Can I claim energy tax credit on my federal returns for buying a new construction home?

Question

- I bought a new construction home in 2006 (first owner)
- House came installed with Energy Star windows
- I paid a lump-sum for the house (i.e. no breakdown of the amount paid specifically for the windows, but I suppose I can get that information from the builders.)

Answer 1

The homeowner's energy credits are for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. The credit is 10% of the cost of certain improvements, to a maximum credit of $500. Energy efficient replacement windows have a maximum credit of $200.

The credit for new construction of energy efficient homes goes to the builder, not the buyer.

More details are in the IRS new release found here:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154657,00.html