Receive a tax credit for installing Solar Gard® window film in 2011
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides Federal tax credits for consumers who make certain energy-efficient improvements to their homes. This bill extends tax credits for energy efficient home improvements, such as energy saving window film. The Act provides a 2011 residential tax credit for consumers through the end of 2011.
Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), homeowners can receive a 10 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy efficiency improvements," including Solar Gard solar control window film on windows, doors, and skylights. This tax credit applies only to improvements made to a primary residence from Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2011. A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. If you can itemize energy-related purchases on your federal income tax form, it will lower the total amount of tax you owe the government.
Homeowners can receive a 10 percent credit on the cost of the window film, up to $500. Installation costs do not apply, only the cost of the film.
Save On Your Energy Bills Now
Cooling costs related to the heat gained through windows can make up about 40 percent of a home's summer utility bill for homes with air conditioning. Solar control window film rejects up to 80 percent of the total solar energy, which helps lower your energy consumption. And the energy savings benefits go on year after year, long after you have received the tax credit.
And the benefits don't stop there. In addition to energy savings all year long, window film also can:
- Improve your comfort by eliminating hot spots and maintaining interior temperatures
- Help protect your family from UV exposure, which can help prevent certain forms of skin cancer
- Reduce glare
- Reduce fading of furnishings and interiors
Eligibility
Any homeowner who purchases and installs qualifying Solar Gard solar control window film (see manufacturer's certfication for eligible films) between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011 is eligible to receive a 2011 tax credit.
How to Receive Credit
Complete the 2011 version of the IRS form 5695 and file 2011 Income Tax Returns by April 15, 2012. Maintain copies of the dealer invoice and the manufacturer’s certification statement for your records. If you are audited, you will need to provide these documents to the IRS.
Tax forms will be available for downloadable from http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c1 or the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/ towards the end of 2011.
To verify if a tax credit is available for 2010, please download this document.
Locating a Solar Gard Dealer
For professionally installed window film, visit the Find a Dealer section of our website.