To the Editor:
I have been receiving several calls over the past couple weeks that go something like this: ‘I heard there was a tax credit for buying an energy efficient appliance. How do I get that credit?  Or: “I purchased a new appliance last year, why didn’t we take a credit for that on my taxes?”

Well, no; there is no tax credit for buying appliances.

The actual program that will be in effect in Ohio sometime soon is a rebate program. Each state was given a sum of money from the Federal government to distribute to buyers of certain qualifying appliances. Ohio has approximately $11 million to share. If you buy a qualifying appliance from a participating dealer you will apply for a rebate at the point of sale. There is no involvement with your tax return in any way. Some states that already had their program ran out of money in a month or less. Ohio hopes to replace 89,000 appliances in the program which will be first come, first served until the money is gone.

While we are on the subject of tax credits, there is a tax credit for buying qualifying doors, windows, insulation and some other items in 2009 or 2010. Please save yourself and your tax preparer some time by making sure you have an itemized bill and the stickers or certifications from the manufacturer when you take your papers in to be prepared. For door, windows and insulation only the cost of the base product is eligible for the credit. Installation labor and accessories do not count towards the credit. For some other products the installation can be included.  Be sure to check the requirements carefully, the rules were changed in June 2009.

For more information on all the energy star products and tax credits go to www.Energystar.GOV.

One other quick comment while we are on the subject of taxes, please do not ask to take a charitable contribution for raffle tickets. Buying raffle tickets is a great way to support your favorite organization in their fund raising efforts, but it does not matter who is selling them, raffle tickets are considered gambling by the IRS and are never to be taken as a charitable contribution.

Alan R Jones, EA
1144 Andora Rd NE
Carrollton, OH 44615

<<Back>>

The Free Press Standard invites you to post your thoughts on the story in the box below.

• However, before you post, please read these few basic rules.
• Be appropriate. Posts with obscene, explicit, sexist or racist language will be deleted.
• Be polite. Posts containing personal attacks, insults, or threats will be deleted.
• Be honest. Potentially libelous statements will be deleted.
• Don't 'spam'. Posts advertising or promoting commercial products will be deleted.
• Help monitor your community. Click "Report Abuse" on any entry that violates these guidelines.
• This is your forum, with your opinions.

These posts do not reflect the views of the The Free Press Standard or its employees.