While a new roofing system can be a significant investment for many homeowners, there are many benefits that come along with it! From boosted insulation and functionality to increased curb appeal, home value, and more, a new roof certainly has its advantages.
One advantage that many people may not realize or take advantage of is the tax credits that can coincide with a new roof installation! In this short guide, RoofPRO will outline some common tax benefits and rebates that new roof may qualify for your property. Read on or contact a local tax professional for more information!
What is a Roof Tax Credit for Homeowners?
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount you owe for your taxes. Tax credits are often provided in order to promote social goods, like incentivizing adoption, offsetting the cost of caring for dependents, or promoting higher education. A new roof installation can also trigger some of these energy credit benefits!
Tax Credits vs. Tax-Deductible Roof Expenses
What’s the difference between tax deductions and tax credits? While they’re quite similar, there is a subtle difference in the way that they help taxpayers when they file their returns.
As stated above, tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount that you owe in taxes, while tax-deductible roof expense lower the amount of money that counts as taxable income on your return. For instance, a credit of $500 would lower the amount you pay in taxes by $500, while a tax deduction equivalent in value to $500 means that you will pay less in taxes, but not by exactly $500, it all depends on what you owe overall and the types of taxation you’re subject to.
Is Your New Roof Eligible for Federal Tax Credits?
Homeowners often ask whether a roof replacement qualifies for a federal tax credit. In most cases, a standard new roof does not qualify for a federal homeowner tax credit. In addition, major federal home energy credits that many homeowners previously relied on are no longer available for improvements or property placed in service after December 31, 2025. If a roofing project includes other qualifying energy components, homeowners should confirm current IRS rules with a tax professional before assuming any credit applies.
Residential Energy Efficiency Credit
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit was available for certain qualifying home energy improvements made through December 31, 2025. As of 2026, homeowners generally cannot claim this credit for new improvements placed in service after that date. Also, standard roofing materials are not listed by the IRS as qualifying items under the current home improvement credit rules. Homeowners should not assume that a metal roof, cool roof, or asphalt shingle roof qualifies without current tax guidance from the IRS or a tax professional.
Commercial Buildings Energy Tax Deduction
The Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, often referred to as Section 179D, may still apply to qualifying commercial projects, including flat roofing systems, that meet the program’s energy-efficiency and certification requirements. This is a commercial tax deduction, not a standard homeowner tax credit. Roofing upgrades may be part of a broader qualifying commercial energy-efficiency project, but owners should confirm the current technical requirements and timing rules with a tax advisor. Under current IRS guidance, this deduction is scheduled to end for property whose construction begins after June 30, 2026.
Solar Investment Tax Credit (for Solar Panels)
Homeowners who installed qualified solar energy systems on a home they own may have been eligible for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. However, the IRS says this credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. If your solar system was installed earlier, you should review the IRS rules and your filing year with a qualified tax professional to determine whether you were eligible at the time the system was placed in service.
How Maryland Homeowners Can Claim Federal Tax Credits for a New Roof
Are you wondering how you can secure one of the above tax credits or a local tax credit for your property in Maryland? There are a few ways that you can get tax credits and rebates to offset your roof replacement costs!
Choose Energy Efficient Roofing Materials
Most new roofs do not qualify, but federal income tax credits are available when you choose the right materials. Most tax credits designed for homeowners and commercial property owners incentivize energy efficiency, so choosing energy-efficient roofing materials can be a great way to get a credit when tax season rolls around and claim your benefits with the IRS. Be sure to work with a knowledgeable team of roofing contractors who know the materials, systems, and brands to work with in order to make your exteriors as energy efficient as possible in order to secure the credit. Plus, even without the credit, energy-efficient roofing materials can save you money by reducing energy costs throughout the year.
Which Roofing Materials Qualify? Metal, Cool Asphalt & Solar Energy Credits
Not all roofing materials are considered “energy efficient.” The best ones to go with are metal roofing or cool asphalt roofing, which are specially designed with energy efficiency in mind. While you may feel like you’re missing out by not being able to select more traditional materials for your roof, don’t fret – both asphalt and metal roofing systems come in a number of colors and styles that are able to mimic more “classic” roofing systems, like slate or tile!
Also, solar panels previously qualified for a federal residential clean energy tax credit, but that credit is not available for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. If your system was installed earlier, check the filing rules that applied for that tax year. Learn more about solar panel tax credits here.
Federal Tax Credits and Local Energy Incentives for Homeowners
Tax credits for roofing, solar, and energy upgrades can change over time, so it is smart to check the current rules before trusting older articles. Some federal energy credits that were available in past years are no longer available for projects completed after December 31, 2025. Homeowners should also look into any state, local, or utility rebates that may still be available in their area.
Document Your Qualified Expenses: Filing Requirements for Energy Tax Credits
An important part of actually receiving the credits for which you qualify is keeping detailed records and properly filing your paperwork with the IRS. Avoid missing out on major benefits by ensuring you have copies of all paperwork related to these qualified expenses for your energy improvements and submit them on time.
Submit Your Tax Return to Claim Your Residential Energy Credit
Once the work is done, you can submit your tax return to claim your residential energy credit see whether you qualify for your deductions or credits. Hopefully, you’ll receive a lower amount in the amount of taxes owed, or you may even receive a refund!
Budgeting & Planning: Know Your Numbers Before You File
Not sure where your project might land? Start with our quick Roof Replacement Cost Calculator to get a ballpark estimate based on roof size, material, and a few site details. Then, compare that estimate with real-world price ranges in our guide to How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost in Maryland so you can see what’s typical in your area and season.
If you’re working with an average-size home, this breakdown of the cost to replace a roof on a 2,500-square-foot house is a helpful reference. It shows how line items like tear-off, underlayment, ventilation, and disposal add up—use it to spot places where energy-efficient upgrades could also support the tax credits covered above.
Not every roof needs a full replacement. If you’re dealing with a localized issue, review typical costs to repair a roof leak and talk with our team about repair-first options. In many cases, a targeted fix now can buy you time to plan a larger energy-efficient project that may qualify for credits later.
RoofPRO is a Trusted Roofing Contractor for Marylanders
Looking for a trusted roofing contractor in Maryland who can help you make improvements to your roof? Look no further! Our professional team can assist you with energy-efficient installations or renovations that may help you claim available tax credits. Plus, we offer smaller roof repairs and maintenance services for more minor problems! Reach out today for more information.
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We offer top-rated roofing solutions for both residential and commercial properties. We work with a variety of materials and styles,including energy-efficient options, meaning that we can provide guidance and expertise, no matter what your roofing needs are in Maryland!
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With over two decades of localized experience, our team of contractors is well-versed in roofing and exteriors! Check out our past projects gallery to see some examples of our trusted work.
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Author Bio
Tim Taylor – Owner & Founder of RoofPRO
Tim Taylor began his roofing career in 2003 and founded RoofPRO in 2004 with a mission to fix the poor workmanship that often causes roof leaks. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, he’s earned elite credentials like CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster Wizard certification, HAAG inspection certifications, and OSHA safety training. His expertise in leak repair, flashing repair, and post-storm restoration has made RoofPRO one of Maryland’s most trusted roofing companies. Tim continues to lead with the same principle that built his reputation—roof it right the first time