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Short answer: The federal tax credit for energy efficient windows and doors ended for anything installed after Dec 31, 2025. It paid 30% of the product cost, up to $600 for windows and skylights and $250 per door ($500 total), excluding labor. Windows installed in 2025 can still be claimed on your 2025 return. In 2026, window rebates are limited: HEAR doesn't cover windows, so look at utility programs and state HOMES whole-home rebates.
See what applies at your address. Enter your ZIP and the finder shows your state's rebate status and your local utility rebate lookups.
Find rebates by ZIP codeWhat the window and door credit was
| Item | Requirement | Credit (2023 to 2025 installs) |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior windows and skylights | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient | 30% of product cost, $600 total a year |
| Exterior doors | ENERGY STAR certified | 30%, $250 per door, $500 total a year |
| Labor | Not covered for windows and doors | None |
| Installs after Dec 31, 2025 | Not allowed | None |
Source: IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, IRS OBBB FAQ, ENERGY STAR. Checked Oct 13, 2026.
Windows and doors shared the $1,200 annual limit with insulation, audits and other non-heat-pump items. Our full guide to the 25C credit and what replaced it has the whole table.
Claiming 2025 windows
- Check the label or invoice for the exact product, then confirm it met ENERGY STAR Most Efficient for your climate zone. Plain ENERGY STAR wasn't enough for windows.
- Split product cost from labor on the invoice. Only the product counts.
- Find the manufacturer's QMID (required for 2025 installs).
- File Form 5695 with your 2025 return, or amend if you already filed.
Window and door rebates in 2026
| Program | Covers windows? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HEAR (state-run) | No | Its building envelope category is insulation, air sealing and ventilation |
| HOMES (state-run) | Possibly | Pays on modeled whole-home savings. Windows can be part of a project if the model shows savings and your state allows it. |
| Utility rebates | Sometimes | Less common than for insulation or heat pumps. Usually ENERGY STAR or a set U-factor. |
| Weatherization Assistance Program | Rarely | Only if the audit finds it cost-effective or a safety need |
Search your ZIP in the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder for "windows" and check our utility rebate guide. Our rebate finder shows your state's HOMES status.
Is replacing windows the best use of the money?
Usually not if comfort or bills are the goal. Sealing air leaks and adding attic insulation tend to cost less and get rebated more often. If drafts are the problem, storm windows or weatherstripping can help for a fraction of the cost. Replacement makes more sense when frames are failing, glass is single-pane, or you're remodeling anyway. Read attic insulation rebates first, and if your income is limited, see the free Weatherization Assistance Program.
When you get quotes
- Ask for the exact product line and its ENERGY STAR status for your climate zone.
- Get the NFRC label values (U-factor and solar heat gain) in writing.
- If a seller says there's a tax credit in 2026, ask which one. The federal window credit has ended.
- Check whether your state's HOMES program is open before you sign. Some require an assessment first.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a $600 tax credit for windows?
There was, through 2025. It was 30% of the cost of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows and skylights, capped at $600 a year, labor excluded. It doesn't apply to windows installed after Dec 31, 2025.
What kind of windows qualify for energy tax credit?
For 2025 installs, exterior windows and skylights meeting ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria. Basic ENERGY STAR certification wasn't enough. No windows qualify for installs in 2026.
Are replacement windows tax deductible in 2026?
Not for a personal home. The federal window credit ended for 2026 installs, and replacement windows aren't a deductible expense on your main home. Rental and business property follow different rules, so ask a tax professional.
Is there a tax credit for new doors?
For 2025 installs, ENERGY STAR exterior doors got 30% of the cost, up to $250 per door and $500 total. That ended for doors installed after Dec 31, 2025.
Does HEAR pay for windows?
No. HEAR covers insulation, air sealing and ventilation, but not windows. HOMES may include windows within a whole-home project where the state program allows it.
Sources
- IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
- IRS: OBBB energy credit FAQs
- ENERGY STAR: Windows and skylights tax credit
- Rewiring America: Electrification rebates
- ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder
Amounts and statuses were checked Oct 13, 2026. Programs change often, so confirm with the program before you sign a contract. Where we couldn't verify a figure, we say so instead of guessing.
