On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law. The act includes payroll tax cuts, the First Time Homebuyer credit, provisions for state rebate programs for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and tax credits for energy-efficient improvements to existing homes. The information provided herein is provided for reference purposes only and should not be interpreted or relied upon as tax advice. Consult with a qualified tax advisor to discuss your ability to claim and qualify for benefits under the programs.
What Is the Energy-Efficient Tax Credit for Existing Homes?
Beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010, when you purchase qualifying energy-efficient items from categories such as doors, windows, skylights and insulation, you may be eligible to claim a tax credit of up to 30% off the purchase price on your 2009 or 2010 tax return (up to $1,500). A qualified tax advisor should be consulted to determine eligibility.
What Items Qualify?
Products from among the following categories may qualify* :
*See www.energystar.gov for more information about qualified products. Not all ENERGY STAR® products qualify for a tax credit. Qualifying products may cost much more than standard products.
State-Specific Appliance Rebates
Check with your local utility company or click to visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder website to find out if you qualify for a rebate on your ENERGY STAR appliances.
For more information on any of the topics above, consult with a qualified tax advisor. He or she can help you determine your eligibility for any of the credits or rebates, as well as how much you may receive. You may also visit the ENERGY STAR website for more information.http://www.energystar.gov
**Receive a year-end summary of items purchased on your Lowe's Consumer Credit Card that Lowe's identifies as "Tax Credit Eligible." The year-end summary is not intended as tax advice. The year-end summary may not include eligible Special Order purchases. You should retain and review all of your receipts. Visit Lowes.com/BuildYourSavings for a list of eligible products and additional Energy Tax Credit Program information. GE Money Bank and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice to third parties. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties. Accordingly, parties should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Notes:
Last week Kathleen Shecter witnessed a crime scene. There was no blood or dead body. The crime was a crime against her community and future generations. Kathleen saw an older man power washing his driveway.
“Unless it’s a murder scene and you are the chief suspect and therefore washing away evidence against you,” Kathleen joked, “there is no reason to wash a dirty driveway.”
Only 1% of all the water on Earth is usable. The rest is salt water or frozen. The average family of 4 uses 400 gallons of water a day. That is about the same as taking 10 baths.
The nation’s water supplies and distribution systems are increasingly stressed by the public demand for water. A recent government survey showed at least 36 states are anticipating water shortages by 2013. By using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations.
Kathleen, who is my green guru, offers the following helpful suggestions on simple ways to decrease water consumption on a daily basis:
1. Install a low flow showerhead for each bathroom. Most showerheads use twice the water needed for a thorough shower. Every day 3 billion gallons of water flow through showerheads in the United States.
2. Turn water off when brushing teeth. Why do we feel the need to leave it running? Water savings: 8 gallons per day.
3. Use the “old” water from pet bowls to water plants. Hey, the plants don’t care!
4. Make sure every load of laundry is a full one. Don’t wash partial loads. Water savings: 15 gallons.
5. Don’t rinse dishes. Just scrape the food off and then load. Run only full loads. Water savings: 2 gallons of water per day.
6. Use run off water. When I rinse produce in my salad spinner I remove the basket, dump the water into my watering can for later plant watering or dump it into plants right then. And then I spin.
7. Don’t wash your car at home. I wash my car at one of those self-wash places that recycle the water. It goes down a drain in the carport and gets recycled. No washing the car in the driveway for me. Water savings: 25 gallons.
8. Don’t power wash sidewalks, driveways, or decks. The number of gallons of water used in those high pressure gadgets is alarming. Instead I get out the stiff bristle broom, some good biodegradable soap and scrub with a bucket of water. Then you can use the regular hose to rinse. Hey, who needs the gym? Great upper body workout, and the calories burned……wow! Water savings: 22 gallons per week.
9. Don’t use the toilet as a “trash can”. This can save you 1.6 gallons daily. Be sure the toilet you DO have is low flush one. They use half the water for each flush. If you can’t afford to replace (though it pays for itself in the long run), put a brick in the tank. Does the same thing, low-tech. Water savings: 8 gallons at 4 flushes daily.
10. Don’t water the lawn or other landscaping at the peak of the day. I see so many sprinklers going off at noon! Water before 6am or after 8pm when the temperature is cooler. Be sure all sprinklers are in working order and that you aren’t watering the sidewalk! If it’s running down the gutter you are wasting water (and your money - be prepared for a rise in your water bill - it’s coming.) Water savings: 20 gallons per day.
This week for our Monday mitzvah join me in taking the 10 Gallon Challenge and shave 10 gallons off of your daily water consumption. What other ways have you found to save water?
Step 1: Insert your razor into Save A Blade.
Step 2:Press the activating button.
Step 3:Enjoy a smooth shave.
