Form 5695 and Step by Step Interview

[Benjamine]

Energy Star website states "The Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credits have been retroactively extrended form 12/31/2017 through 12/31/2021 

I purchased an Energy Star Tankless Hot Water Heater that was placed in service September of 2018. 

It appears from the website that I would be entitled to a $300 credit (I have not taken any prior year credits for energy efficiency and the install was in my primary residence.  However, the Step-by-Step does not give me any selections that would apply. 

Please advise how to obtain the credit. 

[Cynthiad66 · Accepted solution]

Yes.  You will need to Amend your 2018 return to take the Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit.

Keep in mind: You have 3 years from the date you filed your original 2018 return (or 2 years after you paid the tax due, whichever is later) to file an amended 2018 return.

To amend your 2018 return: You can actually amend your return using TurboTax Online (you don't need to use the TurboTax CD/Download software). Here's how to amend:

1. Sign in to TurboTax.
2. Select 2018 in Your tax returns & documents (you may need to scroll down).
3. Now select Amend (change) 2018 return.
4. Follow the screens to amend your return.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 extended the credit through December 2017. The nonbusiness energy property credit expired on December 31, 2017 but was retroactively extended for tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020 on December 20, 2019 as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act.

The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 extended several energy credits to apply to tax year 2018. The bill was passed by Congress and signed into law in December of 2019 after many of our customers had already filed their 2018 taxes. If you already filed you can amend to claim these benefits.

You can choose to amend and claim:

• Residential Energy Credits – Form 5695 instructions
  • Allows for a credit up to 30 percent of the cost of qualified property.

[Benjamine]

Thanks for the quick reply Cynthiad66!  I'll pass - too much work to amend the Fed and the two states, but I surely appreciate your help.  Was hoping it could be retroactively done on this year's return!  

Stay safe!