U.S. homeowners replaced 5 million windows in 2025, and 78% of them missed out on a federal tax credit worth up to $600 per year. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05). Federal tax credits for this work have ended, but state, local and utility rebates may still apply; check what is available at your address with the DuloCore rebate calculator.
What is the energy efficient windows tax credit and how much can you claim?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Form 5695 only covers qualifying work completed by December 31, 2025 and claimed on a 2025 return; the federal 25C and 25D credits ended after that date (IRS FS-2025-05).
According to the Department of Energy, 43% of a home's heating and cooling energy escapes through windows. Upgrading from single-pane to ENERGY STAR-certified windows cuts energy loss by 25-50% in most climates.
For more comprehensive savings, check available window replacement rebates in your state.
What percentage of your window replacement costs does the tax credit cover?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Learn more in our energy tax credits guide.
Are there income limits or annual spending caps for this tax credit?
No income limits applied while the credit was available. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Use a rebate calculator to estimate state and utility rebates for your full home energy upgrade.
Which window types and brands qualify for the tax credit?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Most major manufacturers offer qualifying models: Andersen's 400 Series, Pella's 250 Series, Marvin's Essential line, and Milgard's Quiet Line all include options that meet Most Efficient criteria. But not every window in a product line qualifies—homeowners must verify the specific model's certification before purchase. The manufacturer provides a Certification Statement listing U-factor, SHGC, and ENERGY STAR status.
Storm windows installed over existing primary windows are another option. This creates a budget-friendly path for older homes where full window replacement costs $8,000-$15,000. Adding certified storm windows for $2,000-$4,000 delivers similar energy savings at 30-50% of the cost.
| Program | Credit Amount | Annual Cap | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows/Skylights Credit | 30% of cost | $600 | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| Doors Credit | 30% of cost | $250 | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| Insulation/Air Sealing | 30% of cost | $1,200 aggregate | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
How do you apply for the energy efficient windows tax credit on your taxes?
Form 5695 only covers qualifying work completed by December 31, 2025 and claimed on a 2025 return; the federal 25C and 25D credits ended after that date (IRS FS-2025-05). The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
For additional savings opportunities, explore heat pump rebates for whole-home efficiency upgrades.
When does the energy efficient windows tax credit expire and what are the key deadlines?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05). Windows installed and paid for by that date qualify, provided the project is complete before midnight on the final day of the tax year. The Inflation Reduction Act funded this 10-year extension when President Biden signed it in August 2022, replacing the expired Section 25C credit.
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Can you stack the windows tax credit with other energy efficiency credits?
The federal home energy tax credits (Sections 25C and 25D) ended for projects completed after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
California's TECH Clean California program offers $3,000-$7,000 for heat pump HVAC systems.
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for expenditures made after December 31, 2025, and the IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is completed (IRS FS-2025-05). The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Municipal Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs are another option. PACE loans attach to the property, not the borrower, and repayment happens through property tax bills over 10-25 years.
Official Sources
- Energy.gov Save Energy, Save Money — Federal tax credits and rebates for home energy upgrades (note: the federal 25C and 25D credits ended for projects completed after December 31, 2025)
- IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — Official credit guidelines and filing requirements (note: the federal 25C and 25D credits ended for projects completed after December 31, 2025)
- DSIRE USA — State, local, and utility rebate database
Related Reading: Learn more about Energy Audit Myths Debunked and Energy Audit New Construction.
Related Reading: Learn more about Best Energy Efficient Windows 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are energy efficient windows eligible for the 2026 tax credit?
No. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
How much tax credit can you get for energy efficient windows?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
What qualifies as an energy efficient window for the tax credit?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
Do you need to install energy efficient windows yourself to claim the tax credit?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05).
What is the deadline to claim the energy efficient windows tax credit?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05). Windows must be installed by that date to qualify.
Ready to maximize your energy savings? Use our free rebate calculator to find every federal, state, and utility incentive for your home—windows, insulation, HVAC, and more—in under 60 seconds.
Updated: April 14, 2026 — fact-checked by DuloCore Research. About our editorial process.
Check your California insulation rebate eligibility — see the programs you qualify for and the dollar amounts on our California insulation rebate finder.