Energy Credits

Frequent Questions about Tax Credits

What forms do I need for the consumer energy efficiency tax credits?

You need to fill out IRS Form 5695

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes:

	Home Improvements
	Cars
	Solar Energy Systems
	Fuel Cells

Tax Credits for Home Builders

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings

For More Information

A tax credit can provide significant savings. It reduces the amount of income tax you have to pay. Unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax, a tax credit directly reduces the tax itself. You must refer to the final Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules to determine what qualifies for the tax credit.

Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to purchase a product covered by the tax credit, you may still consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR product. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.

Tax Credits for Consumers:

Home Improvements

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided guidance for consumers: IRS Notice 2006-26 .

Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. See chart. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit. This tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.

Efficient Cars

Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models. These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting January 1, 2006. For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer, the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. For vehicles made by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out, the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2010. See the IRS Website for updated information .

Solar Energy Systems

Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. The tax credit is for 30 percent of the cost of the system, up to $2,000. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

Fuel Cells

There is a consumer tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost (up to $500 per 0.5 kW of capacity maximum) for installing a “qualified” fuel cell and microturbine systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 — SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Product Category

Product Type

Tax Credit Specification

Tax Credit

Notes

Windows & Doors

Exterior Windows and Skylights

ENERGY STAR qualified OR meets IECC¹

10 percent of cost, up to $200² for all windows, skylights and storm windows

All ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified windows and skylights.

	Installation costs are not included.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and either the ENERGY STAR label from all your new windows OR the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Storm Windows

Meets IECC¹ in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone

10 percent of cost, up to $200² for all windows, skylights and storm windows

Manufacturer Certification Statement³ will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.)⁴ that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones.

	Installation costs are not included.
	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Exterior Doors

Meets IECC¹

10 percent of cost, up to $500²

ENERGY STAR doors will almost always qualify, except for certain parts of California⁴. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified doors.

	Installation costs are not included.
	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Storm Doors

In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC¹, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC

10 percent of cost, up to $500²

Eligibility will be confirmed by manufacturer and documented in the Manufacturer Certification Statement³

	Installation costs are not included.
	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Roofing

Metal Roofs

ENERGY STAR qualified

10 percent of cost, up to $500²

All ENERGY STAR labeled metal roofs qualify for the tax credit.

	Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty.
	Installation costs are not included.
	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Insulation

Meets 2000 IECC & Amendments

10 percent of cost, up to $500²

	For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate. (example: vapor retarders are covered, siding does not qualify).
	Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty
	Installation costs are not included.
	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

HVAC

Central A/C

EER >=12.5/SEER >= 15 Split Systems
EER >= 12/SEER >= 14 Package systems

$300²

For a list of qualified products, go to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency product directory , click on the Air Conditioners and in the “CEE Tier” enter “Residential Tier 2.”

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. The ENERGY STAR specification is:

EER >= 11.5/ SEER >= 14 Split systems
EER >= 11/SEER >= 14 Package systems

	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Air Source Heat Pumps

HSPF >= 9 EER >= 13 SEER >= 15

$300²

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. The ENERGY STAR specification is:

HSPF >= 8.2 EER >= 11.5 SEER >= 14 Split systems
HSPF >= 8 EER >= 11 SEER >= 14 Package systems

	Manufacturer’s Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump

Same criteria as ENERGY STAR:

EER >= 14.1 COP >= 3.3 Closed Loop
EER >= 16.2 COP >= 3.6 Open Loop
EER >= 15 COP >= 3.5 Direct Expansion

$300²

All ENERGY STAR labeled geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit.

	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Gas, Oil, Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler

AFUE >= 95 for both furnaces and boilers

$150²

For a list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. The ENERGY STAR specification is:

AFUE >= 90 for furnaces
AFUE >= 85 for boilers

	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan

No more than 2 percent of furnace total energy use

$50²

For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association

	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Water Heaters

Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater

Energy Factor >= 0.80

$300²

Only some tankless water heaters currently qualify. This is over 33 percent more efficient than the current federal standard.

For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association.

	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

Energy Factor >= 2.0

$300²

This is more than twice as efficient as the current federal standard.

	Manufacturer's Certification Statement³ required.
	For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
	Use IRS Form 5695

Cars

Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles

Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models

Guidance for auto manufacturers is available from IRS.

There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Consumers who buy from companies that already sell large numbers of qualifying vehicles will experience a relatively short “window of opportunity” for the credits.

	Use IRS Form 8910 for hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use.
	Use IRS Form 3800 for hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.

Solar Energy Systems

Solar Water Heating

	At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.
	The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.
	The water must be used in the dwelling.
	The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

30 percent of cost, up to $2,000

Use IRS Form 5695

Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

30 percent of cost, up to $2,000

Use IRS Form 5695

Fuel Cells

Efficiency of at least 30 percent and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.

30 percent of the cost, up to $1000 per kW of power that can be produced

Use IRS Form 5695

¹Either the 2001 Supplement of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code or the 2004 Supplement of the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code.

²Subject to a $500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.

³A Manufacturer’s Certification is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products. Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.

⁴Additional information on exterior window features may be viewed at Anatomy of an Energy Efficient Window.

Tax Credits for Home Builders:

Eligible contractors need to fill out IRS Form 8908 to get the tax credit. The IRS has provided the following guidance regarding the tax credits for constructing energy efficient new homes available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005:

	IRS Notice 2006–27 provides guidance for the credit for building energy efficient homes other than manufactured homes.
	IRS Notice 2006–28 provides guidance for the credit for building energy efficient manufactured homes.

The tax credit information provided below is based on information contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The IRS guidance provides specific information that home builders and housing manufacturers can rely on to take action to claim the tax credits.

Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves 50 percent energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. This credit also applies to contractors of manufactured homes conforming to Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.

There is also a $1,000 tax credit to the producer of a new manufactured home achieving 30 percent energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 IECC and supplements (at least 1/3 of the savings must come from building envelope improvements), or a manufactured home meeting the requirements established by EPA under the ENERGY STAR program.

Please note that, with the exception of the tax credit for an ENERGY STAR qualified manufactured home, these tax credits are not directly linked to ENERGY STAR. Therefore, a builder of an ENERGY STAR qualified home may be eligible for a tax credit but it is not guaranteed.

These tax credits apply to new homes located in the United States whose construction is substantially completed after August 8, 2005 and that are acquired from the eligible contractor for use as a residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008.

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings:

A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50 percent of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $.60 per square foot can be taken for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008.

	IRS Notice 2006-52 (6/2/2006) provides guidance on deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings
	Qualified Software for Calculating Energy Savings
	ENERGY STAR Brochure for Commercial Tax Deductions (114KB)
	Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition

For More Information:

	Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP)
	Energy Bill
	Department of Energy Web site on Tax Incentives

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Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Frequent Questions about Tax Credits

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes: