Tax Credit for Energy Costs

This bill establishes a refundable tax credit of up to $350 for qualified energy costs, subject to limitations. Under the bill, qualified energy costs are defined as amounts paid by an individual to (1) a utility for gas or electric service to a principal residence, or (2) a landlord for gas or electric service provided by a utility if such amounts are included in the rent for leased property used as the individual’s primary residence. The bill requires a landlord to report the portion of rent attributable to gas and electric service to the Internal Revenue Service and the tenant by the end of January each year. Under the bill, an individual with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) in excess of $200,000 (or $400,000 for a joint filer) may not claim the tax credit for qualified energy costs. Under the bill, MAGI is the taxpayer's adjusted gross income increased by amounts excluded from gross income forforeign housing costs; foreign earned income; andincome sourced to or effectively connected with a trade or business in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Finally, the tax credit for qualified energy costs may not be claimed by an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by someone else or if another tax credit or tax deduction is claimed for the same costs.