You can start taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit with electronic filing now. If you are claiming a tax credit for a home purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009, you can claim it on your electronic return. But what if you haven’t bought a house yet? Consumerism Commentary offers these options for those wishing to buy later, and still claim the credit this year:

Note that if you plan on buying a house later this year before December 1, you still qualify for the tax credit, but you cannot claim it yet. Either file for an extension or claim the $8,000 credit when you file your 2009 taxes. If you’re expecting a big refund this year and you don’t want to delay that refund by filing for an extension, you can file now and file an amended return later.

Between the tax incentives offered under economic stimulus measures, low interest rates and low home prices, now is a good time to buy. If you can get approved for a mortgage, you can get a screaming deal on a home.