Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
$200 Tax Credit Available
Good news for homeowners who want to replace their windows. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is restoring energy efficient tax credits for windows.
ENERGY STAR Program
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 9,000 organizations, including more than 3,500 of the nation’s home builders. Together with home buyers and their families, we are working to achieve a common goal–protecting the environment for future generations by changing to more energy–efficient practices and products today.
ENERGY STAR is the government–backed symbol for energy efficiency. It identifies new homes, buildings, and more than 50 types of products that are energy efficient and offer the features, quality, and performance that today’s consumers expect. Products that can earn the ENERGY STAR include windows, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, and appliances. To learn more about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2013
Many models of windows from Elite Windows and Doors have been recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2013.
2013 Tax Credits
Good news for homeowners who replaced their windows in 2012 or are going to do so in 2013. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is restoring energy efficient tax credits for windows, doors and skylights. The bill reinstates the 25c tax credits that expired at the end of 2011 and extends them through the end of 2013.
Several products from Elite Windows and Doors qualify for the energy tax credits provided in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Windows must meet the 2010 ENERGY STAR ratings for both the U Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient to qualify for this credit. These ratings vary based on the region of the country you are located in.
Please refer to, What Makes It ENERGY STAR?, to determine what region you are in and which windows qualify.
The 2012 Tax Credit offers 10% of the cost of the home improvement up to a maximum of $500. In order to qualify, the home improvement must be made on an existing home and principal residence.
Windows can only account for $200 of the available $500. Additionally, the new bill extends business credits of up to $2,000 for builders and contractors of new and renovated energy efficient homes.
“We think it’s a really great move to help consumers afford (improvements) and encourage them to think about making these energy–efficiency investment in their homes,” said Ronnie Kweller, a spokesperson for the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington energy–efficiency lobby. She noted that the law also contains incentives for appliance manufacturers to produce efficient clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators, and for home builders to construct energy–efficient homes. (Ohio.com, January 9, 2013)
All renovations, both homeowner and business, must be completed by December 31st, 2013. The bill retroactively affects projects completed in 2012.
Consult your tax professional for instructions on how to apply.
Download a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement
LOCAL REBATES
Financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights are available in several states. For a more detailed list and contact information, visit www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder