Tax Credits for Consumers:

Home Improvements Tax credits are now available for home improvements:

· must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010

· must be for taxpayers principal residence

· maximum amount is $1,500 in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements (geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and windmills are not subject to this cap)

· for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement. (Link the Manufacturer's Certification document)

· improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010

· If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters.