Can I claim the Non Business Energy Tax Credit for prior years if I do not have form 5695?

[JanisLS]

I had new windows installed in 2015 and a gas furnace installed in 2010 but do not have a form 5695 for either of these.  Can I still claim this credit  in 2021? 

[Vanessa A]

No, in order to claim a credit you have to do it in the year that you paid the expense.  Some credits are able to be carried forward, however, you have to carry them forward year over year so you would not be able to claim them on your 2021 return. 

[JanisLS]

Then why is Turbo Tax asking if I made any prior improvements and to enter the amounts from 5695 going back to 2006?

"Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit equals 10 percent of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements , up to a maximum tax credit of $500 for the combined years since 2006. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items."  

[MinhT1 · Accepted solution]

TurboTax asks about the carried forward credits from tax year 2006.

If you did not claim the credits, you have no credits carried forward.

You can no longer claim the credits as you are time-limited. You can file an amended return only three years back.