I just realized that solar panel payments are tax deductible. Can I amend prior years returns to claim this deduction?

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

It depends, but probably.  Credits were claimable for qualifying energy saving equipment (solar panels was and still is a big one), so as long as you (and not a tax-free source like insurance) paid for the panels, you likely qualify to claim the Renewable Energy Credit.  The question is for what tax year.  If it would have been claimed in 2014, 2015 or 2016, then, yes, you will want to amend the return because you may still get a refund for that credit.  However, if it is for a year before 2013, then even if you amend the return, the statute of limitations has expired to receive additional refund.

If you can amend, here is an FAQ on instructions how to do so:  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288565

[TaxGuyBill]

So just to clarify, the "payments" not "deductible", but you qualify for the credit when it was installed.