With the recent signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements that were originally part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 have been reinstated, extended and increased.

Tax Credit: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2/17/2009 enables homeowners to receive up to a $1,500 tax credit if they install specific energy efficient products (asphalt roofing products) which carry an Energy Star rating.

Energy StarŪ: Energy Star guidelines for residential roofing products require that products have a minimum solar reflectivity (SR value) of .25.

Additional Details:
 

• Tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient products up to a lifetime cap of $1,500.
• The tax credit applies to the cost of materials only (not installation costs).
• At the present time, this credit is available for 2009 and 2010.
• Homeowner must save receipts and provide a Manufacturer''s Certification Statement.
• IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) is the form the homeowner will use to apply for the tax credit.