Replacement Windows And Doors And Getting Federal Tax Credits

One of the best ways to lower your bills is to make your home more energy efficient. This means that when you turn the air conditioning on in the summer, the cool air stays in side your home rather than leaking out past doors and windows. In the winter, the warm air in your home stays inside instead of leaking outside. Replacement windows and doors are great ways of making your home more energy efficient. You can save a great deal of money on your energy bills and you also will be helping the planet when you do.

Installing replacement windows and doors can also get you federal tax credits. The same credits that were available in 2010 are available for 2011, just at a lower rather than they were in 2010. The tax credits are part of the Economic Stimulus Plan. The tax credits can be claimed from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011. For 2011, the tax credits are subject to the new "Lifetime Limitation" of $500 for exterior doors and $200 for windows and skylights. This means if you've claimed more than $200 since 2006 in window tax credits, you cannot get anymore but check with your tax advisor.

If you have installed energy efficient replacement windows and doors between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011, you might be eligible for 10% back, up to $200 on your windows. For your exterior doors, you might be eligible for 10% back, up to $500. This can really help offset the costs of replacement windows and doors just like the money saved in energy bills can.

To be eligible, replacement windows and doors have to meet certain requirements. They have to meet the Energy Star criteria for your particular region. You can look this information up online. They must be used to improve and existing home. New homes are not eligible for this particular tax credit. The replacement windows and doors have to be installed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011 and be in use. They also have to be installed at the taxpayer's primary residence. Second homes are not eligible.

In order to receive this tax credit for your replacement windows and doors, make sure the new ones you buy qualify. Look for the NFRC label and be sure that the U-Factor and SHGC ratings are in compliance with the Energy Star requirements in your region. Keep your receipts that show the cost - even the installation charges - and save the NFRC label from each product that you installed. Keep them in case you get audited. Also download the Manufacturer's Certificate Statement and keep it with your records. Submit the claim with your taxes the year you installed the products and talk to your tax advisor because of new rules that might restrict eligibility.

By: Sears Home Improvements

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Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements . For more information on www.searshomeservices.com/windows/improve?SID=SHPx20101020xINHSNPARTWIND">Replacement Windows and Doors visit the Windows section of the Sears Home Services website.