Residential Window Film Tax Credit

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act reinstated Federal tax credits for consumers who make certain energy-efficient improvements to their homes. This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements, such as energy saving window film. Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), homeowners can receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy efficiency improvements," including Hüper Optik solar control window film on windows, doors, and skylights. This tax credit applies only to improvements made to a primary residence from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2010.

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 30 percent credit on the cost of the window film installed during the tax year of 2010, up to $1500. Installation costs do not apply, only the cost of the film. This credit is in addition to any previous credit used.

UPDATE FOR THE 2011 TAX YEAR

Window Film installed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 may qualify for a maximum tax credit of 10% of the window film cost up too $500.00 if the tax credit has not been claimed in the previous year. Certain stipulations apply, please talk to your accountant or reference the IRS.gov website for details. In order to determine your eligibility please refer to the downloadable 2011 Manufacture's Certification Certificate below. 

2011 Manufacture's Certification Statement and Zone Map

2010 TAX YEAR ELIGIBILITY

Any homeowner who purchases and installs qualifying Hüper Optik brands of solar control window film between January 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2010 is eligible to receive a tax credit. Download the zone map below to determine which Hüper Optik films are eligible in your area.

2010 Federal Tax Credit Zone Map

HOW TO RECEIVE CREDIT

Complete IRS form 5695 and file 2010 Income Tax Returns by April 18, 2011.

IRS 2010 form 5695

Maintain copies of the dealer invoice and the manufacturer’s certification statement for your appropriate zone in your tax records.

Certification Letter for Zone 1

Certification Letter for Zone 2

Certification Letter for Zone 3

Certification Letter for Zones 4-8

Tax forms are downloadable from http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c1 or the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/. For further information about energy tax credits, visit http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.