Income Documentation
All adults in household. Income documentation required for every adult (18+) living in the home year-round.
NY Categorical Eligibility. SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, or WIC enrollment = automatic LMI qualification. No income docs needed.
Most common rejection. Missing income from adult children, partners, or elderly parents living in the home.
Self-employed. Two years Schedule C + bank statements typically required. Ask upfront.
HUD vs IRS income. Some states use AGI; others use HUD household income (includes SS, disability not on returns). Ask program explicitly.
Stacking Rules
HEAR + 25C. Yes, stackable. 25C applies to net cost after rebate. No double-dipping on rebated amount.
HEAR + Utility. Yes, stackable. Total cannot exceed 100% of project cost (rarely an issue).
HEAR + HOMES. Yes, sequence them. HEAR first (specific appliances), then HOMES for whole-home savings documentation.
25C annual reset. Caps reset each tax year. Multi-year sequencing maximizes total credits.
Contractor Enrollment
Enroll before you need it. Backlogs: NY 4–6 wks, MA 2–4 wks, CO 3–5 wks. Don't wait until a client is waiting.
BPI credential. Required or strongly preferred for HOMES documentation in most states. Building Analyst is the entry point.
IL dual enrollment. ComEd and Ameren are separate enrollments. You cannot use one for both utility territories.
AZ mail-in lag. 6–10 week check delay. Set client expectations before signing contracts.
HOMES Documentation
Two tiers. 20–35% savings: $2K–$4K (market / LMI). 35%+ savings: $4K–$8K. High oil-heat conversions often hit 35%+.
Modeled pathway. BPI/RESNET credential required. Software: OpenStudio, REMRate, EnergyPlus. Most states use this.
Audit credit. Home energy audit = 30% 25C credit up to $150. Mention to every client.