Will There Always Be Federal Tax Credits With Solar?

Setting up own solar system is a worthy investment for most owners, though it intimidates and frustrates those with a low budget. However, the US state and federal governments motivate residents who install solar by offering them a credit for their income tax. Hence, potential buyers wonder if there are always federal tax credits with solar.

Unless Congress renews it, the current tax credit ends in early 2024. The timeline is because of the extended Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in December 2020. There is a 26 percent tax credit for 2020-2022 installations and 22 percent for those in 2023. However, there is a decrease since those erected before December 31, 2019, got a 30 percent tax credit.

Types of Tax Credits

Tax credit or investment tax credit offers specific taxpayers a chance to subtract a certain amount from their state, local, or federal tax liability. Hence, it reduces your final tax bill as a taxpayer, though this provision excludes exemptions and deductions. To understand these incentives better and how to reduce your expenses, here are three basic outstanding tax credits:

1. Refundable

All taxpayers will get their entire tax credit, whether with an income or tax liability. This refund occurs if your tax liability reduces below zero dollars. Typical examples are premium (health) and income tax credit under specific conditions for employed or self-employed persons.

2. Non-refundable

You do not get a refund if the amount is more than the tax owed. This tax expires after one year with no carryforwards. Remarkable taxes include education, adoption, mortgage interest, and child and dependent care credits.

3. Partially Refundable

Here, the American Opportunity Tax Credit benefits post-secondary students. One qualifies when their reduced tax liability is zero dollars but before clearing the 2500 dollars for the deduction. The child tax falls under this category with up to 1400 dollars refund per eligible kid.

Qualifications for an Investment Tax Credit

US Residents and aliens may qualify for a tax incentive under a few basic rules. Below are a few outstanding examples.

  • You should earn below $57,414 and invest below $10,000 during the tax year.
  • Be a US citizen or alien the entire tax year. Aliens are immigrants lawfully admitted in the state or have a right to remain in the US.
  • Install a complete solar system to generate electricity in your residence.
  • The PV system should be new or in use for the first time between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2023.
  • The location of the system installed should be your primary or secondary dwelling.
  • You MUST own the solar system within the US and not through a lease contract.
  • Solar energy should not exceed your electricity consumption.
  • Your social security number to be valid by the tax return due date.
  • Homeowners, condominium members, or tenant-stockholders at a cooperative housing corporation who pay towards the implementation are entitled. Hence, their total amount spent will equal the tax credit claim.

So, now you may now go ahead and make a claim if you meet the above requirements. First, fill and attach the IRS Form 5695 to your federal tax return. To avoid any mistakes, follow these instructions to complete your request.

Final Thought

Setting up an alternative energy source saves you extra bills. Hence, invest in a solar system and qualify for the federal tax credits with solar. Would you love to install your solar PV system today? Wayne’s Solar services Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, and Port Orange, and we appreciate the support of our communities. Contact Wayne’s Solar or request an estimate at (386) 673-9720 and enjoy our competitive rates.

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