Tax Year Prior to 2020: Home improvements

[kmaier]

we had energy star windows installed in our home in 2016. can i write this off or get a credit for it?

[KarenL2]

Yes, if they are certified for the tax credit.  These are entered in the Deductions & Credits section:

• With your return open, search for energy improvements in the program search box. (Don't search for "energy credit," as this will take you to the wrong place in the program.)
• Click Jump to energy improvements in the search results.
• At the bottom of the Energy-Saving Home Improvements screen, answer Yes and click Continue.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

If that doesn't work:  Go directly to the Federal Taxes tab, then Deductions & Credits, then Your Home, then scroll to Home Energy Credits.

Tip: You can see which energy-saving home improvements qualify for a federal tax credit at the Energy Star website.

The Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit is what is called a "non-refundable" credit which means it will only reduce your tax liability to zero.  Any remainder can be carried forward to the next year. 

[kmaier]

I tried this and it is only looking at new home construction, this is a 30 year old home, do i still get credit? if i do it is not letting me.

[KarenL2]

I added a screenshot above for a screen where you must select the last option "No, the improvements weren't related to the construction of my main home."  Depending on the version of TurboTax you are using, your screen should look similar to this.  Make sure the appropriate box is checked.