Bible Money Matters

Christian personal finance

Menu
    • About
    • Archives
    • Contact
    • Close
  • Making Money
      • Popular Articles

        • 50 Ways To Make Money: Maximizing, Creating And Increasing Your Income
        • 10 Weird And Unconventional Ways To Make Money
        • Making Money With A Blog (e-Book)
        • 10 Places To Sell Or Trade Your Unused (Or Broken) Electronics
        • Ways To Make Extra Money Series: 20 More Income Generating Ideas From Our Readers
        • Making Side Income Can Help Blunt The Impact Of Becoming A One Income Family
        • Earn Cash Back With Discover it® Credit Card
      • Recent Articles – Making Money

        • Best Sites Like Fiverr To Make Money As A Freelancer
        • 13 Of The Best Independent Contractor Jobs
        • 25 Of The Best Gig Economy Jobs
        • How To Make Money Blogging: Turn A Blog Into A Business
      • Categories

        • Making Money
        • Investing
        • Retirement
        • Jobs & Work LIfe
        • Money
        • Income
    • Close
  • Saving Money
      • Popular Articles

        • 50 Easy Ways To Save Money Every Month
        • 10 Weird And Unconventional Ways To Save Money
        • 10 Practical Ways To Save Money And Increase Your Net Worth
        • How To Save Money On Just About All Of Your Regular Monthly Bills
        • Ways To Watch TV Without Paying An Arm And A Leg For Cable TV
        • Save Money On Your Hospital Bill - Just By Asking
      • Recent Articles – Saving Money

        • How To Save $100k In 7 Practical Steps
        • Stairs App Review: Save And Invest To Earn 4-6% Interest
        • Honey Review: Save Money Automatically When You Shop Online
        • 9 Convincing Reasons Why You Need An Emergency Fund
      • Categories

        • Saving Money
        • Frugality
        • Planning
        • Finance
        • Saving For Retirement
        • Savings Accounts
    • Close
  • Banking
      • Best Rates For 2019

        • Best Credit Cards
        • Best Savings Accounts
        • Best Mortgage Rates
        • Best CD Rates
        • Best Brokerages
        • Free Credit Scores
      • Recent Reviews

        • TradeStation Review: Commission Free Stock And ETF Trades
        • Firstrade Review: Commission Free Trades on Stocks, Crypto, And Options
        • Cadre Real Estate Investing Review: Commercial Real Estate Investing
        • Axos Self Directed Trading Review: Invest, Trade Stocks For Free
      • Categories

        • Bank & Software Reviews
        • Investing
        • Credit
        • Banking
        • Mortgage
        • Insurance
        • Family Budget
    • Close
  • Recommended
  • Video
    • Close

2011 Home Improvement Tax Credits For Energy Efficient Products (Insulation, Windows, Heaters, Etc)

By Peter Anderson 6 Comments - The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited February 11, 2014.

Share4
Pin1
Tweet4
Share2
11 Shares

In 2009 and 2010 a lot of people decided to take advantage of the home improvement tax credits for energy efficient improvements.   The tax credits, which were a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, allowed you to claim up to $1500 in tax credits on qualified energy efficient home improvements like doors, windows and water heaters among other things.

Hopefully you took advantage in 2009 or 2010, because although the credit has been renewed for 2011, the amount of the 2011 home improvement tax credit has shrunk,  along with the list of things that are qualified for the credit.  From latimes.com

The $858-billion federal tax bill signed into law by President Obama on Dec. 17 was a mixed bag for American homeowners, with elements of both the Grinch and Santa squeezed into the same bulging package.

The goodies for select groups were well-publicized — unemployment benefits extension, payroll tax cuts, continuation of the Bush income tax rates and favorable estate tax treatment for wealthy individuals, among others. The bill even pushed back the expiration date for the tax deductibility of mortgage insurance premiums for another year.

But other provisions in the bill could be bad news for homeowners interested in remodeling projects to conserve energy next year. The legislation slashed the popular tax credits for energy-efficient remodeling from 30% of an improvement’s cost ($1,500 maximum per taxpayer) to just a 10% credit with a $500 maximum for expenditures on insulation materials, exterior windows and storm doors, skylights, and metal and asphalt roofs that resist heat gain.

Quick Navigation

  • Home Improvement Tax Credits
  • What Energy Efficient Products Are Eligible For The 2011-2013 Tax Credit?
  • How Do I Apply For The Tax Credit?
  • Reduction Of Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit Reduces Stimulative Effect?

Home Improvement Tax Credits

So the 2009-2010 home improvement tax credit for energy efficient home improvements allowed homeowners to claim up to 30% of cost of the home improvement, up to $1,500.  That tax credit expired on December 31st, 2010, to be replaced with the new tax credit that was included in the same tax package as the extension of the Bush tax cuts.  The amount of the credit has been substantially reduced.  Here are the details.

  • Tax credit: 10% of cost of the home improvement, up to a maximum of $500.
  • Partial tax credits: Of the $500 total credit, some purchases have their own maximum credit.  We’ll detail those in the section below. (Example, windows have a max of $200 tax credit now.)
  • Expires: December 31, 2011 (UPDATE: now extended through 12/31/2013)
  • Provisions: Must be on an existing home & your principal residence.   New construction and rentals don’t qualify.

So to recap, the maximum you can receive in 2011 for home improvement tax credits is $500, and that’s only if you haven’t already taken part and received a credit from the 2009-2010 tax credits, or the 2005-2008 tax credits.  For those that have previously claimed home improvement tax credits totaling more than $500, you are excluded from taking part.

UPDATE: The passage of The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 means that energy efficient home improvement tax credits are extended through 2013. Here are the details of the tax credit extension.

What Energy Efficient Products Are Eligible For The 2011-2013 Tax Credit?

energystar

A variety of products are eligible for the tax credit, however, you need to be careful that your specific product is eligible, or what the max credit is for that product.  Some of the products include:

  • Energy efficient doors and windows.  Installation costs are not eligible for the credit. Other restrictions apply. EnergyStar windows have a max of only $200 eligible for the credit
  • Water Heaters. Credit includes installation costs; some restrictions for energy efficiency apply. $300 max credit.
  • Insulation, whether spray foam, fiberglass, or blow-in cellulose, they’re all covered so long as they meet IECC requirements. Installation cost is NOT covered.
  • HVAC components, including advanced air handlers, air force heat pumps, central A/C units, boilers, propane, and gas furnaces. Tax credits include installation costs. $300 limit, and furnaces must now be 95% efficient.
  • Biomass Stoves.  $300 credit limit.
  • Metal and asphalt roofs. Credit doesn’t include installation costs.

Some of the tax credits will take into account installation costs, while other credits do not.  To find out if your product is included, and whether you can include installation costs, check the government site here.

How Do I Apply For The Tax Credit?

To claim the energy efficient products tax credit, you’ll need to claim the credit on your 2011 taxes in 2012.  There will be  a form from the IRS to send in with your return.   (I’ll update with a link once it becomes available).  The product has to be placed in service in 2011.

2011 Federal Income Tax Brackets for your reference.

Reduction Of Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit Reduces Stimulative Effect?

Since the tax credits have been greatly reduced this year, most believe that it will reduce the likelihood that people will take advantage, and by extension -reduce their stimulative effect.  While some people may have taken advantage in 2009-2010 because the credit could be pretty substantial, up to $1500, the likelihood that someone is going to spend 10 grand on new windows to get a $200 credit is pretty unlikely.  A lot of building industry folks aren’t happy.

The net effect of all this, say home building and remodeling experts, will be to severely diminish consumers’ interest in energy-efficient home improvements. Donna Shirey, chairwoman of the Remodelers Council of the National Assn. of Home Builders and president of a contracting firm in the Seattle area, said the gutting of energy-efficiency credits “is a big step backward. It’s bad for the environment, bad for consumers and, of course, bad for jobs in our industry. We’re heading the wrong way here, sending absolutely the wrong message.”

I happen to agree with those who are saying that having a credit at these minimal amounts is pretty pointless. Why not just remove it all together since it isn’t likely to have much of an effect anyway?

What do you think about the home improvement tax credit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Related Posts

  • 2010 Home Improvement Tax Credits For Energy Efficient Products (Insulation, Windows, Heaters, Etc)

    Congress has extended energy efficiency tax credits for most homeowners through the end of 2010, so if you've been looking to upgrade your water heater…

  • 2010 Tax Credits For Energy Efficient Vehicles: Tax Incentives For Electric Cars, Hybrids And Conversions

    As part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act there were quite a few incentives included for the purchase and retrofitting of electric and hybrid…

  • Home-Buyer Tax Credits Are Being Delayed Or Denied For Some Filers

    Over the past year we've talked quite a bit the home-buyer tax credits that were available to both first time home-buyers, and more recently to…

Share4
Pin1
Tweet4
Share2
11 Shares
Last Edited: 11th February 2014 The content of biblemoneymatters.com is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Visitors to biblemoneymatters.com should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate professional advice. In accordance with the latest FTC guidelines, we declare that we have a financial relationship with every company mentioned on this site.

This article is about: Refund, Taxes

About Peter Anderson

Peter Anderson is a Christian, husband to his beautiful wife Maria, and father to his 2 children. He loves reading and writing about personal finance, and also enjoys a good board game every now and again. You can find out more about him on the about page. Don't forget to say hi on Pinterest, Twitter or Facebook!

Comments

    Share Your Thoughts: Cancel reply

  1. Jenna says

    People should also look into how much state taxes are offering for home improvements too. I’m hoping to buy a house in 2011 so I will definitely be taking advantage of this. Regardless it’s better for the environment.

    Reply
  2. Pete says

    Since a lot of these are things that need delivered and/or installed, I was wondering how many people were going to be begging to prepay contractors to get under the wire in 2010, but then I noticed that for next year: “The product has to be placed in service in 2011.” So is the same true for 2010, and the product has to actually be put in service, and not just contracted for or paid for by Dec. 31, to get the credit for the 2010 tax year? If so, I hope that people who want the 2010 tax credit have planned ahead!

    Reply
  3. Deirdre Frutiger says

    My husband and I are still looking into certain home improvements for 2011 even though the federal tax credit has been reduced significantly. Many of our state and local incentives are still in place, we want a more comfortable home year-round, and I know that our heating and cooling bills will be reduced. We love our home and love being in it. Making it more energy efficient will add to our quality of life.

    Reply
  4. kevin says

    I understand that any credit or refund is an incentive for homeowners to take advantage of doing some energy efficient home improvement, however the true incentive should be the fact that doing theses upgrades will save you money over time. Cost of most of these upgrades will or can be recouped or a short period of time. The reward here is that you will spend less on your utilities by making your home more energy efficient regardly of what incentives exsist.

    Reply
  5. Jill says

    I just bought my home, and will be taking advantage of the window tax credits. When I looked up how much credit I could get back, I was dissapointed that it was only $200.00, and last year it was $1500.00, but I will take it. I was also sad to see that I bought my house during the few months in 2010 that was not giving the home buyers tax credit. Then to find out they are reinstating a new program for 2011.

    Reply
  6. robin says

    In 2010 I got a tax credit of 1500. for replacing my heat @ ac . in 2011 we replaced the roof with metal and some more new windows. I thought I could get another tax credit in 2011 for the other upgrades but my tax acct said you can only get up to 1500. in 4 years. Is this correct? If so all advertisements are misleading. please reply

    Reply
Previous Post: Blessings To You And Yours This Holiday Season. Merry Christmas!
Next Post: $1000 Child Tax Credit Extended Through 2011-2012
Discover Investment Platforms

Popular Posts

  • 21 Easy Ways To Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards
  • 10 Best Free Tax Filing Services And Software Online
  • 21 Apps That Pay You Real Money Fast
  • 17 TV Apps And Live TV Streaming Services To Watch TV Free
  • 30 Legit Online Jobs That Pay Well
  • 37 Easy Ways To Get Free Gift Cards
  • How To Get Free Stock
  • 40 Easy Ways To Get Free Money Fast
  • 21 Places To Read Free Books Online
  • 24 Legit Online Jobs
  • 17 Best Work From Home Jobs: A List Of Legit Online Jobs That Pay Well

Recent Posts

  • How To Save $100k In 7 Practical Steps
  • How to Save Money When Remodeling A Home
  • How To Hire A Contractor For Your Remodeling Project
  • Remembering 9/11 Years Later: Where Were You On That Fateful Day?
  • TradeStation Review: Commission Free Stock And ETF Trades
  • Firstrade Review: Commission Free Trades on Stocks, Crypto, And Options
  • Cadre Real Estate Investing Review: Commercial Real Estate Investing
  • Best Sites Like Fiverr To Make Money As A Freelancer
  • Axos Self Directed Trading Review: Invest, Trade Stocks For Free
  • 30 Quotes About Easter And Resurrection: He Is Risen!

Disclaimer

The information contained in BibleMoneyMatters.com is for general information or entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial advice. Please contact an independent financial professional for advice regarding your specific situation.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, we state that we have a financial relationship with some of the companies mentioned in this website. This may include receiving access to free products and services for product and service reviews and giveaways.

Any references to third party products, rates, or websites are subject to change without notice. We do our best to maintain current information, but due to the rapidly changing environment, some information may have changed since it was published. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

We respect your privacy: Privacy Policy.

Thanks for visiting!

Bible Money Matters - Seen On These Sites and more..
Bible Money Matters is a personal finance, entrepreneurship and investing community. Give more, save more and live more.

Copyright © 2023 · Bible Money Matters | Sitemap | Advertise | Privacy Policy