WINSBY - Solar & Security Window Films

A recent article from the International Window Film Association follows below:

WINDOW FILMS QUALIFY FOR TAX CREDIT IN 2009

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.” This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.  The home improvement tax credits apply for improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009.

After a review of this legislation and its implications for the window film industry, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) has determined that window film again may qualify for consideration for the tax credit.  A description below explains all the considerations.  Of course, the IWFA cannot give specific tax advice to any individual, so check with your tax advisor if you have any questions about whether you qualify to use this credit.

Window film qualifies as “insulation”.  The installed window film in combination with the window on which it is installed must meet the 2000 IECC and Amendments which would be the 2004 Supplement to the 2003 IECC.

Except for the change of date in the “placed in service” requirement, this is the same criteria as for the credit in 2006/2007 tax years.

Insulation

Meets 2000 IECC & Amendments

10% of cost, up to $500

For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate.  Definition of insulation is a material or system which becomes part of the building envelope and has the primary designed benefit to reduce solar heat gain or heat loss through the building envelope Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Use IRS Form 5695 Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009

 

Each window film manufacturer must decide which of its products qualify for the credit when used in each climate zone of the energy code listed above.  A Manufacturer’s Certification Statement must be made available to the taxpayer (either by the installing dealer or manufacturer or from the manufacturer’s website) who purchases the qualifying window film.  This statement and a copy of the invoice should be retained by the taxpayer for his/her records, although it is not required to be filed along with the IRS Form 5695 at the time of tax filing.  To find out which films qualify from a particular manufacturer, you must check with that manufacturer or its representatives.  No one else can make the determination for the manufacturer of which products it chooses to certify for the tax credit use.

If credit is claimed for a film which does not have a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement, the taxpayer may be charged and found guilty of committing tax fraud; the same would be true of a manufacturer, distributor or dealer misrepresenting that a certain product qualifies for the tax credit when in fact it does not.

 

11/25/2008 - Window Safety Film Foils Thief:

Many pharmacies are a prime target for smash and grab thieves wanting to steal prescription drugs and money.  A recent article, printed in "Focus on Film Newsletter" from the "Window Film Magazine" described how a theft was stopped by the security film that had been installed on a pharmacy's window in Australia.

The Newsletter reported, "The thief damaged the glass by hitting it repeatedly with a metal bar, and while small holes were made, the shattered pieces of glass were held together thanks to the security film that had been applied years before.  This meant there was no way the frustrated burglar could enter the store."  It also went on to say, "The security film probably saved the owners of the pharmacy thousands of dollars in stolen or ruined stock.  Glass is perceived as the weakest point in a store or home's defenses.  Security film holds the shattered glass shards together and prevents immediate ingress in the event of a break-in attempt, storm damage or accident.  So not only is the building and its contents protected, but also its inhabitants."

Call Winsby Solar & Security Film for a free estimate to help you keep your store or home safe from a potential thief.



International Window Film Association (IWFA)

We are proud to announce that we have been accepted as a new member in the International Window Film Association.  IWFA is a trade organization dedicated to the improvement of the window film industry.  With a membership of more than 700 international manufacturers, distributors and professional dealers of window film in over 39 countries.

The main objectives of the IWFA are:

Act as a cohesive voice for the window film industry.
Offer training and support for the professional installers and dealers.
Promote and maintain a high degree of industry standards and ethics for our industry.
Encourage research and development.
Function as a conduit of information to consumers.
Foster continuing education for members.

For more information about the International Window Film Association please visit their website:  www.iwfa.com.