Address to use for Solar Energy Credit for full time RVer?

[rclewen]

We sold our house in 2022 and moved full time into our motorhome. We subsequently install a Solar PV system in the motorhome. I understand that we are eligible for the solar energy credit, but form 5695 wants the address where the system is installed.  Since this is for a motorhome, and we no longer own a fixed home, what address should I use?

1. The address on my driver's license? (This is still our prior house address)?

2. Our mailing address? (we are using a relative to handle our mail. If I use her address would that prevent her from making solar improvements on her house?

Thanks!

[DMarkM1]

I didn't find any definitive guidance on which physical address to use, but can confirm that places such as RV and houseboats that can be classified as homes are eligible.  Additionally, there is no lifetime or dollar limit to the credit. The credit is for a new system not based on location.  So if someone installs a system and takes a credit in one year they are not precluded from installing and taking a credit on a new system in another year on the same property.   Also, the home does not need to be one's principal residence one just has to be the or one of the owners.        

[rclewen]

Thanks! I understand all of that, but Form 5695 still wants an address 😀  I found elsewhere inths community the recommendation of using the address on my driver's license.

[AnnetteB6 · Accepted solution]

The only time this will matter is if your tax return is selected to be audited for some reason.  If that were to be the case, then you would have a chance to explain why you chose the address that you did in order to claim the credit.  

To me, it makes the most sense to use the address you are using on your tax return.  Having the two addresses match is less likely to cause any questions regarding your return.  

@rclewen 

[rclewen]

@AnnetteB6 Thanks! That makes sense to me, and I was also concerned that using two different addresses may raise a red flag. 

...ron