You installed a heat pump last year. Smart move for efficiency and comfort. Now it's tax season, and you're filling out Form 5695 to claim your federal energy credit. Then you hit a snag: the IRS wants a "QMID" from your manufacturer.
What is that? Where do you find it? And why does the government need a random 4-character code from your HVAC company?
Quick Summary
- QMID = Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number
- 4-character code identifying IRS-registered manufacturers
- Required for all 25C claims starting January 1, 2025
- Enter on Form 5695, Part II, Section B, Line 29a
The Short Answer
QMID stands for Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number. It's a 4-character alphanumeric code that identifies HVAC manufacturers who meet IRS requirements for the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
The QMID is a 4-character alphanumeric code that identifies your equipment manufacturer. Enter it exactly as shown in the IRS database or our directory.
Think of it like a tax ID for manufacturers. Just as you have a Social Security Number, each qualified manufacturer has a QMID. The IRS uses this code to verify that your equipment came from a legitimate manufacturer registered in their program.
Why the 2025 Requirement Matters
Important Change
Before January 1, 2025, you could claim the 25C credit without a QMID. Not anymore. The IRS now requires manufacturers to register and obtain a QMID before their products qualify for the tax credit.
If your equipment was installed after this date, you need this code. No QMID, no credit.
This change closed a loophole. Previously, the IRS had no easy way to verify that claimed equipment actually met efficiency standards. The QMID system creates a direct link between your tax return and the manufacturer's certification.
Where to Find Your QMID
Option 1: Use Our QMID Directory
We maintain a searchable database of all qualified manufacturers and their codes. Search by brand name and get your QMID in seconds.
Option 2: Check Your Paperwork
Many manufacturers now include the QMID on invoices, product documentation, or the equipment itself. Look for a 4-character code like "CRGT" or "DKNA" labeled as QMID.
Option 3: Visit the IRS Website
The IRS maintains an official list of qualified manufacturers at irs.gov. It's comprehensive but harder to search if you only know your brand name.
Brand Name vs. Manufacturer Name
Common Confusion
The brand on your equipment might not match the manufacturer name in the IRS database.
For example, if you bought a Bryant heat pump, you won't find "Bryant" in the IRS list. Bryant is owned by Carrier, so you'd look up Carrier's QMID. Same goes for:
- Amana → owned by Daikin
- Heil → owned by Carrier
- Day & Night → owned by Carrier
- Goodman → owned by Daikin
Our directory handles this automatically. Search for "Bryant" and we'll show you it's a Carrier brand with the correct QMID.
How to Use Your QMID on Form 5695
Form 5695 is the Residential Energy Credits form. Here's where the QMID goes:
Form 5695 Structure
Lines 1-16: Solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage
Insulation, doors, windows, skylights
Residential Energy Property
29a: QMID + cost, 29b-29h: calculations
Line 32: Final credit → Schedule 3, line 5b
Heat pumps are entered in Part II, Section B, Line 29
Navigate to Section B
Complete Part II, Section B (Residential Energy Property Expenditures)
Go to Line 29
Part II, Section B, Line 29 is specifically for heat pumps
Enter QMID on Line 29a
Enter your QMID in the four boxes on Line 29a, along with the equipment cost
Complete Calculations
Complete lines 29b-29h to calculate your credit. Line 32 shows your final credit amount.
The QMID field has four boxes, one character per box. Enter the 4 characters exactly as they appear in the IRS database.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Warning
Wrong manufacturer: Double-check which company actually makes your equipment. Brand names and manufacturer names often differ.
Outdated information: Manufacturer QMIDs can change. Always verify against the current IRS list or our updated directory.
Equipment installed before registration: If you installed equipment in early 2025, confirm your manufacturer had a QMID at the time of installation. Some manufacturers were slow to register.
Confusing QMID with AHRI number: Your equipment also has an AHRI certificate number. That's different from the QMID. The AHRI number identifies the specific equipment model, while the QMID identifies the manufacturer.
What If My Manufacturer Isn't Listed?
If you can't find your manufacturer in the IRS database, contact them directly. They may have registered under a different name, or they may not be in the program yet.
Note
For equipment installed in 2025 or later, the manufacturer must have a valid QMID for you to claim the credit. If they're not registered, you're unfortunately out of luck for the 25C credit, though you may still qualify for other incentives like utility rebates.
Official Resources
Official IRS answers about QMID requirements
IRS.govIRS overview of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
IRS.govVerify your equipment's AHRI certification number
AHRINext Steps
Ready to find your QMID? Head to our QMID directory and search by brand or manufacturer name. Once you have your code, you'll be ready to complete Form 5695 and claim your credit.
The 25C credit can save you up to $2,000 on a qualifying heat pump. Don't leave that money on the table just because of a missing 4-character code.