California · Annual tax credit

CalHFA Mortgage Credit Certificate

~$1,600/year tax credit on $400K mortgage

20% of your annual mortgage interest as a direct federal tax credit, every year.

California's Mortgage Credit Certificate provides a federal tax credit of up to 20% of annual mortgage interest paid. On California's typically large mortgages, this translates to substantial annual savings — potentially $3,000-5,000 per year. The MCC stacks with CalHFA's DPA programs for combined upfront and ongoing benefits.

Amount~$1,600/year tax credit on $400K mortgage
TypeAnnual tax credit
Available inCalifornia
First-time buyer requiredYes
Minimum credit score660
Multi-unit eligibleSingle-family only

Programs that pair with this

FHA Loan Saves ~$33,000 on a $200K home vs 20% down
Federal · Subsidized loan
VA Loan $0 down + no monthly mortgage insurance
Federal · Federal benefit
NACA Program $0 down + $0 closing + $0 PMI + below-market rate
National · Nonprofit program
California Dream For All $150,000
California · Shared appreciation
CalHFA MyHome 3.5% of purchase price as silent second
California · Deferred 0% loan
GSFA Platinum 5.5% of loan amount — no first-time buyer requirement
California · DPA program
All California programs →

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