How much is the windows tax credit in 2026?

The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers 30% of qualifying window replacement costs, up to $600 per year for windows and skylights combined. For exterior doors, the cap is $500 total ($250 per door, max 2 doors). These caps are separate from other 25C categories like heat pumps and insulation — you can claim windows AND heat pumps in the same tax year up to their respective caps.

What windows qualify for the 25C tax credit?

Windows must meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria for your climate zone to qualify for the 25C credit. Requirements vary by region: Northern zones require U-factor ≤0.22, Southern zones require SHGC ≤0.22. ENERGY STAR certified windows meeting these specs include products from Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, and PlyGem. Get the manufacturer certification statement with your purchase.

Can I combine the windows tax credit with HEAR rebates?

The 25C windows credit and HEAR rebates can be stacked on the same project. HEAR covers windows and doors up to $1,200 for income-qualified households (below 150% AMI). The 25C credit applies to the remaining cost. Total combined savings on a window replacement project can reach $1,800+ for income-qualified homeowners.

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25C Credit · $600 Windows · $500 Doors · HEAR Up to $1,200 · July 2026

Windows & Doors Tax Credit 2026–2027

Replacing windows or exterior doors in 2026 qualifies for the 25C federal tax credit — 30% up to $600 for windows and $500 for doors. Income-qualified households can add HEAR rebates up to $1,200 more. Total savings can reach $2,000+ on a window replacement project.

Find My Window Rebates →What Qualifies ↓

$600

Windows credit max/yr

$500

Doors credit max/yr

30%

Credit rate

$1,200

HEAR rebate (income-qualified)

25C Windows & Doors Credit — How It Works

The 25C credit for windows and doors has separate annual caps from other home improvement categories. You can claim $600 for windows in the same year you claim $2,000 for a heat pump — the caps don't stack against each other. This makes it worth doing window replacements in the same tax year as other efficiency upgrades.

⚠ Important: Windows Have a Lower Cap Than Heat Pumps

The $600 window cap is per tax year — not per window. A full house of 15 windows costing $15,000 still only generates a $600 credit. Windows have the lowest cap of any 25C category. Focus on the highest-impact windows (largest, least efficient, most used rooms) if replacing all at once.

✓ Strategy: Split Window Projects Across Tax Years

If replacing all windows in one home, consider doing half in December and half in January — two separate tax years, two $600 credits = $1,200 total vs. $600 in one year. Same strategy works for doors ($250 each, $500 cap per year).

25C Credit Caps — All Categories

Windows cap is separate from all other 25C categories — you can claim multiple categories in the same year

Category	Rate	Annual Cap	Notes
Windows & Skylights	30%	$600/year	Combined cap for all windows in one tax year
Exterior Doors (each)	30%	$250/door	Max 2 doors = $500/year combined
Exterior Doors (total)	30%	$500/year	Combined cap for all doors in one tax year
Heat Pumps	30%	$2,000/year	Separate cap — stacks with windows
Insulation + Air Sealing	30%	$1,200/year	Separate cap — stacks with windows
Water Heaters (HPWH)	30%	$2,000/year	Shared with heat pump cap

What Windows Qualify — By Climate Zone

Windows must meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient specifications for your climate zone. Requirements are stricter in cold climates.

Northern (Zone 4–8)

MN, WI, MI, NY, VT, ME, NH, WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, ND, SD, NE, IA

U-Factor≤0.22

SHGCAny

e.g. Andersen 400 Series, Pella Impervia

North-Central (Zone 3N)

PA, OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO, UT, NV (north)

U-Factor≤0.30

SHGC≤0.40

e.g. Pella 350 Series, Milgard Style Line

South-Central (Zone 2–3S)

VA, NC, TN, AR, OK, NM, AZ (north)

U-Factor≤0.30

SHGC≤0.25

e.g. Low-SHGC glass packages

Southern (Zone 1–2)

FL, TX (south), LA, MS, AL, GA (south), AZ (south)

U-Factor≤0.40

SHGC≤0.22

e.g. PlyGem, Simonton low-SHGC

Windows + HEAR by State

Income-qualified totals. Non-income-qualified: 25C credit only.

State	HEAR	Utility	25C	Total*
Michigan →	Up to $1,200	N/A	$600	Up to $1,800
Vermont →	Up to $1,200	Up to $200 (GMP)	$600	Up to $2,000
New York →	Up to $1,200	Up to $100 (National Grid)	$600	Up to $1,900
Colorado →	Up to $1,200	Up to $100 (Xcel)	$600	Up to $1,900
Massachusetts	Up to $1,200	Up to $200 (Eversource)	$600	Up to $2,000
Oregon →	Up to $1,200	Up to $100 (PGE)	$600	Up to $1,900
Texas	Not yet	N/A	$600	Up to $600
Florida	Not yet	N/A	$600	Up to $600

FAQ — Windows & Doors Tax Credit

Does window film or window inserts qualify for the 25C credit?

No — window film and interior window inserts (storm window inserts) do not qualify for the 25C credit under current IRS guidance. Only full window replacements that meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient specifications qualify. Exterior storm windows may qualify in some cases — consult IRS guidance or a tax professional.

Do I need a professional installer for the windows tax credit?

No — the 25C credit covers both professionally installed and DIY-installed windows. You can purchase and install qualifying windows yourself and still claim the credit. Keep your purchase receipts and the manufacturer's certification statement, which confirms the window meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient specifications for your climate zone.

Can I claim the credit for a rental property?

The 25C credit is only available for your primary or secondary residence — not for rental properties you don't live in. If you rent out a room in your primary residence, you may need to prorate the credit based on personal vs. rental use. Consult a tax advisor for mixed-use properties.

What form do I use to claim the windows tax credit?

Claim the 25C credit on IRS Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits), Part II. Enter the cost of qualifying windows on Line 19a and the applicable credit percentage. The credit is nonrefundable — it can reduce your tax liability to zero but won't generate a refund. Unused credits cannot be carried forward to future tax years.

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This guide is for educational purposes only. Program details change frequently. Always verify with IRS.gov (Form 5695) and your state energy office before purchasing. Data verified July 2026.