- The IRS offers several tax credits on energy-efficient home improvements that are set to expire on December 31, 2011. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, biomass stoves, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, insulation, roofing, windows, doors skylights and nonsolar water heaters are all eligible for tax credits of up to 10 percent, up to a maximum of $500. Certain credits have limits of $50 to $300. The credits set to expire at the end of 2011 are only available on improvements made to existing principal residences, meaning new constructions, second homes and rental buildings do not qualify.
- The IRS also offers a few tax credits that are not set to expire until 2016. The U.S. Department of Energy says that geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters and small wind turbines are eligible for tax credits of 30 percent, with no upper limit. New constructions and secondary homes qualify for the credits, but rentals do not. A credit of 30 percent of the cost of fuel cells is also available until 2016, but the credit is limited to $500 per 0.5 kW of energy production capacity and is not available on second homes.
- Credits for each type of energy-efficient home upgrade are subject to specific rules and minimum energy-efficiency requirements. For example, windows, doors and skylights must be ENERGY STAR-qualified to be eligible for credits, and solar-powered water heaters must generate at least half the energy used to heat water from the sun. If you plan to take a tax credit on a home upgrade, ensure that the upgrade meets the requirements. The U.S. Department of Energy provides information about requirements online.
- A tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you pay on your income tax return. For instance, if you owe $4,000 on your tax return, a $500 tax credit will reduce your tax liability to $3,500.
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