any of the above requirements may result in denial of the reissuance request and termination of the MCC benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
I lost my original Mortgage Credit Certificate. Who do I contact?
Please submit a written request via mail or in-person for a duplicate certificate to:
Include: A $25 cashier’s check or money order (no personal checks), your name, property address, mailing address, and certificate number if available.
I am refinancing. Can I keep my MCC?
Yes, but only if you refinance through an MCC Participating Lender and notify them that you have an existing MCC.
My refinance closed. When will I receive my reissued MCC?
Your lender must submit closing documentation to HHFDC within 30 days post-closing. If submitted after 30 days, extension fees will apply.
I sold my home. What do I do?
Sale of the home may trigger a federal recapture tax calculated by your tax preparer. You must return your original MCC by mail to the HHFDC address above. You may no longer claim the credit after the sale.
I refinanced last year but never received a certificate.
You must contact your lender. There is a $300 reissuance fee plus a $100 late fee for every 60-day period past the 30-day submission deadline. If you refinanced with a non-participating lender, HHFDC cannot reissue the MCC and it will be revoked.
Does the sale of my mortgage to another lender affect my MCC?
No. A lender selling your loan or servicing does not affect your MCC. Your certificate will continue to reflect the original lender’s name.
For any additional inquiries, please email:
