BIOMASS STOVE TAX CREDIT
$300 Biomass Stove Tax Credit Reinstated for 2012 - 2013
A federal tax credit on 75 percent efficient biomass heating appliances, which expired on December 31, 2011, was reinstated by the “fiscal cliff” legislation, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8), signed by President Obama on January 2, 2013. The bill includes a “tax extender” for Internal Revenue Service Section 25C which provides a tax credit for, among many other things, qualifying biomass burning stoves. The extender provides a 10 percent tax credit of up to $300 on a qualifying biomass heating appliance purchased between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. The credit claimable on the purchase or installation of qualifying biomass units is limited to a “lifetime limit” of $500 (and may be impacted by the purchase or installation of other products that qualify of a 25C credit).
What is the Biomass-Burning Stove Tax Credit?
This federal tax credit encourages people to make energy-conscious purchases that improve the energy efficiency of their home. It is an up to $300 credit you can get for buying a qualifying biomass-burning stove or fireplace insert between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Biomass simply means the stove uses wood or pellet fuel.
Consumers claim the credit on their federal income tax form at the end of the year. This new credit reduces the amount of tax you owe. The new credit is a reduction of total income tax at the bottom of your return, up to $1500. This tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit available for individuals who pay taxes and who make energy-conscious purchases to improve the energy efficiency of their home.
Note: With regard to tax credits vs. tax deductions, in general, a tax credit is more valuable than a similar tax deduction. A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions - such as those for home mortgages and charitable giving - lower your taxable income.
What appliances qualify for the tax credit?
Any wood- or pellet-burning stove that meets the 75% efficiency rating qualifies for this credit.
