2011 Tax Credit for Qualified Energy Efficient Improvements*
A federal tax credit for certain qualified home energy efficient improvements is in effect for 2011. House bill H.R. 4853, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”) was signed into law at the end of 2010 and amends the Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code by extending a federal tax credit for certain qualified home energy efficient improvements.
The tax credit in effect for 2011 is an extension of previous tax credits; however, there are important changes to the 2011 tax credit including changes in the qualifying criteria, lower credit amounts and lifetime caps including all previous tax credits.
How to qualify for the Tax Credit:**
- Purchase and install qualifying windows or doors that meet ENERGY STAR® Windows Program Version 5.0 performance requirements beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.**
- Save your sales receipt, a copy of the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement, and product performance sheet with your tax documents.
- Claim the tax credit associated with your qualifying purchase and installation on your Federal filing for the 2011 tax year.
Limitations:
- Tax credit is for the cost of the product only – the credit does not include installation costs.
- Tax credit is 10% of the amount paid up to the maximums listed below.***
- $500 total maximum tax credit for any and all improvements. (Including other eligible items as listed in the IRS Notice.)
- $200 total maximum tax credit for qualifying windows and skylights.
- $500 total maximum tax credit for doors if windows or skylights are not used.
- If a combination of windows, skylights and doors are purchased, the total maximum credit is $500, of which $200 is the maximum allowable for windows and skylights.
- The tax credit is an extension from the original tax credits from 2006/2007, and 2009/2010which means the $200 and $500 and $1,500 credits are a lifetime maximum credits. A homeowner who has already used up the $200 or $500 credit from the 2006/2007 tax credit or the $1,500 tax credit from 2009/2010 is no longer eligible for this tax credit extension