Green Tax Breaks for Individuals

Some lucrative federal income tax credits for certain energy-efficient home improvements were extended recently. The extensions were part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (the PATH Act), which became law on December 18, 2015. Here’s what you need to know to cash in on these tax breaks.

Credit for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements and Equipment

In recent years, individuals could claim a tax credit of up to $500 for qualified energy-saving improvements made to a principal residence in the United States. This credit expired at the end of 2014, but the PATH Act extended it for 2015 and 2016.

The credit equals 10% of certain qualified expenditures plus 100% of certain other qualified expenditures, subject to a maximum overall credit of $500. There are no income restrictions on taking this credit, and it can be used against the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Expenditures for vacation homes and foreign residences are ineligible, however.

For the following improvements to a U.S. principal residence, the maximum credit equals 10% of qualified expenditures up to the overall $500 credit cap, reduced by any credits claimed in earlier years:

• Insulation systems that reduce heat loss or gain,
• Metal and asphalt roofs with heat-reduction components that meet Energy Star requirements, and
• Exterior windows (including skylights) and doors that meet Energy Star requirements. These expenditures are subject to a separate $200 credit cap.

For the following items of energy-saving equipment installed in a U.S. principal residence, the maximum credit equals 100% of qualified expenditures up to the overall $500 credit cap, again reduced by any credits claimed in earlier years:

Qualified central air conditioners; electric heat pumps; electric heat pump water heaters; water heaters that run on natural gas, propane, or oil; and biomass fuel stoves used for heating or hot water. These items are subject to a separate $300 credit cap.

Qualified furnaces and hot water boilers that run on natural gas, propane, or oil. These items are subject to a separate $150 credit cap.

Qualified main air circulating fans used in natural gas, propane and oil furnaces. These items are subject to a separate $50 credit cap.

This credit will expire again at the end of this year, unless Congress extends it again.

Important note. Because the $500 credit cap is reduced by any credits claimed in earlier years, many people who previously claimed the credit will be ineligible for any further credits in 2015 and 2016.

Credit for Residential Solar Electricity-Generating and Water-Heating Equipment

Individual taxpayers can collect a generous federal income tax credit for expenditures for qualifying solar electricity-generating and water-heating equipment. This credit was scheduled to expire at the end of 2016, but it’s been extended to cover qualifying expenditures made through 2021.

For property placed in service by the end of 2019, the credit equals 30% of qualifying expenditures. For property placed in service in 2020 and 2021, the credit rate is scheduled to be reduced to 26% and 22%, respectively.

Important note. Because qualifying systems are expensive, this credit can be significant. There are no upper limits on the credit or phaseout rules for people with higher income levels. In addition, the credit is allowed against the AMT. If your credit is so large that you can’t use all of it on your current-year return, you can carry forward any unused credit to future tax years.

In general, 30% of the costs for the following types of equipment count as eligible expenditures for the credit:

• Qualified solar water-heating equipment,
• Qualified solar electricity-generating equipment,
• Qualified wind energy equipment, and
• Qualified geothermal heat pump equipment.

Qualified equipment must be installed and used in a U.S. residence, which can be a vacation home.

You can also take the credit for qualified fuel cell electricity-generating equipment for a U.S. principal residence. Vacation homes are ineligible for the fuel cell credit. Also, the maximum annual fuel cell credit is limited to $500 for each 0.5 kilowatt hour of fuel cell capacity added during that year.

This credit can’t, however, be claimed for equipment used to heat swimming pools or hot tubs. Special rules apply to expenditures for residential co-op and condominium buildings.

Important note. Keep receipts, contracts and other documentation to prove exactly how much you spend on eligible costs, including any extra labor costs for site preparation, assembly, installation, piping or wiring.

Both Credits Require Manufacturer Certifications

To claim either of these residential energy credits, you must obtain a certification from the manufacturer that the product qualifies. The certification may be on the product packaging or the manufacturer’s website. Keep this certification with your tax records. You don’t need to attach it to your return, but the return must include a completed Form 5695, “Residential Energy Credits.”

For more information about these “green” tax breaks, contact your tax adviser.

© 2016