3 Tax Credits You Can Claim for a Bigger Tax Refund

Solar, wind, geothermal, and fuel-cell technologies are all eligible for the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit:

Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

According to the US Department of Energy, you may claim energy tax credits for home improvements that include solar, wind, and geothermal technology in both your primary property and a secondary dwelling. However, fuel-cell equipment is only eligible if installed in your primary house.

Only equipment and materials that fulfill the Department of Energy’s requirements are eligible for the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit. The manufacturer will be able to inform you whether or not a certain item fits those requirements.

The IRS differentiates between two types of improvements for this credit.

You may get a tax break for 10% of the cost of eligible energy efficiency improvements and 100% of the cost of residential energy property. This credit is worth a maximum of $500 for all years from 2006 until it expires.

Credit for Earned Income

The earned income tax credit (EITC or EIC) is a refundable tax benefit for low- and moderate-income earners.

The earned income credit for the 2021 tax year varies from $1,502 to $6,728 based on tax filing status, income, and the number of children. People who do not have children are eligible.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the credit, be sure to include it on your tax return. And, if you didn’t claim the earned income credit when you filed your taxes in the previous three years but believe you are eligible for it, the IRS wants you to notify them so you may get the money. See the eligibility qualifications for the earned income credit.

Other qualifying restrictions and conditions, in addition to keeping below the income levels mentioned above, apply. Here are the main qualifying guidelines, however you can also take our quiz below to see whether you qualify for the earned income tax credit.

• You must have at least one dollar in earned income (pension and unemployment do not count).
• Your investment income must be less than $10,000.

If you are separated but remain married for the tax year 2021, you may be eligible for the EITC. You can’t file a joint tax return, and your kid must reside with you for more than half the year to qualify. You must also have not resided with your spouse in the past six months or have a separation agreement or order in place.

Tax Break for Home Renovation

Renovation of a house is not usually a cost that can be deducted from your federal taxes, but there are a few methods to utilize home repairs and upgrades to reduce your taxes. These include both tax deductions and tax credits for house repairs and modifications undertaken before or after the purchase.

Making modifications to the house when it is acquired is one approach to save money on home remodeling expenditures.

If the mortgage you take out to purchase a property includes money for improvements, your home’s acquisition cost includes this amount. The interest on this amount may subsequently be deducted from your income as part of your mortgage interest deduction.

Tax deduction for home renovation might also be deductible as medical costs from your income if they are medically essential.

Installing access or exit ramps, remodeling bathrooms, lowering cabinets, enlarging doors and hallways, and adding handrails, among other house renovations, are medical costs that may be deducted. However, the deduction amounts must be appropriate in light of their medical purpose, and costs made for aesthetic or architectural reasons are not deductible.