Energy Efficient Tax Credit for Windows and Doors

[s-hoffine]

Does the Energy Efficient Tax Credit for Windows and Doors actually add money to your return or does it just count as a potential deduction if you're itemizing instead of taking the standard deduction?

[ChristinaS · Accepted solution]

The energy tax credit is not an itemized deduction. Whether you itemize or take the standard doesn't impact your ability to get the credit. What does matter is:

• Whether you've gotten $500 or more in energy credits since c 2006- there are caps
• Whether you have a tax liability, and hence can benefit from a tax credit

If you haven't maxxed out on energy credits in the past c 10 years, and have a tax liability after other credits are applied, this credit will lower your tax and therefore increase your refund/ decrease your amount due.