Earlier this week the feds sued two Miami preparers, alleging they falsely claimed the first-time home buyer's credit for dozens of clients.

FORBES

The jump came as buyers utilized the government's soon-to-expire home buyer's tax credit.

FORBES: The Housing Market

Either credit may be claimed on the buyer's 2009 tax return if the contract is in place before May 1 of this year and the deal completed before July 1.

WSJ: Tax Report: The Case for Filing Late