No energy credit?

[JG EA]

I've decided that a Kenmore water heating that cost $500 doesn't qualify. Am I being too harsh? The TP is unable to provide me with any more information. But I'm assuming that the water heaters that are certified cost much more than that.

[dyne]

To qualify for the energy credit a gas, oil or propane water heater must have an energy factor
greater than .82 or thermal efficiency of at least 90%. If your client can not establish
that I would NOT allow the credit. Other types of water heaters do not qualify except for
a solar heater.

[taxea]

are we talking state or federal return?

[JG EA]

Federal return.

[Black Bart]

Not official but

I've decided that a Kenmore water heating that cost $500 doesn't qualify. Am I being too harsh? The TP is unable to provide me with any more information. But I'm assuming that the water heaters that are certified cost much more than that.

here's a website that says "To qualify, the water heater must have an energy factor of 0.8. This is over 33 percent more efficient than the current federal standard. Only some tankless water heaters currently qualify."

http://saveenergy.about.com/od/taxcredits/bb/WH_Tax.htm

I also read something like that elsewhere; can't remember where and can't find it on the Energy Star site, but I think it was saying that most ordinary residential gas/electric water heaters won't qualify.

Problem is, lots of this stuff calls for technical expertise beyond that of us, the client, and the salesperson. Clients usually just ask -- "Is this okay for the energy credit?" -- and there's not much question what the answer will be.

[JG EA]

Thank you BB - this is exactly the comments I needed. I was trying to decide to dig deeper, but it is hard sometimes with older clients to keep asking them questions.

[fliszt]

I guess

I would just call Sears and ask them if such-and-such water heater is listed as energy certified.

[ChEAr$]

Seller is one source, but better yet is the manufacturer's own web site. Knowing model and model number is a good start. energy efficiency and tax credits is a reallly GOOD selling
tool these days.
Used by everybody.
Knowledgeable or not.

[taxea]

most federal credits are for larger items. Many states have or will soon have a cash back credit for household appliances that qualify. See my post