DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 770 Original 2015 Regular Session Stokes
Abstract: Changes the tax credit for the cost of purchase and installation of certain solar energy
systems from a refundable credit to a credit in which 50% of the amount of the credit above
the liability is refundable and 50% may be carried forward and applied against subsequent
tax liability.
Present law provides for an income tax credit for the cost of purchase and installation of a solar
electric system or a solar thermal system at a single-family residence in this state. The credit is
allowed for newly constructed homes with a system already installed or for a system purchased and
installed at an existing home.
Present law provides that the amount of the credit for a system purchased and installed at a newly
constructed or existing home shall be equal to 50% of the first $25,000 of the cost of a system
purchased and installed on or after Jan. 1, 2008, but before Jan. 1, 2018. The amount of the credit
for leased systems ranges from 50% to 38% of the first $25,000 of the cost of purchase of the system
depending on the date the system is installed.
Present law provides that the taxpayer is entitled to a refund for any allowable credit which exceeds
the aggregate tax liability of the taxpayer. Further requires the Dept. of Revenue to refund the
excess tax credit amount to the taxpayer from current tax collections and to pay or disallow claims
for credits, refunds, and interest within one year of receiving a tax credit or refund claim.
Proposed law changes the tax credit from a refundable credit to one in which 50% of the credit
amounts which exceed taxpayer liability are refundable and 50% may be carried forward and applied
against subsequent tax liability.
Present law prohibits credits from being issued for systems installed after Dec. 31, 2017.
Proposed law retains present law.
Applicable to tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2015.
(Amends R.S. 47:6030(F))