Unlocking the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: What Every Texas Entrepreneur Should Know

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Smart Tax Savings for Service-Based Business Owners

Thinking about making your Texas home (or rental property) more energy efficient — and wondering if Uncle Sam will help foot the bill? You’re not alone. As a small business owner or sole proprietor, especially if you work from home or operate a home-based business, understanding how the updated Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit works can lead to real tax savings and a more sustainable operation.

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IRS Guidance You Can Use in 2025

The IRS issued Notice 2023-59 to clarify the requirements for including energy audits as a qualified expense when claiming this credit. If you pay a professional to assess your home’s energy efficiency, you may be able to claim that cost on your taxes, but you must follow specific rules to ensure eligibility.

Who Qualifies?

This credit is designed for improvements made to your principal residence (which can be a single-family home, condo, or even certain rental properties if you live there). Improvements might include:

  • New doors and windows with higher insulation ratings

  • Advanced HVAC systems or heat pumps

  • Energy-efficient roofing and insulation

  • Professional home energy audits

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How Does the Credit Work?

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is non-refundable but can help reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar for qualifying improvements. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, there’s renewed potential to recoup costs for upgrades made any time after 2022, but the: audit must meet IRS guidelines and the work must be certified as energy-saving.

Example: Fitness Studio Owners & Home Offices

Let’s say you own a mobile personal training business operating from your home in Houston. You upgrade your HVAC, add insulation, and get a certified home energy audit. Not only could you make your home office more comfortable for client meetings, but you might qualify for this credit — as long as the improvements are for your principal residence. Remember, improvements made exclusively for business-use rentals might need special attention, so always check with your advisor.

Key Takeaways for Texas Business Owners

  • Timing matters: File for the credit the same year you pay for qualifying improvements.

  • Documentation is key: Keep receipts and certificates for all materials and audits.

  • Audit requirements: Professional audits must be comprehensive and meet specific IRS standards — a simple “walk-through” doesn’t cut it.

  • Credit caps apply: There’s an annual max you can claim; don’t leave money on the table!

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What Should You Do Next?

• Review your recent and planned home improvement projects — did you upgrade, or are you planning to?
• Don’t guess! If you’re unsure if an expense qualifies, contact our team at Freedom Line Accounting & Tax before you file.
• Set up a no-stress consultation — avoiding mistakes now can save major headaches (and dollars) later.
• Mark your calendar — the sooner you claim, the sooner you save. Tax filing deadlines sneak up fast!

Remember: Proactive tax planning is key, not just April scrambling. Whether you’re a service pro, property-based entrepreneur, or operate a mobile business, we’re here to bring clarity and strategy for your unique needs.

Ready to see how these credits could offset your costs or improve cash flow? Ask us how this applies to your business — let’s build a tax-saving plan that sets you free!

Freedom Line Accounting & Tax
Providing Financial Solutions that Set You Free!

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