IRS Home Improvement Tax Credits!

It's not often the Internal Revenue Service tries to help you save money. So, if you're looking to make a few home improvements, you may want to get to work while the government is in a giving mood.


"There's actually a way for homeowners to invest in some energy efficient improvements and actually save some money twice," said the IRS's Michelle Eldridge.


It's part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Make your home more energy efficient and get back part of what you've spent at tax time.


"Replacing windows and doors or perhaps replacing your heating and air-conditioning system or maybe adding insulation. All of these products, even roofs in some cases, can qualify you for this energy credit," said Eldridge.


Here's how it works. You get to claim 30 percent of the cost of improvements up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500. Installation costs, though, do not apply.


But Eldridge says do your homework and make sure the product qualifies before you buy.

"What you're looking for is a tax credit certification from the manufacturers," she said. Keep those certifications and receipts to then file with your tax return.


The government's message is save now while improving your home's value, and save later with lower energy bills. But time is running out for the 2009 credit.


"You need to make this purchase and have it installed by the end of the year," Eldridge said.

The good news is the credit extends into next year as well if you need more time.


There is a second tax credit for homeowners investing in alternative energy equipment. If you're looking to add solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters or even wind turbines at your home, you can deduct 30 percent of the cost on your 2009 or 2010 taxes. And best of all, there's no cap like the earlier credit.


For more information, check out the Internal Revenue Services' website.


Source: www.wcnc.com

A New Side Dish

Stately and imposing, roast turkey has an alluring presence on the table. But all too often the feast offered the eyes does not translate to the tongue. That is why I stand with the sides in the turkey v. side dish debate. I don't believe a relatively lean bird can compete with bread crumbs soaked in eggs and potatoes smothered in butter. That's keeping the pie out of it.

Unfortunately, I'm not the only one in the family who covets the side dishes. When remnants of the Thanksgiving day meal are lined up buffet-style, my siblings and I elbow for leftovers - mashed potatoes, dressing, and corn (a family tradition) - like early morning shoppers at a black Friday sale. A few forkfuls of the dismantled turkey eventually also make it onto our plates. Inevitably the dreaded post-Thanksgiving complaints are registered. "Is the dressing all gone???" "What happened to the mashed potatoes?"

Given our unanimous preference for sides, I decided to add another dish to the table this year. I wanted something to counteract the richness of the mashed potatoes and dressing. Bon Appetit's brussels sprouts slaw with mustard dressing should create the right balance. In season and full of flavor, the briefly steamed sprouts offer crunch and tang. I'm hoping their presence on the menu will lead to less tussling over leftovers after the holiday.

Quick tip: score each sprout before placing them in your steamer. This helps the leaves and core cook at the same rate.

More Cranberries

CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD

(Adapted from Joy of Baking)

TIP

-  The peel of conventionally produced oranges, lemons, and limes contain residues from pesticides. So consider using organic versions in recipes that call for the peel.  

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg

3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon orange zest

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat a 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan with canola oil. 

In a small bowl, combine beaten egg, orange juice, and vanilla.  Set aside.  

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.  Blend butter into flour mixture so resembles coarse crumbs.  

Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients.  Add cranberries and walnuts.

Pour into loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.  

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.