Forum Discussion

JKJavelin's avatar
JKJavelin
Explorer III
Nov 21, 2020

Solar Tax Credit

I had a complete solar system installed in Quartzsite earlier this year and I have since found out that the IRS has a 26% tax credit for solar installations on your primary or secondary residence. They accept an rv as a second residence, but I've seen references to motor homes and mobile homes, not travel trailers or fifth wheels. I've also seen descriptions by others that a dwelling with a bed, toilet and stove as acceptable.
Anybody have any experience with this? We spend considerable time 'living' in our rig.
JK
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 21, 2020
    Consult with a tax professional for this advice and the documents necessary IMO.
  • JKJavelin's avatar
    JKJavelin
    Explorer III
    Nov 21, 2020
    Yes, I googled it first and didn't see a clear answer, that's why I thought I'd see if anyone here with a trailer/fifth wheel had done it.
    Somehow I have doubts that a beaurocrat on the phone will understand the difference between a motorhome and a fifth wheel. But I might have to find out.
    JK
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2020
    Sure way to trigger an audit but may be entirely appropriate. Consult a tax professional not Good Sam membership.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2020
    JKJavelin wrote:
    Somehow I have doubts that a beaurocrat on the phone will understand the difference between a motorhome and a fifth wheel.

    I agree. You will probably have better luck calling Burger King and asking the question. :)
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 21, 2020
    A Birger King bureaucrat? Why the cheap shot at state and federal tax agency workers?
  • Taxman2436's avatar
    Taxman2436
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2020
    The solar credit is for your main home only. The mortgage interest deduction applies to a primary residence and second home. Your travel trailer would qualify as a second residence for the interest deduction but there is no credit for solar installations on a second home. I believe that is where the confusion comes from.

    I hope this helps.

    Lenny
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2020
    Many years ago I was building a new house. In the middle of the construction there was a tax credit started. I couldn't make sense of how it pertained to me so I went to the IRS office where I got a lot of smarta$$ remarks about it being for builders, not me. I went home and put in the figures that eliminated every dime of tax and mailed it.

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