Tax incentives and rebate programs for consumers

Home improvements and new appliances can be very costly, to ease the burden, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extends many tax incentives and provides funding to every state to implement appliance rebate programs.   These incentives are provided to increase energy efficiency nationwide while helping you, the consumer, keep more of your money. 

There are two separate pots of money you can tap into when making energy efficient improvements to your home; tax credits offered by the federal government and Energy Star Appliance Rebates offered through your state. 

Federal tax credits will be available through 2010 for thirty percent of the purchase or up to $1,500.  Tax credits are offered on items such as; windows, doors, insulation, roofs, air conditioning units, furnaces, biomass stoves, solar panels and more.  For more information visit Energy Star .

All 50 States, Washington DC, and 5 US territories will have an ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate program.  Each state has its own timeline for launching the program and will announce the details and rules for how to apply.  If you are in the market for a new appliance check your states approved efficient appliance programs.  

For more information visit the Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency  or the Department or Energy  Recovery Act Clearinghouse at 1-888-DOE-RCVY.  You may also find other special offers and rebates from Energy Star by using the rebate locator.

Published May 3, 2010.