Can a Newly Installed Pella Window Qualify for Form 5695 Residential Energy Credit?

Thanks for this info! I'm curious though - does the labor cost for installation count toward the credit amount? Or just the window itself? And would you happen to know when Form 5695 will be available for this tax season?

The labor costs directly related to the installation of the qualifying window can be included in the credit calculation. So while the window well excavation might not qualify, the actual installation labor for the energy-efficient window itself should be eligible. The IRS typically finalizes Form 5695 in late January or early February, though sometimes it can be delayed. Tax software providers usually update their systems as soon as the form is available, so if you're using tax software, you should receive a notification when you can complete this portion of your return.

Does it work with all types of energy credits? I've got solar panels and a new water heater I'm wondering about for this year's taxes.

How long did it take to get your answer? I'm planning to file in the next couple weeks and wondering if this is worth the wait.

Yes, it absolutely works with all types of energy efficiency credits including solar panels and water heaters. They can analyze whether your specific models qualify and how to properly document them on your taxes. The analysis came back within a day for me. I uploaded my documents in the evening and had comprehensive answers by the next afternoon. Definitely faster than waiting weeks to hear back from my accountant during tax season, and the guidance was super specific to my situation.

Wait, how does this actually work? Do they just call the IRS for you or what? I've tried calling the IRS three times this month and keep giving up after 45+ minutes on hold.

Sounds kind of sketchy tbh. Why would they be able to get through faster than anyone else? The IRS doesn't have some special line for third parties does it?

They don't call the IRS for you - they use a system that waits on hold for you. You basically register your phone number, and their system calls the IRS and navigates the phone tree. When they finally get a human agent on the line, the system calls your phone and connects you directly to the IRS representative. So you're still the one talking to the IRS, you just skip the hold time. They don't have any special access or line - they're just using technology to handle the frustrating hold time. The IRS agents have no idea you've used a service, they just think you've been waiting on hold like everyone else. I was skeptical too until I tried it and got through in about 20 minutes instead of the 2+ hours I wasted on previous attempts.

Thanks for mentioning this! I do have some papers from Pella but I'm not sure if one of them is specifically the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. What exactly should this document look like? Will it actually say "Manufacturer's Certification Statement" at the top?

The document doesn't necessarily have a standard format, but it should clearly state that the product meets the requirements for the Residential Energy Credit. Look for language that specifically references the window meeting IRC Section 25C requirements or ENERGY STAR requirements for the tax year in question. The statement should include the manufacturer's name, the specific product type, the identification criteria (model numbers, etc.), and a declaration that the product meets or exceeds the requirements for energy efficiency tax credits. If your paperwork doesn't include this, contact Pella customer service - they're used to providing these statements for tax purposes.

Tell me about it! I installed new insulation thinking it would qualify but turns out the specific type I used wasn't on their approved list. The whole system feels designed to be confusing. I ended up just paying my tax guy an extra $75 to figure it out because I was so frustrated.

This is really helpful! I'm in a similar situation but with a different manufacturer. Do you know if the 30% credit calculation includes sales tax on the window purchase? Also, when you say the window well excavation might not qualify, is that because it's considered general construction rather than energy efficiency improvement? Just want to make sure I'm calculating my potential credit correctly.

Yes, sales tax on the window purchase should be included in your credit calculation - the IRS generally allows you to include all costs paid for the qualifying improvement, including applicable taxes. You're exactly right about the window well excavation - it would be considered general construction work rather than a direct cost of the energy-efficient window installation. The IRS is pretty specific that only costs directly related to the qualifying energy property can be included. So while the window itself and the labor to actually install the window would qualify, digging the window well is more like site preparation that would have been needed regardless of the window's energy efficiency rating. For your calculation, include: window cost + installation labor + sales tax. Exclude: excavation, permits (if any), or other general construction costs not directly tied to the energy-efficient window installation.

This is really helpful information! I'm new to energy tax credits and wasn't sure about the documentation requirements. When you mention the Manufacturer's Certification Statement being separate from ENERGY STAR rating, does that mean I need both documents? Or is the Manufacturer's Certification Statement enough on its own? I want to make sure I have everything I need before the form becomes available so I don't delay my filing once it's released.

You typically need the Manufacturer's Certification Statement as the primary documentation - the ENERGY STAR rating alone usually isn't sufficient for IRS purposes. The Manufacturer's Certification Statement should reference that the product meets the specific energy efficiency requirements for tax credits under IRC Section 25C. Think of it this way: ENERGY STAR is a general energy efficiency program, but the tax credit has its own specific requirements that may be stricter or different. The Manufacturer's Certification Statement is what officially confirms your window meets those tax credit requirements specifically. If you only have ENERGY STAR documentation, I'd recommend contacting Pella directly to request the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Most major manufacturers like Pella are very familiar with providing these for tax purposes and can usually email it to you quickly. It's much easier to get this sorted out now rather than scrambling for it during tax filing season!