Printable Form 2026

IRS Publication 5978 Spanish

IRS Publication 5978 Spanish – Are you a Spanish-speaking homeowner looking to save on your taxes while making your home more energy-efficient? The IRS offers an official Spanish-language guide specifically for claiming the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit on a home energy audit (auditoría de energía residencial).

IRS Publication 5978 (sp) (Rev. June 2024) — titled Cómo reclamar un crédito tributario por mejoras de eficiencia energética en el hogar – AUDITORÍA DE ENERGIA RESIDENCIAL — provides clear, step-by-step instructions in Spanish.

Download the free PDF directly from the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5978sp.pdf

This short, consumer-focused publication is part of a series of easy-to-read IRS fact sheets designed to help families claim valuable tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. It focuses exclusively on the home energy audit portion of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), available for qualified expenses through December 31, 2025.

Professional home energy audits help identify leaks, insulation issues, and efficiency upgrades — and now qualify for a federal tax credit.

What Is the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit?

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (also called the 25C credit) gives you 30% of qualified costs, with an annual maximum of $1,200 for most improvements (plus a separate $2,000 limit for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and biomass stoves/boilers).

For a home energy audit specifically:

  • You can claim 30% of the cost, up to $150 maximum per audit.
  • The audit must be for your primary residence (main home) in the United States.
  • It must be performed by a qualified home energy auditor (certified through a U.S. Department of Energy-recognized program).

Home energy audits are one of the easiest ways to start your efficiency journey — and get money back on your taxes.

Important 2025–2026 note: You can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return (filed in 2026) for any qualifying audit completed by December 31, 2025. The credit is nonrefundable but can reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

Who Should Use IRS Publication 5978 Spanish?

  • Spanish-speaking U.S. homeowners
  • Anyone whose primary language is Spanish and wants official IRS guidance without translation errors
  • Homeowners planning a professional energy audit in 2024 or 2025
  • Taxpayers who want simple, illustrated steps instead of dense tax code language

Step-by-Step Guide from IRS Publication 5978 (sp) – Translated for Clarity

The Spanish publication lays out exactly four straightforward steps (the English version is identical in structure):

Paso 1: Verifique la elegibilidad de su hogar
Your home must be:
• Located in the United States
• An existing home (not new construction)
• Your primary residence

Paso 2: Complete la auditoría
Hire a qualified home energy auditor (auditor de energía residencial calificado) to perform the audit.

Paso 3: Obtenga documentación
Get a written report prepared and signed by the auditor that includes:
• Auditor’s name and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Attestation of certification
• Name of the qualified certification program

Keep the bill and signed report for your records (you do not attach them to your tax return unless audited).

Paso 4: Presente el Formulario 5695 con su declaración de impuestos
File Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits with your federal tax return for the year you had the audit.

Example of IRS Form 5695 – Residential Energy Credits (claim your home energy audit in Part II).

How to Claim the Credit on Your Taxes?

  1. Complete the audit and save all documentation.
  2. Download and fill out Form 5695 (available in English and Spanish instructions on IRS.gov).
  3. Enter the audit cost on the appropriate line in Part II of the form (do not enter more than $150 on the audit line).
  4. Attach Form 5695 to your Form 1040 or 1040-SR when you file.
  5. E-file or mail your return — the credit will reduce your tax liability or increase your refund.

Pro tip: You can claim the audit credit in the same year as other improvements (windows, insulation, heat pumps, etc.), but total non-heat-pump credits cannot exceed $1,200 per year.

Where to Find a Qualified Home Energy Auditor?

The IRS requires the auditor to be certified by a U.S. Department of Energy-recognized program. Search for qualified professionals at:
energy.gov/eere/buildings/us-department-energy-recognized-home-energy-auditor-qualified-certification-programs

Many local utilities also offer discounted or free audit programs that still qualify for the tax credit.

Additional Trusted IRS Resources (English & Spanish)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can renters claim the home energy audit credit?
No — the home must be your primary residence that you own (or are improving as owner).

Is the credit available in 2026?
Only for audits performed by December 31, 2025. No new audits after that date qualify.

Do I need to itemize deductions?
No — this is a tax credit, not a deduction, so it benefits everyone who qualifies.

What if my audit costs more than $500?
You still only get up to $150 credit (30% capped at $150).

Where can I download the Spanish PDF again?
Direct link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5978sp.pdf

Final Thoughts

IRS Publication 5978 Spanish makes claiming your home energy audit tax credit simple and stress-free. Whether you’re just starting your energy-efficiency journey or planning bigger upgrades, getting a professional audit first is one of the smartest (and now tax-advantaged) moves you can make.

Download the guide today, schedule your qualified audit, and save up to $150 on your 2025 taxes. Every dollar you claim helps make your home more comfortable, affordable to run, and better for the planet.

For the most current information, always check the official IRS website, as rules can be updated. Consult a tax professional if your situation involves rentals, second homes, or business use.

Sources: Official IRS Publication 5978 (sp) Rev. 6-2024, IRS.gov Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit page (updated Oct 2025), Form 5695 Instructions (2025), and energy.gov home energy audit guidance.