IRS Releases Updated Guidance on 45L Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Homes
The Internal Revenue Service has released updated guidance on the new energy-efficient home credit under section 45L of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
The 45L tax credit is allowed to an eligible contractor that constructs a home, including multifamily rentals, that meets the energy savings requirements of the tax credit. The applicable amount of the credit is contingent on which set of energy saving requirements the home meets, and is $500, $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000.
The energy saving requirements of the 45L tax credit incorporate certain ENERGY STAR program requirements and certain zero-energy ready home program requirements.
Latest from NAHBNow
Feb 06, 2026
A Message from Jim Chapman, Candidate for NAHB 2026 Third Vice ChairmanThe election for Third Vice Chairman will take place at the Leadership Council meeting during the 2026 International Builders' Show.
Feb 06, 2026
Learn About the 2024 IECC in Free Video Series for NAHB MembersNAHB is now offering members a free educational video series on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. The videos break down key differences between the 2024 IECC and past editions, focusing on changes that improve usability and what they mean for construction costs.
Latest Economic News
Feb 06, 2026
The Size of the Housing Shortage: 2024 DataPersistently low homeowner and rental vacancy rates indicate that the U.S. housing market remains structurally undersupplied.
Feb 05, 2026
Job Openings Fall as Labor Market WeakensRunning counter to the data for the full economy, the count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry increased in December, per the delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.
Feb 04, 2026
Mortgage Rates Declined Despite Higher Treasury YieldsLong-term mortgage rates continued to decline in January. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.10% last month, 9 basis points (bps) lower than December. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 4 bps to 5.44%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is lower by 86 bps. The 15-year rate is also lower by 72 bps.