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What is a Roofing Tax Credit?
A roofing tax credit is a credit given to homeowners who install a new, more energy-efficient roof on their home. The United States has instituted a federal roofing tax credit, which encourages homeowners to re-roof with Energy Star products. The tax credit program was aimed to create jobs in the construction industry, while also reducing electricity costs for homeowners.
A tax credit is an amount that a taxpayer can deduct from the amount owed at tax time. The amount of a roofing tax credit may vary but is generally a portion of the total cost spent on re-roofing, with a maximum limit on the amount to be paid out. Roofing credits are only available for a taxpayer's principal residence and cannot be applied to new construction or rental properties.
Only Energy Star products qualify for the roofing tax credit. The Energy Star program is an international distinction that is awarded to energy efficient products and appliances. It is generally awarded to the top 25 percent of energy-efficient products in different categories.
Only certain roofing materials qualify for tax credits. The two main types of eligible roofing materials are metal roofs with pigmented coating and asphalt roofs with cooling granules. These materials must also meet other Energy Star requirements, and it is best to check these requirements when choosing materials.
The goal of a roofing tax credit is to encourage homeowners to use roofing products that reflect as much sunlight as possible. This greatly diminishes the temperature of the roof's surface, which lowers the amount of heat within the home. This, in turn, reduces the need for air conditioning within the home, lowering electricity costs for the homeowner. It also reduces strain on a community's power supply.
Applying for a roofing tax credit requires submitting the appropriate forms when filing yearly taxes. It is necessary to show receipts for the installation and proof of the energy efficiency of the materials used. The laws related to roofing tax credits do change, so it is important to be up to date with the rules and regulations when considering re-roofing and applying for a credit.
One of the key purposes of the roofing tax credit is to create so-called "green collar" jobs. These jobs, which are in environmentally-friendly industries, are considered an important element in developing green technology. Jobs created by programs such as re-roofing also allow low-skill workers, such as construction workers, to find employment in new industries by transferring skills into green technology.
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![Homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they install a more energy-efficient roof.]()
By: Ernest PrimHomeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they install a more energy-efficient roof.
Discussion Comments
So, construction workers are considered"low skilled"?
Can the writer properly install a new roof 30 feet off the ground?
How about installing a new window to be water tight and air tight?
Can he install a new front and frame to make it look like it was original?
A good home improvement guy is charging about ten times the minimum wage. I want work on my house done by a highly skilled professional. The talent is shown in the quality of the work.
I got it and now I have to pay 40 years of extra taxes for my roof. I found out too late. If I sell my house I must pay taxes every year anyway. It will not transfer to the same house. It will follow you until 40 years do. If you die it will transfer to your kids to pay it off. So think before you sign in.
@Sporkasia - The asphalt roofing is heavier than the metal roofing and the asphalt absorbs more heat, so a house with asphalt shingles is going to get more heat from the sun than one with a metal roof. I don't know whether the energy tax credits for both metal and asphalt roofs are the same, but the metal roofing is more energy efficient.
If you're really interested in saving money on heating and you want to get energy tax credits at the same time then you should look into putting solar panels on your roof. This can help with heating in the winter and cooling in the summer once you get the right system in place.
I am familiar with the various metal roofing types, but can anyone tell me more about the asphalt roof with cooling granules mentioned in this article? Do they work as well as the metal roofs at blocking heat from the sun? I guess they must since the government is offering roofing tax credits on both of them.
When the government has to pay you or offer you a discount to do something, buyer beware. Be sure to research all of your options and choose the one that works best for you, and don't be influenced by these supposed tax breaks.
In my way of thinking, if a product or service is good enough then you don't need anyone to pay you to take advantage of it. On the other hand, if you were going to buy one of these roofs that offer a roofing tax credit from the government anyway then why shouldn't you take the money.
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