Help With Federal Tax Credits

Updated March 11, 2009

This website is designed to help you better understand federal tax credits for home improvement.  Much of this information is directly from the ENERGY STAR website.  We’ve consolidated the critical information in this one location to make it easier for you to understand the tax credit opportunity.

Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax, a tax credit directly reduces the tax itself or it may even increase the amount of your federal tax refund!  Plus, you’ll enjoy the comfort and energy savings of your new home improvement.

1. If you purchase a qualifying Radiance entry door, you are eligible to get 30% of the purchase price in the form of a federal tax credit.  Maximum credit is $1,500.
2. The entry door must be installed between February 17, 2009 and December 31, 2010.  According to the ENERGY STAR website, for products purchased between January 1, 2009 and February 16, 2009, the terms of the tax credit are less clear. The Internal Revenue Service will likely clarify these terms in guidance documents, which are expected to be released later this year.
3. Save all purchase receipts, all ENERGY STAR or NFRC labels from the installed doors and a keep a printed copy of the Radiance Manufacturer’s Certification Statement (see link to right).

Any Radiance steel or fiberglass entry door with U-factor of 0.30 or below and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or below, is considered an Eligible Building Envelope Component that qualifies for federal income tax credit as allowed by Internal Revenue Code Section 25C.

Currently, many Radiance entry doors qualify at the new standards.  All Solid Panel Collection doors and all 1/4 lite designs qualify.  Doors with 1/2 lite decorative glass also qualify.  Adding Low-E option allows even more doors to meet the new standards.

We are working on new processes that may help even more Radiance entry door designs qualify for the tax credit, so if your door doesn’t qualify right now, check back before you file your taxes for the latest updates.

The newness of the law has left some minor issues unanswered or ambiguous.  The IRS should issue guidance on the law very soon to clarify these open issues including whether storm doors are considered eligible building components (they were eligible under the old law, but we’re uncertain about the new law). Clarification can potentially improve tax credit opportunities and we’ll update this site as soon as we find out more.

1. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to find entry doors eligible for the tax credit.
2. The project must be “placed into service” in 2009 or 2010 which means you must have the door installed between February 17, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
3. Save all purchase receipts, all ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels from the installed products, and a copy of the Radiance Manufacturer’s Certification Statement (see link to right) for your tax records.
4. Fill out IRS Form 5695 (available on IRS website in late 2009 or early 2010) before April 15, 2010 for your 2009 taxes or April 15, 2011 for your 2010 taxes.

If you are a homeowner with questions about this program, please contact the Radiance dealer in your area.

If you are a Radiance dealer and would like to know more about this program, please contact Radiance at 1-800-781-2100.

Information provided by Radiance Entry Systems and its sales partners should not replace advice from a tax professional.  We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, but tax laws can change from time to time.  Radiance Entry Systems and its sales partners assume no liability regarding the homeowner’s ability to obtain tax credits.  This information is not intended as legal advice and you should consult a tax professional with specific questions.