Garage doors installed in 2009 and 2010 may be eligible for a tax credit under the 2009 stimulus legislation signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009. By taking advantage of this provision you can:

• Improve the appearance and value of your home
• Reduce your tax bill by up to $1,500
• Reduce your energy bills

According the the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), the following criteria must be met to be eligible for the tax credit:

• The door must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010.
• The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage.
• The door's U-factor must be 0.30 or less.
• The door perimeter must be able to control air infiltration.
• The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years.
• The garage must be part of your principal U.S. residence.

If these criteria are met, you can claim a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of the door or doors you buy up to a total credit of $1,500. Note that the credit applies only to the door purchase, not to any installation costs.

If you have been thinking about replacing your garage doors, this would be a great time to act. The sooner the new doors are installed, the sooner you can start realizing the energy savings and appreciating the improved appearance of your house.

Be sure to discuss the details of the tax credit eligibility with your garage door dealer. Ask for a copy of the Manufacturer's Certification, which is a statement certifying that the door qualifies for the tax credit.

You may be able to find this certification on the manufacturer's Web site.

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