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June 4, 2019
Question

Tax Year Prior to 2020: Home improvements

  • June 4, 2019
  • 1 reply
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we had energy star windows installed in our home in 2016. can i write this off or get a credit for it?

1 reply

June 4, 2019

Yes, if they are certified for the tax credit.  These are entered in the Deductions & Credits section:

  • With your return open, search for energy improvements in the program search box. (Don't search for "energy credit," as this will take you to the wrong place in the program.)
  • Click Jump to energy improvements in the search results.
  • At the bottom of the Energy-Saving Home Improvements screen, answer Yes and click Continue.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

If that doesn't work:  Go directly to the Federal Taxes tab, then Deductions & Credits, then Your Home, then scroll to Home Energy Credits.

Tip: You can see which energy-saving home improvements qualify for a federal tax credit at the Energy Star website.

The Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit is what is called a "non-refundable" credit which means it will only reduce your tax liability to zero.  Any remainder can be carried forward to the next year. 


kmaierAuthor
June 4, 2019
I tried this and it is only looking at new home construction, this is a 30 year old home, do i still get credit? if i do it is not letting me.