Federal Energy Tax Credit
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1) includes a provision that provides homeowners tax incentives for energy efficient improvements made in 2009 and 2010. Among those products that are included in this tax credit are energy efficient roofing materials and replacement windows and doors.
The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters) is $1,500 during 2009 and 2010. The improvement must be made to an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify. The Energy Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
Replacement Windows & Doors
Qualifying products purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the product cost.
Windows, doors, and skylights purchased on or after June 1, 2009 must have U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings of 0.30 or less. These ratings must be certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Look for the NFRC label. NFRC is the only federally recognized organization for determining the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights.
Homeowners must obtain a manufacturer certification statement to document window, door, or skylight eligibility for the tax credit. If the retailer or installer cannot provide this document, it may be available on the manufacturer's Web site.
Roofing
Qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your home." Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings" and "asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules" also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
How To Get Your Federal Energy Tax Credit
1. Purchase a qualifying roof, window or door (see above for qualifications).
2. Save your sales receipt and each roofing, window or door performance label (NFRC/ENERGY STAR® label) with your tax documents.
3. Purchase and install qualifying products beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010 and meet all other requirements outlined in the federal tax code.
4. Claim the tax credit associated with your qualifying purchase on your Federal filing for the 2009 and/or 2010 tax year.