New roofs qualify for the energy credit, or do they?

nmil@li#ng13
nmil@li#ng13 Member Posts: 3 Newcomer
in General

I am attempting to claim the small energy efficiency credit for my new asphalt roof. I don't see the credit on energy star, but I have come across several articles that mention this. Is it a real credit? How can I enter it on the FreeTaxUSA software?

Tagged:

Best Answer

  • JanaA
    JanaA FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 179 image
    Answer ✓

    Currently the IRS offers a tax credit for Energy Efficient Home Improvements which include the following:

    • Exterior doors, windows, skylights and insulation materials
    • Central air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, boilers and heat pumps
    • Biomass stoves and boilers
    • Home energy audits

    Additionally, there is an Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for the following:

    • Solar, wind and geothermal power generation
    • Solar water heaters
    • Fuel cells
    • Battery storage (beginning in 2023)

    If you simply replaced the roofing on your home, this replacement cost is generally not considered deductible. However, if you invested in certain types of solar roofing equipment like solar roofing tiles and shingles which serve as both a form of solar electric generation and traditional roofing, such investments can qualify for the credit.

    If this is applicable to your situation, you can enter these costs in the "Deductions/Credits" section of our software. Here you can list any qualified expenses in the "Home Energy Credit" subheading.

Answers

  • ivencroft
    ivencroft Member Posts: 1 Newcomer

    There’s a lot of confusion around roofing and the energy credit because older versions of the credit used to allow certain ENERGY STAR roofing materials, but the current federal rules are much narrower. Standard asphalt shingles usually do not qualify unless the roofing product is tied to solar energy generation or another specifically approved energy-efficient upgrade. That’s why many tax programs don’t automatically show a roofing option anymore.

    A contractor can usually help clarify whether the material installed qualifies before you file. In parts of Kentucky and surrounding areas, homeowners working with Covenant Roofing & Restoration have mentioned checking manufacturer certification statements first, especially when reflective shingles or solar-integrated roofing systems were involved. If your roof was just a normal asphalt replacement, the IRS generally treats it as a home improvement rather than a credit-eligible energy upgrade.

Categories