IRS Form 5695
Claim residential energy credits for qualifying home energy improvements.
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About IRS Form 5695
Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, figures the credits available for qualifying energy improvements to your home. It covers the residential clean energy credit for items such as solar electric and solar water heating property, and the energy efficient home improvement credit for items such as insulation, exterior doors and windows, and certain heating and cooling equipment.
This page is a general guide and a fillable helper, not tax advice. Always download and file the current official form from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5695 and confirm the fields and current limits match before you file.
Who needs to complete it
- Homeowners who installed solar, wind, or geothermal property during the year.
- People who made energy efficient improvements such as insulation, doors, or windows.
- Taxpayers who bought qualifying heating or cooling equipment for their home.
- Anyone who wants to claim a residential energy credit on their return.
How to fill out IRS Form 5695
- 1Enter your name and Social Security number as shown on your return at the top.
- 2In Part I, enter the cost of qualifying clean energy property such as solar electric property.
- 3Apply the credit rate to figure the residential clean energy credit.
- 4Enter any credit carryforward from a prior year if it applies.
- 5In Part II, enter qualifying energy efficient home improvement costs by category.
- 6Apply the limits for each category of improvement.
- 7Total the credits and carry the amount to Schedule 3 for your Form 1040.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the two credits?
The residential clean energy credit covers items like solar and wind property, while the energy efficient home improvement credit covers items like insulation, doors, windows, and certain equipment. Each has its own rules and limits. This is a general guide, not tax advice, and you should download and file the current official form from the IRS.
Does the home have to be my main home?
The rules on which home qualifies differ between the two credits. Review the current instructions to see whether a second home or a home you own but do not live in qualifies.
Can I carry unused credit forward?
The residential clean energy credit may allow a carryforward of unused amounts, while some improvement credits do not. Follow the current form for how each part works.
Is this the official IRS form?
This is a fillable helper to make completion easier. Always download and file the current official form from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5695 and confirm the fields match.