Federal 25C Tax Credit — Cincinnati, OH
Energy-Efficient Window & Door Tax Credit — What Cincinnati Homeowners Need to Know
Replaced windows or doors in 2025? You may still be able to claim a federal tax credit worth up to $600 when you file your 2025 return. Here’s what qualifies, what’s expired, and what to do next.
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Important Update
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) was accelerated to expire December 31, 2025 by the One Big Beautiful Bill signed in July 2025. Windows installed in 2026 and beyond do not currently qualify. However, if your windows were installed in 2025, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return filed in 2026. Consult your tax professional.
The Basics
What Was the Energy-Efficient Window Tax Credit?
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — also called the 25C credit — allowed homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights installed in their primary residence. It was part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and ran through December 31, 2025. Unlike a tax deduction, a tax credit reduces your actual tax bill dollar-for-dollar — making it more valuable for most homeowners.
Windows & Skylights
Up to $600 Credit
30% of qualifying product cost. Labor does not count. Annual cap of $600 for windows and skylights.
- ✓ Must meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria
- ✓ Must match your climate zone (Cincinnati = North-Central)
- ✓ Primary residence only — not rentals
Exterior Doors
Up to $500 Credit
$250 per qualifying exterior door, up to $500 total. Same 30% rule on product cost applies.
- ✓ Must meet ENERGY STAR requirements
- ✓ Applies to front entry, patio, and qualifying exterior doors
- ✓ Separate from the window credit limit
Example: How the Credit Math Works
Brand Eligibility
Do Andersen, ProVia & United Windows Qualify?
Many products from the brands we install carry ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification — the standard required for the 25C credit. However, not every product in every line qualifies. Eligibility depends on the specific model and your climate zone.
Andersen’s 100 Series, 200 Series, and A-Series lines include ENERGY STAR Most Efficient options for the North-Central climate zone covering Cincinnati. Ask your installer to confirm the specific CPD number for your product.
ProVia entry doors and storm doors include ENERGY STAR certified models that meet the thermal performance thresholds for exterior doors. Confirm model eligibility with your installer at time of purchase.
United’s vinyl window lineup includes models that meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification. Eligibility varies by series and glass package. We confirm qualifying options during your estimate.
Francis-Schulze exterior door systems include ENERGY STAR qualified options. Confirm model eligibility at time of purchase and retain the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for your tax preparer.
Claiming the Credit
How to Claim the Window Tax Credit on Your 2025 Taxes
If you had qualifying windows or doors installed in your Cincinnati home in 2025, here’s what you need to do when you file your 2025 tax return in 2026.
Gather Your Documentation
You need: an itemized receipt showing product cost separate from labor, the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement or QM code, and confirmation the installation was at your primary residence. Keep all original receipts.
Complete IRS Form 5695
This is the Residential Energy Credits form. Use Part II for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C). Enter your qualifying window or door product costs in the appropriate line. Your tax software or CPA will guide you through this.
Apply the Credit to Your Tax Bill
The credit is non-refundable — it reduces what you owe but won’t result in a refund if it exceeds your tax liability. Work with your CPA or tax professional to maximize the benefit alongside other credits you may qualify for.
Keep Your Records
Retain all documentation — receipts, certification statements, and your filed Form 5695 — for at least three years in case of an audit. Digital copies stored securely are fine alongside paper originals.
Common Questions
Window Tax Credit FAQs
Straight answers on the questions we hear most from Cincinnati homeowners.
They qualify for a tax credit, not a deduction. A credit is more valuable — it reduces your actual tax bill dollar-for-dollar rather than just lowering your taxable income. The 25C credit was worth 30% of qualifying product costs, up to $600 for windows and skylights.
Yes. If your qualifying windows were installed and operational by December 31, 2025, you can claim the credit on your 2025 tax return filed in 2026. The expiration affects new installations in 2026 and beyond — not those already completed in 2025. Consult your tax professional to confirm your eligibility.
No. The 25C credit only applies to your primary residence — the home where you live the majority of the year. Landlords and property investors cannot claim this credit for rental units, regardless of whether the windows meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
No. Only the product cost of qualifying windows or doors counts toward the credit calculation. Installation labor, removal of old windows, disposal fees, and other service charges are excluded. Your receipt should clearly separate product cost from labor.
Yes. There is no minimum number of windows required to qualify. As long as each product meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification for your climate zone and was installed in your primary residence by December 31, 2025, even a single window replacement can qualify.
New View Cincy, a division of Resurrection Construction LLC, installs ENERGY STAR-eligible windows and doors throughout Amelia, Batavia, Anderson Township, Loveland, Milford, Mason, Alexandria KY, and Greater Cincinnati. Call 513-449-0604 or schedule a free estimate online. We confirm qualifying products during your estimate and provide proper documentation at time of purchase.
Why Choose Us
Resurrection Construction — Cincinnati’s Window & Door Specialists
Co-founded by Austin Meenach and Josh Boudreau, Resurrection Construction brings 12 years of combined carpentry and window installation experience to every job in Greater Cincinnati. We’re BBB Accredited and install trusted brands including Andersen, ProVia, United Window & Door, and Francis-Schulze.
- Licensed and insured in Ohio and Kentucky
- BBB Accredited Business
- Authorized installer of Andersen, ProVia, United Window & Door, Francis-Schulze
- Financing available through Synchrony
- Free in-home estimates — no pressure, no obligation
Whether you replaced windows in 2025 and have tax questions, or you’re planning a future upgrade, our team walks you through product options, qualification requirements, and what to expect from installation start to finish.
Ready to Upgrade Your Windows or Doors?
Get a free in-home estimate from Cincinnati’s trusted window and door specialists. We’ll measure, recommend qualifying products, and handle everything from removal to final walkthrough.
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