Energy Credit

[Lion]

Does a propane fireplace qualify? I don't find anything that tells me it does. But, it's hard to prove a negative, feel confident that the answer is no. I think they are using it as a secondary source of heat. Trying to complete this return to the point of having my list of questions to ask them tonight or I won't be able to reach them for a few days.

Brief rant: who decided we have to have school vacations during tax season so people are unavailable to answer questions?! Not this nice couple, but others suddenly call to say, "...and oh by the way we're leaving for vacation Thursday 8 April and won't be back until after the 15th so we'll pick up our returns this week..."

[Possi]

Energy Star rated?

I don't see how a propane fireplace is energy efficient enough to get the credit. I don't see it listed, either. I think it's pretty, and warm, but energy efficient?

[Lion]

Don't see it

Thanx, Possi. I didn't see any propane fireplaces listed in my preliminary look before calling her for more details. She's going to check the paperwork from the installer but doesn't remember anything saying Energy Star or specifically leading to a tax deduction. She does remember some "ratings" info. I gave her the web site, too, to check when she has the manufacturer and model in hand. They use it to warm the family room; it's not the house's main heat. They bought some new appliances in 2010 so filed for rebates from the state, and that got them to thinking about what they'd purchased last year. Think I'm going to go ahead and print to be ready for their signatures Monday morning; will just have to reprint if I end up making a change, but it seems less likely than not, to coin the IRS's phrase!

[BP.]

"...and oh by the way we're leaving for vacation Thursday 8 April and won't be back until after the 15th so we'll pick up our returns this week..."

Two of those last week.

[RitaB]

So, that's what it is

it's hard to prove a negative, feel confident that the answer is no...

You have put into words what is probably my biggest frustration as a tax preparer. Trying to show people why they can't do things that they heard they could. Thank you.

Brief rant: who decided we have to have school vacations during tax season so people are unavailable to answer questions?! Not this nice couple, but others suddenly call to say, "...and oh by the way we're leaving for vacation Thursday 8 April and won't be back until after the 15th so we'll pick up our returns this week..."

I have a retiree, kids are grown, that drops off his stuff the day before he goes on vacation the first week of April every year. So happy and relaxed and sure that his return will be ready the day he comes home. So sure that I won't have any questions. I want to kill him. So, Friday I told him. "Enjoy your vacation. You are getting an extension, and I'll talk to you first of May. Be sure to take pictures."

[Possi]

I have a retiree, kids are grown, that drops off his stuff the day before he goes on vacation the first week of April every year. So happy and relaxed and sure that his return will be ready the day he comes home. So sure that I won't have any questions. I want to kill him. So, Friday I told him. "Enjoy your vacation. You are getting an extension, and I'll talk to you first of May. Be sure to take pictures."[/QUOTE]

I LOVE IT!

[BP.]

"Enjoy your vacation. You are getting an extension, and I'll talk to you first of May. Be sure to take pictures."

Yes, I love it too.

So happy and relaxed and sure that his return will be ready the day he comes home.

But it is so nice that he has such trust & confidence in you.

[RitaB]

Oh, the silver lining

But it is so nice that he has such trust & confidence in you.

Well, in that case, I will let him live. Thanks, Barb! The glass is half full again.