Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Reminder: 25C Tax Credits Limted by AMT in 2010

This reminder from Energy Star's tax credit FAQ:

"Section 25C" products (which include insulation, windows, doors, roofs, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters, at 30% up to $1,500) are NOT limited by the AMT in 2009, but are currently limited by the AMT in 2010, unless Congress amends the law.

The alternative minimum tax (or AMT) is an extra tax some people have to pay on top of the regular income tax. The AMT provides an alternative set of rules for calculating your income tax. In theory these rules determine minimum amount of tax that someone with your income should be required to pay. If you're already paying at least that much because of the "regular" income tax, you don't have to pay AMT. But if your regular tax falls below this minimum, you have to make up the difference by paying alternative minimum tax. Various tax benefits that are available under the regular tax (like these tax credits) are reduced or eliminated. More information - Alternative Minimum Tax 101

NOTE: 25D tax credits (geothermal, wind, solar) which extend through 2016 are NOT limited by the AMT.