Costs to install or replace siding on a standard American house usually run into the thousands of dollars. To reduce the financial burden , take advantage of existing government rebates for home improvement projects like siding installation. This guide covers some of the siding rebates available and how to access them.
Siding installation rebates and grants are available at the federal level through programs such as the Weatherization Assistance Program, Housing Improvement Program, and Energy Star Rebates. Your local government at the state or county level as well as manufacturers may also have siding rebates.
There are numerous programs across the United States meant for homeowners like you who need or are interested in installing or replacing siding on their homes. Some are offered at the federal level while others are offered locally at the state, municipal, or county level.
Active federal government siding installation rebates and tax credit programs in 2021 include:
- The Weatherization Assistance Program
- Housing Improvement Program
- Federal Energy Star Rebates
- Residential energy property credit for homeowners
- State Home Improvement
- Rebates and
- Manufacturer rebates
Here is a more detailed look at each of these rebates and tax credit programs. We also cover how you can access them if you want to reduce your siding installation costs wherever you are in the United States.
The Weatherization Assistance Program: For Siding Installation
The Weatherization Assistance Program is among the top well-funded programs you can access if you need financial help with siding installation. The program, available across the country, was created in 1981 and has been helping low-income families to make their homes more energy-efficient.
You can apply for a grant or rebate under the
Weatherization Assistance Program if you want to install siding because siding as an additional layer of insulation, can reduce your energy bills. The program does not specifically target siding or any energy-reducing technology but you will still receive the grant or rebate if eligible.
Who Is Eligible for The Weatherization Assistance Program?
Like most government rebates and tax credits, you have to belong to a certain category to apply for assistance under the Weatherization Assistance Program. Requirements for applicants to receive grants under the Weatherization Assistance Program include:
- Must Be A Low-Income Family
The Weatherization Assistance Program was specifically created to help low-income families who may not be able to install essential house components like insulation and siding. Therefore, you must provide proof that you are in need to receive this aid.
- Elderly people (over 60 years)
You are automatically eligible for the aid if you are in this age bracket although you might be required to prove that you are financially constrained.
- Eligible families with disabled persons
You are eligible to apply for financial aid or a grant through the Weatherization Assistance Program if you have one or more disabled persons in your household. The help you receive can go towards installing siding or any other energy bill-reducing components on your home.
- Aid-receiving Low-income families with children
If you have dependent children, currently receive aid targeting families with dependent children, then you can access the funds available in the Weatherization Assistance Program to install siding on your house.
How To Apply For The Weatherization Assistance Program
If you fall into any of the eligible groups earmarked for the Weatherization Assistance Program, then you’ll be happy to know that the application and approval process is straightforward. Applications are usually handled at your nearest council or state weatherization agency office.
Applications to the Weatherization Assistance Program usually go through the following process:
- Understand the eligibility requirements before applying for aid.
- Find licensed weatherization providers in your location. Each local weatherization agency publishes a list of authorized providers. These are the companies that will receive your application.
Tip: If unsure about where to find these providers, it’s always good to contact your state weatherization administrator and ask them to point you in the right direction. You can also use Homegardenguides to find licensed siding installers near you who are also part of this program.
The providers, after receiving your application, will check if you are eligible, process your request, and advise you on how to prepare for the installation.
The Housing Improvement Program
The Housing Improvement Program is a federal program targeting low-income native Indians and native Alaskans. If you are eligible for this aid, you can make your application to the US Department of Interior Indian Affairs. Application forms can be obtained locally or online through the BIA’s portal and submitted through the same channel.
Federal Energy Star Rebates
US homeowners who need financial aid to install siding on their homes can also tap into the Energy Star rebates program. You can access these rebates if the siding materials you use are certified by Energy Star because they meet the EPA’s energy efficiency specification. Look for the Energy Star logo on the siding materials you want to purchase to confirm eligibility.
How to Apply For Energy Star Rebates
You can access the energy rebates available to you by visiting the Energy star website today. While on the portal, use the search tool to find siding rebates available in your location and that you are eligible for. You can access available rebates in your location by entering your Zip code on the portal’s rebate finder tool.
The Federal Energy Star rebates are provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with the private sector. Do note you may not necessarily find rebates for siding installation but related components like insulation material.
Residential Energy Property Credit for Homeowners
The federal property tax credits are given to eligible homeowners who have recently installed energy-efficient components to their homes like new siding, insulation, solar panels, etc. You have to check the IRS’s guidelines each year for eligible home improvements for these credits. For instance, the IRS in its 2021 guidelines includes insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows, and roofs.
To claim the 10% tax credit on the cost of installing eligible components, you can include them in your annual tax return using tax form 5695. You will be required to provide more information about the materials used and how they make your home more energy-efficient to receive the credits.
There are few active rebates specifically targeting siding installation. However, you can always make a case for yourself on why the siding you installed has significantly reduced energy spend. In most cases, approval or denial of a rebate or grant application is up to the administrators.
State Rebates for Siding Homes
Nearly all the state governments have programs to assist homeowners who need to improve their homes. It’s good to check what is available in your state and see if you are eligible for financial assistance when doing major improvements like siding installation. You can do this by calling or visiting the relevant office in your state.
Tip: Sometimes it can be difficult to know what programs exist in your location that you can tap into to reduce your siding installation costs. To make sure you don’t miss out, seek advice from a local siding installation company as most of them have this information with them.
Use the free Homegardenguides free tool at the top of this page to find reliable siding installers in your location. To access the free tool, just scroll to the top of this page and enter your zip code.
Manufacturer rebates for siding materials
Some manufacturers and retailers of siding materials have also partnered with local governments to offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who purchase certain materials. Others, like Louisiana- Pacific, for example, offer rebates for any homeowners who purchase their siding products.
Is Siding Considered Energy Efficient for Tax Purposes?
This is a big question because it has implications on whether or not you can access federal and state rebates, grants, or tax credits for installing siding. It depends on the type of siding installed, and more specifically if you reduce energy by installing it.
In most cases, you will be more likely to receive the tax credits for installing all the energy-saving components like insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows. If in doubt about the eligibility of the siding materials you are installing, ask your installer or talk to your administrator.
FAQ's
Wood, insulated vinyl, and fiber cement are all considered energy efficient because they can prevent heat loss. When purchasing siding, always look at its R-value to determine its energy efficiency. A higher value always means that the siding is more energy efficient.
You cannot write off siding from your taxes unless there is a specific guideline from the IRS including siding as one of the components included for tax credits for the financial year. While siding might be considered a kind of insulation, it may not necessarily make the cut and qualify for automatic tax credits.
There are, however, automatic tax deductions for siding repairs on rental properties. Talk to an accountant or tax expert if unsure about the items that qualify for tax credits to be on the safe side.
