Beginning immediately, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will be responsible for the reviewing of software tools that calculate compliance of the federal 45L tax credit to builders who sell energy efficient homes. Previously the IRS charged RESNET to complete the review and send the recommendation to the IRS. The IRS no longer recognizes RESNET’s determination of software. DOE has posted a web site on the new requirement at https://energy.gov/eere/buildings/list-approved-software-calculating-energy-efficient-home-credit DOE still requires that the test results and test runs (input decks) for the tests identified in RESNET Publication No. 13-001 (January 15, 2013) be used. The following software programs have been approved by DOE: Ekotrope, HERS® Module Version V1.9.0* & V2.1.0 EnergyGauge® USA Version 4.0* & 5.1 REM/Rate v14.6.4*, v15.2* & v 15.3 It is interesting to note the timing of this action since the 45L tax credit expired on December 31, 2016. Homes that were built and sold prior to December 31, 2016, however, are still eligible for the credit.
