[tabi] Tax credit for energy efficient home improvements

From: Erica <ericamccaul@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:02:10 -0400 (EDT)
From the Miami HeraldLiving Smart: Energy-efficiency tax credits 


If you're considering a home-improvement project that will cut energy costs, 
it's not too late to take advantage of special federal tax credits. But be 
aware that time is running out. 
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The residential energy-efficiency tax credit had been set to expire at the end 
of 2011. But early this year, as part of the "fiscal cliff" deal, Congress 
extended it to include projects undertaken during tax years 2012 and 2013. 
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To qualify for the tax credits - which reimburse homeowners 10 percent of the 
cost of an Energy Star-qualifying home improvement project, up to $500 - the 
improvement must have been made in 2012 or 2013. 
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Here's a list of products and appliances that may qualify for a tax credit, but 
keep in mind that the total credit can't exceed $500: 
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-Insulation or insulating material, 10 percent of cost. 
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-Exterior window or skylight, 10 percent of cost, up to $200. 
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-Exterior door, 10 percent of cost. 
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-Metal roof with pigmented coating, or asphalt roof with cooling granules, 10 
percent of the cost. 
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-Advanced main air circulating fan, $50. 
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-Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler, $150. 
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-Electric heat pump water heater, $300. 
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-Electric heat pump, $300. 
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-Central air conditioner, $300. 
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-Natural gas, propane, or oil water heater, $300. 
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-Biomass stove, $300. 
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Here are basic facts about the tax credit, compiled by our consumer-services 
research team: 
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Taxpayers who took advantage of the full original tax credits from 2006 to 2011 
are not eligible for the entire credit. However, if you only used $200 of the 
credit during that time period, you would still be eligible for $300 this time 
around. 
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In order to receive the tax credit for various home improvement projects, the 
work must have been done in 2013 and it must be claimed on the 2013 federal 
income tax form, which is due to be filed by April 15, 2014. 
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To take advantage of the credits, fill out IRS Form 5695 and provide a copy of 
the Manufacturer's Certification Statement, along with a receipt. Your service 
provider should be able to help you with the certification statement. 
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To qualify for the credit, the energy-efficient product must be installed in 
the taxpayer's primary, owned residence, and must have an expected life span of 
at least five years. Usually, labor costs don't count toward tax-credit 
eligibility. 
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Also, each improvement must meet government energy-efficiency ratings. For 
example, a natural gas, propane or oil water heater must have an "energy 
factor" of at least 0.82 or a thermal efficiency rating of at least 90 percent. 
A biomass stove, meanwhile, would need a thermal efficiency rating of at least 
75 percent. For more information, visit energystar.gov. 
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Another source of help would be a certified tax accountant. 
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ABOUT THE WRITER Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a resource for 
local consumer reviews on everything from home repair to health care. Follow 
her on Twitter at @Angie - Hicks.
[tabi] Tax credit for energy efficient home improvements

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