2011 Tax Credit for Fenestration Products
Tax credits for fenestration products have been extended through 2011. Please know that tax
credit information, however, does not fall directly under NFRC's purview. This includes, but is not limited to the issue about what documentation
a homeowner requires to receive any tax credit. The information presented here serves as a guideline and should not to be taken as legal advice.
Please consult a tax professional for details regarding your specific situation.
Eligibility
Homeowners who place windows, doors, or skylights into service between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 may be eligible for a tax credit.
Windows can earn a 10 percent credit up to $200. Doors can earn a 10 percent credit up to $500.
Please note that this is not a tax deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. This is a tax credit, which reduces the tax itself and may increase the amount of one’s federal tax refund.
Requirements
The 30/30 formula used under the 2010 tax credit program does not apply in 2011. Qualifying fenestration products must meet the ENERGY STAR requirements of the homeowner’s region. You can find that information here.
Exterior Windows & Skylights
New energy efficient windows and skylights must ENERGY STAR certified or meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to qualify for the window tax credit. Only the price of the windows can be deducted. Installation costs are excluded.
It is important to save your receipt and the ENERGY STAR labels from your product (s). You are eligible to receive 10% of your cost up to $200.00 for exterior windows and skylights.
Storm Windows
Energy efficient storm windows must meet the IECC and the exterior window installed in conjunction with the storm window. You must have a manufacturer certification statement to claim the window tax credit for storm windows. Installation expenses are included. You are eligible to receive 10% of your cost up to $200.00 for storm windows.
Exterior windows, skylights, and storm windows must be installed in a principal residence. The maximum tax credit that can be claimed in one year for energy efficient windows is $500.00. This also includes any other energy improvements such as doors, central air, or metal roofs.
Additional Information is available on the ENERGY STAR Website.
Details
about NFRC Rated Products
The
NFRC administers an independent rating and labeling system for
the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment
products. The NFRC does have a Certified Product Directory (CPD),
which contains a listing of all the fenestration products that
are RATED and CERTIFIED under the NFRC program.
Products
listed in the NFRC CPD indicates compliance to our ratings
You
can access the NFRC CPD at:
http://search.nfrc.org/search/searchdefault.aspx
Step-by-step
directions:
The
NFRC CPD search tool is able to provide a listing of up to three
(3) manufacturers' products that meet the stimulus package rating
requirements. Please follow the directions listed below to view
NFRC rated products:
1.
The user must choose a Product Type: window, door, or skylight
when at the Directory Search Home Page.

2.
After selecting a product type, the application will take the
user to the criteria page where the following information must
be completed in the “Required Criteria”
section:
3.
The user must choose an Operator Type (please
note that Vertical Slider is also known as a Double Hung)

4.
The user must choose 1, 2, or 3 manufacturers. You can select
the manufacturers individually by choosing one and then hitting
the “ADD” button; or you can user your “CTRL” key to select
up to 3 manufacturers and click the “ADD” button.

NOTE:
If you are interested in finding products for the chosen manufacturers
that meet the stimulus package requirements, skip to step 6.
5.
Click the “Find Products” button. This will provide either a
listing of product lines available for the manufacturers and
product type selected; or

NOTE:
Click the hyperlink next to the Series / Model Number to review
all of the individual products for that NFRC rated product line.
The
results could be that there are no matching products found.
If you receive this result, please do the following:
Use the “BACK” button and verify that you have chosen a manufacturer
and an operator type. If not, please make a selection and select
the “Find Products” button.
If
you have chosen a product type and at least one manufacturer,
the results displayed are therefore accurate and the product
type and manufacturer you have chosen are not currently active
in the NFRC Rating system. Please contact your manufacturer
if necessary.

6.
To obtain NFRC rated products that meet the stimulus package
requirements, proceed to the “Performance Criteria” section
displayed directly below the “Required Criteria” section.
7.
In the U-Factor and SHGC “MAX” cell, place the following
value 0.304.

8.
Click the “Find Products” button. This will provide either a
listing of product lines meeting the stimulus package requirements
for the manufacturers and product type selected; or

NOTE:
Click the hyperlink next to the Series / Model Number to review
all of the individual products within that specific product
line that meet the stimulus package requirements.
The
results could be that there are no matching products found.
If you receive this result, please do the following:
9.
Use the “BACK” button and verify that you have chosen a manufacturer
and an operator type. If not, please make a selection and select
the “Find Products” button.
10.
If you have chosen a product type and at least one manufacturer,
the results displayed are therefore accurate and the product
type and manufacturer you have chosen are not currently active
in the NFRC
Rating system. Please contact your manufacturer if necessary.

The
NFRC is available if you have any question regarding searching
the NFRC CPD.
If
you do have questions about any of the results for a manufacturer's
product line listed in the search, please be sure to direct
your questions to a representative from the manufacturer.