ENERGY BILL TAX CREDITS
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed an economic stimulus package which included the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Act provides an increase in the amount of energy tax credits (as well as extending the credits through the year 2010) to homeowners who opt to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. Replacing existing windows and doors with improved energy-efficient products can make you eligible for this energy tax credit.
$1,500 Energy Tax Credit
The Act allows homeowners to receive a tax credit based on 30% of the total cost of the qualifying energy-efficient windows and doors with a maximum tax credit of $1,500 per household for the years 2009-2010. Note that not all product being replaced needs to meet the 0.30 u-factor/SHGC requirements. Since the maximum tax credit is limited to $1,500 per household, only $5,000 of the actual new product installed is required to meet the u-factor/SHGC values noted in the Act and still provide the homeowner with the maximum $1,500 tax credit. The credit applies to existing homes only. The maximum total amount that can be claimed is $1,500 combined for all qualifying energy-efficient upgrades detailed in the Act, which includes items such as insulation and HVAC systems, placed in service in 2009 and 2010.
How to Qualify For The Energy Tax Credit
You must replace existing windows and doors with products that meet an overall u-factor of 0.30 or less and an overall SHGC value of 0.30 or less. Qualifying product must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
Note that only the cost of the actual windows and doors is applied toward the tax credit. IE: Costs such as installation, finishing, sales tax, etc. cannot be applied.
To provide proof of eligibility, retain the Manufacturer's Certificate and proof of purchase documents. As with any tax matter, consult a tax professional and review all IRS guidelines to determine qualifications for potential income tax credits.
Claim your energy tax credit on your Federal filing for the year 2009 or 2010.
For a current list of qualifying products, please contact our office, or click on the following links to Hurd's or Marvin's website.
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