Do any window covering qualify for Stimilus package rebates?

[dixie]

We have replaced some of our windows this year. In our bedroom, we have not replaced the windows. Was wondering is any window coverings qualify for the stimulus package. We would love to have something in their where we could see out, but while we are sleeping be Blackout.

thanks for any information!

 

[Rob&Carol Q]

You mean heavy drapes or blinds? the answer should be no.

Replacement windows are a completely diffeent issue and the vendor knows if their window qualifies since it is such a super selling point.

By way of example, we replaced our front door this Fall with some fiberglass/foam core monstrosity that took four burly guys to install...I watched and bought some beer for the end of job party! And the sales dude was all over the tax benefit as he talked my Bride into a nicer door.

Bottom line? We get to claim a roughly 30% savings on the cost of the door...about $900! Yes, I will bend over to pick up a $900 bill...

Actually, we are quite impressed with this door...it looks super. But better, when I put my hand behind the door glass in full sunlight, I feel almost nothing. It's like the heat can't get through at all. Our old door was warm to the touch inside during hot days...this thing doesn't even notice the heat.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat...the tax savings were a welcomed extra.

 

[Passepartout]

Dixie, you were a little unclear about the type of window covering you have in mind. I know that 'low-e' windows qualify- I bought 6 of 'em in the spring. Drapes don't. Film doesn't, to the best of my knowledge.

I'd call the supplier of what you have in mind and ask. They have to provide the energy-saving documentation, and show it on the invoice for you to claim the tax credit, so would be well versed on the legalities. Maybe your tax accountant would know, s/he might be as knowledgeable as we are.

The tax credit expires 12/31, so time might be an issue.

Jim Ricks

 

[Arnie]

Energy Tax Credit

I am posting this as a heads-up.
As a tax-preparer, Last year I had a few older couples that had been sold new windows and doors. They said their doors and windows were not that old and they could have kept them.
The big pitch was that they would get a $1500 refund for doing the job.
In reality they had no tax liability for the year. Therefore, they got zero. The salesman told them it was a refundable credit. When in reality it is a tax credit, based on tax liability.
like I said just a heads up, before jumping in.

 

[Mel]

I had similar experience with clients last year, though not too many thankfully. We had more issues with donated cars that couldn't be claimed because the clients don't need to itemize.

The tax credits are incentives for certain behaviors, such as spending money to improve the energy efficience of our doors and windows. The idea is to reduce the time for these items to pay for themselves through energy savings.

Room darkening shades are used primarily to do just that - darken the room. They do not serve the purpose of reducing your energy consumption, so the government doesn't care if you use them or not. They also are not "home improvements" - permanent changes to the home to make it more energy efficient. I don't know of any window treatments that would be covered by the stimulus.

 

[easyrider]

Only windows with less than .30 u value and less than .30 solar heat gain coefficient qualify for the tax credit. In some areas the power company offers a rebate for using energy star rated windows. Energy star and .30/.30 are not the same as energy star is often not as efficient as 30/30.

Window coverings such as mylar do not count. The low e 366 silver nitrate is applied to the glass and faces the center of the panes that make up the insulated glass unit.

so... no

 

[MuranoJo]

When we got the double-honeycomb (or whatever they're called) blinds, we were also led to believe they would qualify for a credit if you itemize. Didn't pay too much attention to it as it really wouldn't make a dent.

 

[Loggie]

From what I have been told shades to apply. Also, window film that you put up yearly, caulk, weatherstriping, etc.

The shades help with heating consumption.