Further: I was partly incorrect above.
You are looking at a category called “energy efficient building envelope component”. These are items designed to reduce heat gain or loss, and include things like doors, windows, air sealing and insulation. The credit is 30% of the product cost, not including installation, and the maximum credit is $1200. There are sub-caps for doors ($250 each or $500 total) and windows ($600 per year) but there is no sub-cap for window shades, so the max would be $1200.
However, to qualify, efficient window shades must meet
the prescriptive criteria for such component established by the most recent International Energy Conservation Code standard in effect as of the beginning of the calendar year which is 2 years prior to the calendar year in which such component is placed in service.
In other words, for shades installed in 2023, the shades have to meet or exceed the 2021 IECC standards for energy efficiency. You may need to consult the IECC web site or the manufacturer to make sure the shades you have picked out meet the IECC criteria. If audited, you may need proof that the shades meet the standard, and you may need an itemized invoice from the installer showing the product cost separate from the installation cost.
Lastly, if two people own the home and both live in it as their main home, they can each take the credit for the portion of the improvements that they paid for. That could allow a total credit of more than $1200, but each taxpayer is capped at $1200. You can't claim more than the total product cost between you. For example, if you spent $5000, you could each claim $2500, resulting in a credit of $750 each. But you can't claim $4000 each. And remember you only include product cost, not installation.
