IRS Federal Energy Efficient Tax Credits for Home & Residential 2011, 2012

If you choose to make energy conscience purchases for your home you may be able to receive a energy tax credit for these items. You can feel confident in these purchases as long as they meet certain energy efficient requirements. You can receive up to a 10 percent credit for energy efficient home improvements.

Certain home improvements made between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 can be worth as much as $500. Not all home improvements will qualify for the tax credit, so make sure to obtain the proper certification. Energy generating home improvements will get you an even bigger tax credit. You may want to explore energy efficiency home improvements for federal tax credits. There's a big difference between energy efficiency and energy generating home improvements.

Some of the tax credits for energy efficiency are:

• Exterior Windows and Skylights - 10% of cost up to $200.00

• Metal Roofing - 10% of cost up to $500.00

• Central Air Conditioning - $300.00

You must be sure when purchasing any of these items that they meet the qualifying requirements to be considered energy efficient. They must meet certain energy factors. It may also be helpful to look for the Energy Star approval. The Energy Star approval is not always a guarantee but will give you somewhere to start.

You can get a federal tax credit up to $500 when you install energy-saving items into your home. This is only available one time. The energy efficiency items can include, insulation, air conditioning units, and other items such as water heaters that are not solar. The list is not limited to the energy items mentioned, there are even more.

You must have the proper certification from the manufacturer which states the item qualifies for the energy tax credit. You better get busy because the item has to placed in service by December 31, 2011.

When making energy efficient improvements to your home you are not only receiving a tax credit you are also making purchase that will save you monthly utility expenses as well.

If you have recently made an energy efficient purchase or improvement you may find the tools at TurboTax online helpful in determining the credit you may be eligible for. TurboTax Online offers free tax calculators to help you maximize your tax return.