Family & Consumer Science News
Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Home Improvements
By Terri Black County Extension agent

This is a great time to install new energy efficient windows or add additional insulation to your home. If you improve the energy efficiency of your home before the end of 2007, you can receive a tax credit of up to $500 on your federal taxes.

Qualifying energy efficient products include exterior windows, skylights, exterior doors, insulation, metal roofing, water heaters, and heating and cooling equipment. These products must be installed in your primary U.S. residence and have an ENERGY STAR label or meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The amount of the tax credit ranges from $50 for the installation of a main air circulation fan to a maximum of $500.

If you decide to install solar water heating equipment or a photovoltaic system, you qualify for a 30 percent tax credit, or a maximum of $2,000.

For more information on which products qualify, visit www.energystar.gov. Additional details on the tax credit are available on the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov). For more information on making your home more energy efficient, contact the Burke County Extension Office at 706-554- 2119.