The IRS instruction for Form 5695 and their FAQ statements say some credits apply to “Main” or “Principle” residence and other deductions, like qualified heat-pumps can be deducted for “residences”. Form 5695 contains Section II. part A, lines 17a through 20b are for those deductions for “Main” home.
Section II Part B allows the other items, like heat-pumps to be listed and allows you to enter 4 addresses defined as follows: “Enter the complete address of each home where you installed qualified energy property”.
In using Turbotax, I attempted to claim the Energy Credits. I had a new qualifying heatpump installed in our second home. Our second home is not our main residence but it is a home that is only occupied by us for several months a year. It is vacant when we are not there and is never rented out.
When I clicked that the expenditure was not our “main” home, it ended and said “0” credit. If I changed the selection, and checked “yes” it was main home, it allowed me to enter more information for Form 5695.
I did not have any costs incurred for Part II, Section A: lines 17a thru 20b. Because the items that qualify for that credit must be in the “main” home.
But, it did allow me to enter information for Section B: Residential Energy Property Expenditures, lines 21a thru line 32. Note: 21a “home located in the United States” (home not main home) and 21c “Enter the complete address of each home where you installed qualified energy property.” Allowing for multiple “homes”. See references from IRS.
I thought my return was ready, paid Turbotax, reviewed the forms and saw that main home address on the form in Section A was changed. Now, there are no expenditures for Section A, but that is not my main residence. I cannot edit the form and correct the address, and going back, with one of hour agents online, it I select expenses that apply, and select “No” to main home, it never gets me to the expenditures that are allowed on other homes.
I called Turbotax and the agents contacted Resolution who stated no energy credits except for main residence. That is not accurate based on the IRS instruction sheet nor the form itself, and even Turbotax allowed 2 lines for home addressed that could be claimed.
i am seeing several people complaining and switching tax software, but because I have used Turbo for 18 years, I would rather this be addressed and fixed. I have paid, but not released my tax return awaiting a resolution or response.
