Form 5695 is used by taxpayers to calculate and claim residential energy credits on their federal income tax return. Specifically, it allows individuals to claim two main credits: the residential clean energy credit and the energy efficient home improvement credit. It is also used to carry forward any unused portion of the residential clean energy credit from prior years.
Claim Residential Clean Energy Credit
For qualified property installed in a U.S. home, including:
- Solar electric systems
- Solar water heating systems
- Small wind energy systems
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Battery storage technology
- Fuel cell property
This credit is generally calculated at 30% of qualified costs (subject to statutory rules) and is nonrefundable.
Claim Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
For qualified improvements to an existing home, including:
- Insulation materials
- Exterior windows and doors
- Heat pumps and central air conditioners
- Water heaters
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Home energy audits
This credit is subject to annual dollar limits by category and overall cap and is also nonrefundable.
Credit Carryforward (Residential Clean Energy Credit Only)
- If the residential clean energy credit exceeds tax liability, the unused portion may be carried forward to future years
- The carryforward continues until fully used
- There is no fixed expiration year for the carryforward
How to Use Form 5695
Part I: Residential Clean Energy Credit
- Lines 1–11: Report qualified costs for eligible energy property
- Line 12: Enter any carryforward from prior years
- Line 13: Compute total tentative credit
- Line 14: Apply tax liability limitation using the worksheet
- Line 15: Allowable credit (smaller of Line 13 or Line 14)
- Line 16: Remaining credit available to carry forward
Part II: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
- Compute credit for qualified improvements
- Apply category-specific annual limits
- Apply overall annual limitation
- Credit is limited to tax liability and cannot be carried forward
Source:
Form 5695 Instructions (2025)
Disclaimer: Always verify details with the current year’s IRS Form 5695 and its instructions, as well as with your state’s Department of Revenue. For complex situations, consult a tax professional or CPA.