Prior year window and energy improvement credits doesn't include 2020

[ebrown3]

When entering energy tax credit information, in the section where it asks about prior year credits (to be sure you don't exceed the $500 maximum), it stops at 2019. Shouldn't there be a 2020 line as well?

[AnnetteB6]

Yes, there should be a line for 2020 as well.  

This has been reported to the product developers, but there is not an estimated date provided for a program update to make the correction.  

If you need to report an amount for 2020, then you should not file your return until the program will allow the entry since your current year energy credit could be affected.

[mysgyn]

I was coming here to ask the same question. This is happening across the board in my self-employment tax return where there's nothing for 2021, or leaving out 2020 in this case (which is when we had our windows installed)

Is there any estimated time for when these glitches will be fixed so we can file?

[BillM223]

As Annette notes, this issue has been reported. 

Please see this TurboTax Help screen, and be sure to sign up to receive a notification when the issue is resolved. 

[mysgyn]

Yes thank you, I read that.

I wanted to add that the OP was not the only one running into this problem and it, and other errors, are delaying us from submitting our tax returns.

I hope this reminds those out there that this fix is important and please don't forget about it for those of us checking in daily to see if it's been fixed so we can move along in the process...

[PatriciaV · Accepted solution]

We appreciate all our TurboTax customers and want to provide the best experience possible while you prepare your tax return.

In this situation (Home Energy Credit), you may enter your prior year costs/credits in any year. The worksheet requesting this information computes a total to determine if you can take the credit in the current tax year. The actual year you had expenses and/or credits is not reported to the IRS.

[mysgyn]

Thank you for this. I don't see where to put that though? The only options when I answer that yes, I had a window improvement prior to 2021, is asking me for lines on a form I don't have on my 2020 tax return.

I did the window replacement in 2020 but I did not claim the energy credit in 2020 (I'm not sure if it asked for it?).

So now it just shows "enter line x from sheet y" but I don't see a place to just say "I spent xyz on windows that are energy efficient in 2020"

Thank you

[DMarkM1]

You are correct.  The line of questions is to determine how much credit you actually claimed in prior years.  If you did not claim a credit in 2020, then there would be nothing to enter.  

The non-business energy property credit is limited to an overall lifetime credit limit of $500 and a $200 lifetime limit for windows.