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U.S. Tax Energy Credits Available to Individuals

2024-12-10
When legislators contemplate the implementation of taxes, they take into account the necessity of taxation as well as its potential impact on consumer behavior. Increasing the availability of tax credits for energy-efficient products has the potential to incentivize consumers to increase their purchases of such goods. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) primarily provides energy tax incentives in the form of tax credits. The following is a detailed description of the tax credits involved.

  1. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

    (1)
    		 Qualification for the Credit

    Taxpayers can avail of this credit for eligible expenses incurred in an existing home (including an addition), rather than for new construction. The credit is applicable to payments made for qualified residential energy efficiency improvements, residential energy property expenditures, and the cost of home energy audits. It is important to note that the credit must be claimed in the year of installation.

    In accordance with the tax regulations, each individual item is subject to a specific limit on tax credits, thereby restricting taxpayers from claiming an aggregate amount exceeding $1,200 annually. The credit for the energy-efficient home improvement is calculated as 30 percent of the total cost incurred for the respective item or improvement. This credit comprises two distinct components:

    (a)    Building Envelope Improvements

    For example, exterior windows and skylight improvements have a $600 maximum per year. However, it is crucial to meet the prescribed efficiency or factor ratings for each individual item in order to qualify for the credit.

    (b)    Qualified Energy Property

    For example, an electric or natural gas heat pump has a $2,000 maximum credit.  However, it is crucial to meet the prescribed efficiency or factor ratings for each individual item in order to qualify for the credit.

    Taxpayers who acquire qualified residential energy-efficient property are required to meet or surpass the most stringent efficiency tier set by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, which is applicable at the beginning of the calendar year when the equipment is put into operation.

    (2)
    		 How to Claim the Credit?

    (a) Taxpayers are required to disclose the identification numbers of their products.

    (b) The credit can be claimed by completing Form 5695.

  2. The Residential Clean Energy Credit

    (1)
    		 Qualification for the Credit

    In general, the credit is applicable to both existing homes and newly constructed ones, encompassing the costs of labor involved in installation. Additionally, the credit permits individuals to claim it for various types of qualified property, such as qualified solar electric property, solar water heating property, fuel cell plants, etc.

    To avail the credit, individuals are required to decrease the value of their home by the amount of credit allowed. It is important to note that the home is where the taxpayer lives, including a house, houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment, and condominium.
    (2)
    		 How to Claim the Credit?

    (a) Taxpayers should retain both receipts and the manufacturer's certification statements as supporting documentation for the credit.

    (b) Claim the credit by attaching Form 5695 to Form 1040.

  3. The Tax Credit for A New Energy-Efficient Home

    (1)
    		 Qualification for the Credit

    The tax credit for newly constructed energy-efficient homes is accessible to builders. During the tax year, the credit is applicable for each qualified new energy-efficient home that is constructed by an eligible contractor and acquired by an individual from the eligible contractor for residential purposes.

    Home builders are eligible for a $2500 tax credit for the following new energy-efficient homes:

    (a)     Single-family homes

    Single-family homes purchased prior to January 1, 2025, are required to adhere to the Energy Star Single-Family New Homes National Program Requirements 3.1 as outlined in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC § 45L(c)(2)(A)).

    For homes acquired after December 31, 2024, are required to adhere to the Energy Star Single-Family New Homes National Program Requirements 3.2 as outlined in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC § 45L(c)(2)(A)).

    (b)     Multifamily homes

    Tax credits can be granted to multifamily homes that adhere to the relevant criteria of the Energy Star Multifamily New Construction Program or obtain certification as a zero energy-ready home through the Zero Energy Ready Home Program, both administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Meanwhile, if multifamily homes remunerate laborers and mechanics with prevailing wages during the construction process, they can receive a higher tax credit.
    (2)
    		 How to Claim the Credit?

    (a) Eligible contractors should use Form 8908 to claim.

    (b) Claim the credit for each qualified energy-efficient home sold or leased within the tax year.

  4. Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit

    (1)
    		 Qualification for the Credit

    The credit for qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles is granted to both individuals and businesses under Section 30D of the Internal Revenue Code. It is applicable to eligible plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, such as cars and light trucks.
    (2)
    		 How to Claim the Credit?

    (a) Individuals should use Form 8936 for personal (Part III) utilization of the vehicle.

    (b) Retain the manufacturer's certification that the vehicle complies with IRS requirements in support of the credit.

    (c) Any portion of the credit attributable to personal use of the qualified vehicle is treated as a nonrefundable personal credit.

Disclaimer

All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage.

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