Federal energy tax credits
Harness Energy Tax Credits with VU Window Treatments in Central Florida
Qualifying energy-efficient window treatments can be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $1,200, on top of what they save you on cooling.
What the credit is
A Credit, Not a Rebate
The federal energy efficient home improvement credit reduces what you owe in tax, rather than paying you money at the point of purchase. Qualifying improvements to an existing primary residence can be claimed against the tax year in which the work was completed.
Window treatments qualify where the specific product meets the relevant efficiency criteria. ShutterSmart EnergyGuard shutters are the product in our range engineered specifically for this, and certain qualifying insulating shades may also be eligible.
- Applies to qualifying improvements on an existing primary residence
- Reduces tax owed rather than paying cash back
- Claimed for the tax year the work was completed
- Keep the invoice and any manufacturer certification statement
Being straight with you
What We Can and Cannot Tell You
We can tell you which products in our range are engineered to meet energy efficiency criteria, and we can supply the documentation and manufacturer certification you will need to make a claim.
We cannot tell you whether you personally will qualify, how much you will receive, or how it interacts with the rest of your return. That depends on your tax position, and we are window treatment manufacturers rather than tax advisors. Speak to a CPA before you count on a figure. Anyone in this industry who promises you a specific refund is overstepping.
How to claim
Steps to Take
Straightforward, provided you keep the paperwork at the time rather than looking for it in April.
1. Choose qualifying products
Tell your consultant that the tax credit matters to you and they will steer the specification toward products engineered to qualify.
2. Keep your invoice
Your itemised invoice from VU showing the products purchased and the installation date is the primary document you will need.
3. Get the certification statement
Manufacturers issue a certification statement confirming a product meets the relevant criteria. Ask us and we will provide it.
4. Note the completion date
The credit is claimed for the tax year in which the installation was completed, not the year you placed the order.
5. Talk to a tax professional
Take the paperwork to your CPA. They will confirm whether you qualify and how much you can claim given your circumstances.
6. File the right form
Energy efficient home improvement credits are claimed on IRS Form 5695. Your tax preparer will handle this as part of your return.
From our portfolio
Tax Credits & Energy Savings Gallery
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Common questions
FAQs: Energy Tax Credits
Still deciding? Call (407) 295-5200 or book a free in-home consultation and see samples in your own light.
Qualifying energy efficient home improvements can be eligible for credits of up to 1,200 dollars per year, with limits that vary by improvement category. Your actual credit depends on what you install and on your individual tax circumstances, so confirm the figure with a tax professional.
ShutterSmart EnergyGuard shutters are engineered specifically for energy performance and are the product in our range most likely to qualify. Certain insulating shades may also be eligible. Tell your consultant that the credit matters to you and they will specify accordingly.
The energy efficient home improvement credit generally applies to an existing primary residence rather than to rental or investment property. There are exceptions and nuances depending on use, so this is exactly the sort of question to put to your CPA rather than to us.
Your itemised invoice from VU showing the products and the installation completion date, plus the manufacturer certification statement for the qualifying product. Ask us for the certification at the time of installation rather than a year later.
No, and we would be wary of any company that says otherwise. We can confirm which products are engineered to meet the criteria and supply the supporting documentation. Whether you qualify, and for how much, depends on your tax position and is a question for a qualified tax professional.
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