New Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for 2009 Next year be sure to inform your clients, friends and family about the new consumer tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements in 2009 – yet another reason for them to invest in energy efficient improvements in their homes! In October, President Bush signed into law new consumer tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 provides up to $500 in tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements, largely the same – but not identical – to those that expired at the end of 2007. The tax credits apply for improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009. Selected Tax Credits: -Central air conditioner, heat pump, water heater, bio gas stove Qualify for a $300* tax credit (Only some Energy Star products qualify) -Furnace or boiler Qualify for a $150* tax credit (Only some Energy Star products qualify) -Windows Qualify for up to $200* tax credit (All Energy Star windows qualify) -Insulation and sealing Qualify for up to $500* tax credit (Must meet model building code as installed) -Ground-source heat pump Qualify for up to $2,000 tax credit (Only Energy Star products qualify) * Maximum of $500 total for home improvements. See this IRS fact sheet for more information: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=153397,00.html What do customers need to do to get the tax credit? They will need to file IRS Form 5695 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf) with their taxes, and keep all receipts. For more information, see the Alliance to Save Energy website: (http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/2654#taxcredit_intro) Until next time… Sustainably yours, Scott Medlin