Use these steps for claiming an energy efficient home improvement tax credit for a home energy audit. Step 1: Check eligibility Make sure the property on which you are conducting the home energy audit is eligible: Located in the United States An existing home that you will conduct the home energy audit, not a new home The home must be owned and used by you as your primary residence. You can't claim the credit if you're a landlord or other property owner who doesn't live in the home. Make sure the inspection is conducted by a qualified home energy auditor. This would be an individual who is certified by one of the qualified certification programs listed on the Department of Energy certification programs for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) at the time of the audit, or under the supervision of a qualified home energy auditor. Step 2: Complete the audit Have your qualified home energy auditor perform the audit. Step 3: Get documentation Obtain and keep the bill for and the written report prepared and signed by your qualified home energy auditor that is consistent with industry best practices, and includes: The qualified home energy auditor's name and relevant employer identification number (EIN) or other type of appropriate taxpayer identifying number, if the auditor does not have an EIN. An attestation that the qualified home energy auditor is certified by a qualified certification program. The name of qualified certification program. While these documents are not required to be filed with your tax return, they may be required if your return is audited. Step 4: File Form 5695 with your tax return You will need to file Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits when you file your tax return for year in which you conducted your home energy audit.
