Equipment and materials can qualify for the Energy Property Credit only if they meet technical efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy. The manufacturer can tell you whether a particular item meets those standards. For this credit, the IRS distinguishes between two kinds of upgrades.

The first is “qualified energy efficiency improvements,” and it includes the following: 

  • Home insulation 
  • Exterior doors
  • Exterior windows and skylights 
  • Certain roofing materials

The second category is “residential energy property costs.” It includes: 

  • Electric heat pumps
  • Electric heat pump water heaters
  • Central air conditioning systems 
  • Natural gas, propane or oil water heaters 
  • Stoves that use biomass fuel
  • Natural gas, propane or oil furnaces 
  • Natural gas, propane or oil hot water boilers
  • Advanced circulating fans for natural gas, propane or oil furnaces

Details of Tax Credit

You can claim a tax credit for 10% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements and 100% of residential energy property costs. However, significant limits apply: 

  • This credit is worth a maximum of $500 for all years combined, from 2006 to the present. 
  • Of that combined $500 limit, a maximum of $200 can be for windows. 
  • The maximum tax credit for a furnace circulating fan is $50. 
  • The maximum credit for a furnace or boiler is $150. 
  • The maximum credit for any other single residential energy property cost is $300.
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Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.

This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.

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