Can I postpone a Federal Income Tax credit to another year

[acwgolfer]

I'm planning on installing energy efficiency appliances next year. My income that year will be solely based on capital gains that I expect to be below the threshold for a married couple so the federal tax rate will be 0.  Is it possible to delay taking the energy efficiency credit to the following year when my income will come from a retirement account withdrawal?

[DoninGA]

The credit can only be taken in the year the system was installed and placed in service.

[Cindy4]

Hi acwgolfer!

You must claim the credit in the year the energy efficient appliances are installed, you can't defer it.  Some other energy credits are taken over three years, but they begin in the year of installation. 

Here is a great reference regarding energy efficient credits:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/frequently-asked-questions-about-energy-efficient-home-improv...

Hope this helps!

Cindy

[NateTheGrEAt]

You could delay the credit by choosing to delay the installation of the appliances until the year when you want the credit. But that's the only way.

[JohnJ4 · Accepted solution]

The Energy Efficient Property tax credit must be taken in the year the property is installed and placed in service.

You cannot delay the tax credit.