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Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program

Riverside County, California

Last verified
Assistance

20%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

115% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Tax credit

Not a loan, so there is nothing to repay

What is Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program is a mortgage credit certificate for homebuyers in Riverside County, California.

  • MCC program for first-time homebuyers in Riverside County. Federal income tax credit of 20% of annual mortgage interest up to $2,000/year for life of loan. Income and purchase price limits apply.
  • Up to $2,000 in assistance.
  • non-repayable grant.
  • Funding comes from Federal tax credit.

How much assistance does it provide?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program provides assistance worth 20% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • The program asks buyers to contribute 1% of purchase price (borrower minimum).
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program is a tax credit rather than a loan, so there is nothing to repay.

  • Repayment is triggered by Federal recapture possible if sold within 9 years.
  • The assistance is recorded in N/A (grant - no lien) position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Contact lender for current credit score requirements
  • Residency: Purchase in Riverside County
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizen
  • Federal tax credit equal to 20% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000/yr); reduces federal income tax owed; first-time homebuyer required; income and purchase price limits per county

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 115% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program limits household income to 115% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Contact program provider for current income limits.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program caps the purchase price as follows: Contact program for current purchase price limits.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family (1-4 unit), FHA-approved condominium, townhome/PUD.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program serves buyers purchasing in Riverside County, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Contact provider directly; subject to funding availability, and are subject to availability.

  2. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program, explained

A short, free course on Riverside County MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) Program: what a mortgage credit certificate is, who it is for, how you claim it, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from July 2026. About ten minutes.

5 modules · About 10 minutes

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