Can I claim heatpump tax rebate from previous years for DIY installation?

The good news is you can absolutely claim the tax credit for DIY heat pump installations! This wasn't a rule change - it's been this way since the Inflation Reduction Act expanded these credits. The confusion comes from mixing up two different incentive programs. For heat pumps installed in 2024, you qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) which allows for a 30% tax credit up to $2,000 specifically for heat pumps. The installation doesn't need to be professional - DIY installations qualify as long as the equipment meets the efficiency requirements and is used in a qualifying residence. For your specific scenarios: 1. Primary residence - Yes, fully eligible for the credit 2. Second home - Yes, eligible as long as it's used as a residence (not primarily rental) 3. Rental property - No, not eligible under the residential energy credits 4. Mixed-use rental - Partial credit possible, proportional to your personal use Since you purchased and installed in 2024, you would claim this on your 2024 tax return (filed in 2025) using Form 5695. Make sure you have documentation of the purchase and that the equipment meets the required efficiency standards!

After spending hours trying to figure out my own heat pump tax credit situation, I finally came across taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it saved me so much time and confusion. I uploaded my heat pump purchase receipts and specs, and it immediately identified that I qualified for the full $2,000 credit on my DIY installation. The best part was that it analyzed the efficiency ratings automatically and confirmed my system met the CEE requirements. It also helped me understand exactly how to document everything properly on my tax forms. Before using it, I was getting conflicting advice from different tax preparers about whether DIY installations qualified.

I just have to share my experience with taxr.ai after being skeptical in my earlier comment. I decided to give it a try since I was still confused about my heat pump credit situation. Uploaded my documentation for my DIY installation from last year and within minutes I had confirmation that my system qualified! The analysis showed me I was eligible for $1,890 in credits (30% of my costs) and guided me through exactly how to document it. What really impressed me was that it found a small additional credit I could claim for the electrical panel upgrades I did as part of the installation - something none of the online guides mentioned. Definitely saved me from leaving money on the table and gave me the confidence to claim the credit despite my tax preparer initially saying DIY installations didn't qualify.

If you're still having trouble getting clear answers about your heat pump tax credit or running into issues with the IRS about your previous claims, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year where the IRS initially rejected my DIY heat pump credit claim from the previous tax year. I spent weeks trying to call the IRS for clarification but couldn't get through. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I had been trying for days. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent confirmed that my DIY installation was eligible and helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed to provide with my amended return.

Just wanted to update after trying Claimyr that I mentioned in my skeptical comment. I'm honestly shocked - it actually worked! After trying for weeks to get through to the IRS about my rejected heat pump credit, I was connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that DIY installations DO qualify and explained that my claim was rejected because I hadn't included the manufacturer's certification statement showing the efficiency ratings. She walked me through exactly what documentation to include with my amended return and even gave me a direct fax number to send it to for faster processing. Just received confirmation that my amended return was accepted and I'll be getting my full $2,000 credit for my DIY heat pump installation from last year. Never would have gotten this resolved without actually talking to someone at the IRS.

Has anyone tried claiming the heat pump credit for a mixed-use property? I installed mine in a duplex where I live in one unit and rent the other. My tax guy is saying I can only claim 50% of the credit since half is "business use" but another person told me I can claim 100% if the system only serves my living space. The IRS publications are super unclear about this!

Quick question about timing - is it too late to claim this for my 2023 installation? I just learned about this credit and I put in a DIY Mr Cool system in Nov 2023. Filed my taxes already for 2023 back in Feb 2024. Am I completely out of luck or can I still get this money somehow???

Just to add some clarity for everyone here - I work in tax preparation and see a lot of confusion about the heat pump credits. The key thing to remember is that for 2024 installations, you're looking at the 25C credit (Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit) which is 30% up to $2,000 specifically for heat pumps. DIY installations have ALWAYS qualified - there's never been a professional installation requirement for this credit. I think some tax preparers get confused because certain state rebate programs do require professional installation, but the federal tax credit does not. For efficiency standards, most modern mini-splits will qualify. You need to meet the highest efficiency tier established by CEE, which for air-source heat pumps is typically 16+ SEER2 and 9+ HSPF2 for single-speed units, or 18+ SEER2 and 9.5+ HSPF2 for variable-speed units. @CosmicCommander - for your $8,000 installation, you'd be eligible for the full $2,000 credit (not $2,600 - that's the max for the full 25C credit including all qualifying improvements). Make sure to use Form 5695 when filing your 2024 return!

Great thread everyone! I'm seeing a lot of helpful information here. Just wanted to add a few points from my own experience: I successfully claimed the DIY heat pump credit for my 2024 installation and can confirm everything @Giovanni Colombo and @Zoey Bianchi said is accurate. The key documentation you'll need includes: 1. Purchase receipts showing the equipment cost and date 2. Manufacturer's certification or spec sheet showing the efficiency ratings meet CEE standards 3. Photos of the installation (helpful but not required) One thing I learned the hard way - keep ALL your receipts, including any electrical work you had to do. Things like upgraded breakers, disconnect switches, and conduit runs can sometimes qualify for the electrical panel credit if they're substantial enough. Also, don't let tax preparers tell you DIY doesn't qualify - I had to educate mine too! The IRS has never required professional installation for residential energy credits. If you're getting pushback, show them IRS Publication 5695 instructions which make no mention of installation requirements. @CosmicCommander - definitely claim that credit for your 2024 installation! With $8k spent, you're looking at the full $2,000 heat pump credit. Just make sure your system meets the efficiency requirements (most modern mini-splits do).