Green Upgrades Done in 2021? Observe These Tax Credits!

Many Americans have incorporated eco-friendly habits into their daily lives, like recycling, going paperless, and even eating less meat. Other options to go green include switching to clean energy or buying an electric vehicle. But substantial improvements are frequently very expensive. The cost of the commitment may be partially offset by several current tax credits, but it pays to be aware of the specifics. Here is a quick-start guide to the current federal tax incentives for energy efficiency and other green upgrades. Whether you’re wanting to make some modifications this year or are wondering if any adjustments you did in 2021 contribute to a tax rebate.

Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

Changing to an electric vehicle has a few heartwarming advantages. In addition to leaving a smaller carbon footprint, electric cars frequently need less upkeep and fuel than their gas-powered counterparts.

Even more, your purchase can be eligible for a $7,500 green federal tax credit. The problem? You’ll need to keep track of which automobiles and how much are eligible.

On the other hand, hybrid vehicles frequently only qualify for a reduced amount.

Here is a quick look at some of the small print:

• Depending on the battery capacity of the car, the credit ranges from $2,500 to $7,500.
• Following the sale of 200,000 qualified vehicles by a manufacturer, credits start to decline and finally fade out.
• The car has to be yours. Vehicles that have been previously owned or leased are not eligible.
• The vehicle must be under 14,000 pounds in weight.
• The credit is nonrefundable, so even though it can make your tax obligation zero, you won’t get a refund.

We advise looking for additional incentives at the state and local levels as well. For instance, certain electric vehicles are allowed to use the carpool lane under California’s Clean Air Vehicle program. On the other hand, New York residents may be qualified for a state-level rebate of up to $2,000 in addition to the federal tax credit.

Credits for Residential Energy

Green tax credits for the home are divided into two categories: one for energy efficiency and the other for renewable energy installations.

For systems constructed in 2020 through 2022, taxpayers who upgrade to renewable energy systems for their houses, such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps, may be eligible for a non-refundable tax credit of up to 26% of the expenditures. After that, for systems deployed in 2023, the ratio drops to 22%.

You might be able to reduce your utility costs and possibly raise the value of your property by switching to an alternative energy source.

However, keep in mind that when you file your return, some subsidies—like, say, a kickback check you receive from a utility company—should be shown as income. Otherwise, before determining your credit, you must deduct the check amount from the total costs you are claiming.

The IRS provides some comfort in this area as well if you have questions regarding smaller commitment modifications. You may be qualified for a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $500 if you upgrade your home’s doors or windows or add insulation. The warning? Only qualified modifications made in 2021 now qualify for this credit because it hasn’t been extended for 2022.

Before Filing Your Taxes

Make sure you give your tax preparer all the appropriate documents and certificates to claim the credit you’re filling. Especially if you believe you qualify for a federal tax incentive this year. Your eligibility may be in jeopardy if any required documentation is missing.

Keep an eye on President Biden’s Build Back Better Act’s future in the coming months if you’re not quite ready to commit to an electric vehicle or solar panels. Despite being stuck in Congress, the measure features several ambitious proposals for sustainable energy, including significant improvements and additions to the aforementioned incentives.