A professional home energy audit tells you exactly where your home wastes energy. If you paid for one by December 31, 2025, you can claim 30% of the cost back on your taxes, up to $150.
Credit Expired December 31, 2025
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired on December 31, 2025 due to the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (Public Law 119-21). If you paid for a qualifying energy audit by that date, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return. (IRS FAQ on Public Law 119-21)
Quick Summary
- Credit: 30% of audit cost, max $150
- No QMID required for energy audits
- Must be performed by certified home energy auditor
- Must result in written report
- Part of $1,200 annual cap shared with windows, doors, insulation
- Great first step before making energy improvements
What Qualifies
The IRS has specific requirements for energy audits to qualify for the credit.
Qualifying Audit Requirements
Your energy audit must meet three criteria:
- Inspected your main home in the United States
- Performed by a certified home energy auditor
- Resulted in a written report
The auditor certification matters. The IRS requires certification from recognized organizations, typically:
- BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified
- RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) certified
- Equivalent state or utility certification programs
A walk-through by an unlicensed contractor doesn't count. The auditor must have formal training in building science and energy efficiency.
What an Energy Audit Includes
A qualified home energy audit typically includes:
Visual inspection:
- Attic and basement insulation levels
- Air leakage points (doors, windows, penetrations)
- HVAC system condition
- Water heater efficiency
- Ductwork condition
- Thermostat settings
Diagnostic testing:
- Blower door test (measures whole-house air leakage)
- Thermal imaging (identifies insulation gaps)
- Combustion safety testing (gas appliances)
- Duct leakage testing
Written report with:
- Current energy usage baseline
- Prioritized list of improvements
- Estimated cost savings per improvement
- Payback period calculations
- Utility rebate availability
The report tells you exactly what to fix and in what order. Many homeowners save thousands by following the audit recommendations.
Credit Amount
Tax Credit Calculator
This calculator provides an estimate. Your actual credit may vary based on your tax situation. The credit is non-refundable and cannot exceed your tax liability.
The math is simple: 30% of your audit cost, capped at $150.
Examples:
| Audit Cost | Credit (30%) | Amount You Get |
|---|---|---|
| $300 | $90 | $90 |
| $400 | $120 | $120 |
| $500 | $150 | $150 (max) |
| $600 | $180 | $150 (max) |
Most professional energy audits cost $300 to $500. You'll receive $90 to $150 back on your taxes.
The $1,200 Annual Cap
The audit credit shares a combined $1,200 annual limit with other home improvements.
Items Sharing the $1,200 Cap
| Equipment | Credit Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation/Air Sealing | $1,200 | 30% of cost, Line 18 |
| Doors (exterior) | $500 | 30% of cost, Line 19 |
| Windows/Skylights | $600 | 30% of cost, Line 20 |
| Central AC | $600 | 30% of cost, Line 22 |
| Gas/Oil Water Heater | $600 | 30% of cost, Line 23 |
| Gas/Oil Furnace/Boiler | $600 | 30% of cost, Line 24 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $600 | 30% of cost, Line 25 |
| Home Energy Audit | $150 | 30% of cost, Line 26 |
Combined annual limit for all these items: $1,200 (Line 28). Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters have a separate $2,000 limit (Line 29).
If you claim $600 for windows and $150 for an audit, you've used $750 of your $1,200 cap. You have $450 remaining for doors, insulation, or other qualifying improvements.
Form 5695 Line 26
The audit credit appears on Form 5695, Part II, Section B, Line 26. Three fields to complete:
Line 26a: Qualifying Question
Answer "Yes" or "No" to this question:
Did you pay for a home energy audit that inspected or tested your main home in the United States and resulted in a written report prepared by a certified home energy auditor?
If yes, proceed to 26b. If no, skip Line 26 entirely.
Line 26b: Audit Cost
Enter the amount you paid for the energy audit. Include:
- Auditor's fee
- Diagnostic testing costs (blower door, thermal imaging, etc.)
- Written report preparation
Do not include:
- Repair costs or improvement costs (those go on other lines)
- Follow-up visits after improvements
- Consulting fees unrelated to the initial audit
Line 26c: Credit Calculation
Multiply Line 26b by 30% (0.30). Enter the result or $150, whichever is less.
Example: You paid $450 for an energy audit.
- $450 × 0.30 = $135
- Enter $135 on Line 26c
This amount flows into Line 27 (subtotal) and then Line 28 (subject to the $1,200 cap).
No QMID Required
Simpler Than Equipment Credits
Energy audits do NOT require a QMID (Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number). Just enter the cost and calculate 30%.
QMIDs are only needed for equipment like heat pumps, AC units, water heaters, and furnaces. Services like energy audits don't have manufacturers, so no QMID exists.
You still need documentation (receipt and written report), but the Form 5695 filing is simpler.
Why Get an Audit First
An energy audit is the smartest first step before making improvements. Here's why:
Prevents wasted money: You might think you need new windows when the real problem is attic insulation. An audit finds the actual issues.
Prioritizes improvements: A good report ranks recommendations by cost-effectiveness. Fix the biggest energy drains first.
Qualifies for other rebates: Many utility rebate programs require an audit before approving incentives for insulation or HVAC upgrades.
Maximizes credit value: If the audit recommends $10,000 in improvements eligible for credits, the $150 audit credit is a small investment to claim thousands more.
Baseline for future comparison: The report documents current energy usage. After improvements, you can measure actual savings.
Finding a Certified Auditor
Look for auditors certified by recognized organizations:
Check BPI Certification
Visit the Building Performance Institute directory to find BPI-certified professionals in your area. Look for "Building Analyst" or "Energy Auditor" certifications.
Check RESNET Certification
Search the RESNET directory for certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters. HERS raters perform comprehensive energy audits.
Ask Your Utility
Many utilities maintain lists of approved auditors or offer subsidized audit programs. Some provide audits for free or at reduced cost.
Verify Credentials
Before hiring, confirm:
- Current certification from BPI, RESNET, or equivalent
- Liability insurance
- References or reviews from past clients
- Sample audit reports
Typical audit costs: $300 to $600, depending on home size and complexity. Larger homes or those with multiple HVAC zones cost more.
What to Expect During the Audit
A professional energy audit typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Here's the process:
Pre-audit interview (15 minutes):
- Discuss comfort issues (drafts, hot/cold rooms)
- Review utility bills
- Identify recent improvements or repairs
Visual inspection (60-90 minutes):
- Attic, basement, crawl space
- Insulation levels and condition
- HVAC equipment age and condition
- Water heater type and settings
- Windows and doors
- Appliances
Diagnostic testing (45-60 minutes):
- Blower door test (measures air leakage)
- Thermal imaging (finds insulation gaps)
- Combustion safety testing (gas appliances)
- Duct leakage testing (if accessible)
Report delivery (1-2 weeks):
- Written recommendations prioritized by cost-effectiveness
- Estimated costs for each improvement
- Projected energy savings
- Available rebates and incentives
Documentation Requirements
Keep these records for at least 3 years after filing your tax return:
Required Documentation
- Receipt or invoice showing payment amount and date
- Written audit report with auditor's name and certification credentials
- Completed Form 5695 showing Line 26 calculation
- Proof of auditor certification (BPI, RESNET, or equivalent certificate)
The IRS can request these documents if your return is audited. Missing documentation could result in disallowed credits.
Stacking With Utility Programs
Many utilities offer rebates or free energy audits. How this affects your tax credit:
Free utility audit: If your utility provided a free audit, you paid $0. No credit available (30% of $0 = $0).
Subsidized audit: If you paid $100 for a normally $400 audit (utility covered $300), claim 30% of what you paid ($30 credit).
Full-price audit with utility rebate: Some utilities rebate you after you pay. If you paid $400 and received a $200 rebate, claim 30% of your net cost ($200 × 0.30 = $60).
IRS Note
Subtract any rebates or subsidies from your audit cost before calculating the credit. Your credit is based on your actual out-of-pocket expense.
Common Mistakes
Avoid These Errors
Using unlicensed auditors: Your neighbor's contractor can't just walk through and call it an "audit." The auditor must have formal certification (BPI, RESNET, etc.).
Missing the written report: A verbal recommendation doesn't count. The IRS requires a written report documenting findings and recommendations.
Claiming repeat audits: If you got an audit in 2024 and another in 2025, you can claim both (credit resets annually). But you can't claim multiple audits in the same year.
Including improvement costs: Line 26 is only for the audit cost itself. If the auditor installed insulation or made repairs, those costs go on different lines (18 for insulation, etc.).
Exceeding the $1,200 cap: Remember Line 26 shares the $1,200 annual limit with windows, doors, insulation, and other items. Check your combined total on Line 28.
Claiming the Credit
Complete Form 5695 following these steps:
Complete Section B Lines 21a-21c
- Line 21a: Answer "Yes" (you installed qualifying property)
- Line 21b: Answer "Yes" (property was placed in service this year)
- Line 21c: Enter your main home address
Complete Line 26
- Line 26a: Answer "Yes" (audit meets requirements)
- Line 26b: Enter audit cost (e.g., $450)
- Line 26c: Calculate credit (30% of 26b, max $150)
Calculate Lines 27-28
- Line 27: Add lines 18b, 19h, 20d, 22d, 23d, 24d, 25e, and 26c
- Line 28: Enter lesser of Line 27 or $1,200
Complete Remaining Lines
- Add any Line 29 credits (heat pumps, etc.)
- Complete worksheet for tax liability limit
- Transfer final credit to Schedule 3, line 5b
When to Schedule an Audit
The best time for an energy audit depends on your plans:
Before making improvements: Get the audit first, then use recommendations to prioritize work. This prevents wasting money on the wrong fixes.
After buying a home: New homeowners should audit early to identify issues before problems worsen. You'll have a baseline for future improvements.
When comfort issues arise: Drafts, high bills, uneven temperatures, or HVAC struggles all signal audit-worthy problems.
Before winter or summer: Schedule audits during mild weather (spring or fall). This gives you time to complete recommended improvements before peak heating or cooling season.
Credit Expiration
No Longer Available for 2026+
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025. Energy audits completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the credit.
If you completed an audit by December 31, 2025, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return (filed by April 15, 2026, or with extension).
The credit was originally extended through 2032 by the Inflation Reduction Act, but Public Law 119-21 (the "One Big Beautiful Bill") terminated it early.
Official Resources
Download the official IRS form for energy credits
IRS.govDetailed IRS instructions for completing Form 5695
IRS.govDirectory of Building Performance Institute certified auditors
ExternalDirectory of RESNET certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) raters
ExternalNext Steps
An energy audit identifies problems. The credit pays you to find them. But the real savings come from fixing what the audit reveals.
Many improvements qualify for their own credits:
- Insulation: Up to $1,200 credit (Line 18)
- Windows: Up to $600 credit (Line 20)
- Doors: Up to $500 credit (Line 19)
- Heat pump: Up to $2,000 credit (Line 29, if installed by Dec 31, 2025)
- Electrical panel: Up to $600 credit (Line 25)
See our complete Form 5695 Guide for details on all available credits.