This is the eighth in a 12-part series of weekly posts on the 2009 Home Owner Tax Credit. To see all the posts in this series, click here.
If you’re a homeowner wondering how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, you may want to look into following some of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines for home energy efficiency.
Get Money for Home Efficiency Improvements
The federal government is offering tax credits for people who make energy efficient improvements in their home. These include replacing windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling systems to more energy efficient types. Solar energy systems also qualify such as geothermal heat pumps, residential fuel cell and micro-turbine systems, small wind systems, solar electric systems, and solar water heaters.
Home Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: How Much You Will Get
You will receive 30 percent of the amount of money you spent on the home improvements. However, you won’t receive more than $1,500. You must have these improvements completed from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010.
More Information About Solar Energy Systems
For solar energy systems, you must have it certified by a Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or another company endorsed by your state government. Other qualifications include:
- Half of your home’s energy should come from the solar energy system.
- The fuel cells much have greater than 30 percent of electricity-only generation efficiency.
- Your geothermal heat pump must requirements by Energy Star.
Tax Credits for Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Your home is not the only energy efficiency tax credit you can get; buying a car that is energy efficient will reap you a tax credit benefit as well.
If you buy a plug in electronic car, you can receive a tax credit of up to $7,500. If you convert your car to a hybrid, you will receive a tax credit of up to $4,000 as long as you have it done by February 17, 2009.
There’s never been a better time to make some energy efficient changes. Not only are you saving money on utilities and helping save the environment, you’re also getting a tax relief!
You can find out more and download a free guide to tax credit information by clicking the following link:
Home Owners Tax Credit Guide-HS-1
Photo:Wayne National Forest
