How to Get Tax Credit from Using Energy-Efficient Doors

The government offers tax credits on energy efficient doors, just as it does on energy efficient windows. It’s a good plan that means in the long term you’ll be spending a lot less on your heating bills, and your investment in equipment will be less, thanks to the tax credit. There are very specific limits you’ll meet in order to qualify for a tax credit on energy efficient doors.

Forms and Records Needed:

  • Receipt
  • Tax form 5695
  • Tax form 1040

Step 1 - Available Tax Credit

You can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the storm door and exterior door with it. These door have to be in what’s considered to be your principle residence, and they must be purchased and install between the very beginning of 2009 and the last day of 2010. There is a maximum payout of $1,500.

Note that this is the most that will be given to one family in the 2 year period for which the program runs, so it includes doors, windows and most other things. Items like geothermal pumps, solar panels and wind turbines have their own rules for tax credits.

Step 2 - What Qualifies?

The new exterior door and storm door together need to have a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or less. Note that only doors that are classed as opaque or 1/4 or 1/2 lite are eligible for the tax credit. Those classed as 3/4 lite or full lite do not qualify for the tax credit.

You’ll need to supply a certification from the manufacturer of the doors stating that the product is eligible for the tax credit. In most instances you’ll be able to obtain this from either the installer or the retailer. Where you can’t it should be available on the manufacturer’s website. The IECC als has criteria for energy efficient doors, but those that qualify through the U-factor and SHGC should qualify without a problem.

Step 3 - How To Find Products that Qualify

The bad news is that there’s no simple way to reference the products that qualify for the tax credit; there is no single list of them. This means that you’ll need to check with retailers and manufacturers. Most retailers will be aware of the tax credits on energy efficient doors, and will be able to point you in the right direction. Many manufacturers will show on their websites and in brochures which of their products qualify.

Step 4 - Claiming the Tax Credit

If you bought and installed energy efficient doors in 2009, then you’d need to claim the tax credit on your 2009 tax return. You’ll need to fill out the correct form, which is Form 5695, and place the correct amount from that on Line 52 of your Form 1040 tax return.

Where the energy efficient doors have been installed in 2010, you’d claim them on your 2010 tax return, due by April 15, 2011. You’d follow the same procedure, filling out Form 5695 and making the claim on the appropriate line of your tax return. You don’t need to submit either the certification for the doors or your receipt with the tax forms. Just keep them in case there’s a query from the IRS.