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Federal and Maryland State Tax Credits for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

There are many Federal and Maryland State Tax Credits that are available to homeowners that build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their property. Here are a few

  • October 9, 2025
  • Patti King

Building a Makara Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) with energy-efficient materials and appliances can make you eligible for various federal, state, and local tax credits.   By leveraging federal and state programs, you can help offset the costs associated with building an ADU.

Here’s an overview:

Federal Tax Credits

  1. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit:
    • Overview: This federal credit allows homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient improvements made between 2023 and 2032.
    • Annual Limits: The maximum annual credit is $3,200, divided as follows:
      • Up to $1,200 for energy property costs, including:
        • $600 for energy-efficient windows.
        • $500 for energy-efficient doors.
        • $150 for home energy audits.
      • Up to $2,000 for qualified heat pumps, biomass stoves, or biomass boilers.
    • Eligible Improvements: Qualifying upgrades include:
      • Energy-efficient windows and doors.
      • Insulation materials.
      • High-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
      • Home energy audits.
    • Application Process: To claim this credit, contact Makara ADU and we can help walk you through the process.   Or simply complete IRS Form 5695, “Residential Energy Credits,” and submit it with your federal tax return. Retain all receipts and documentation for the improvements.  Here is a link to the Form 5695:  About Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits | Internal Revenue Service

  2. Residential Clean Energy Credit:
    • Overview: This credit offers 30% of the cost for installing renewable energy systems through 2032.
    • Eligible Systems: Installations such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps qualify.
    • Application Process: Similar to the Home Improvement Credit, use IRS Form 5695 when filing your taxes.

Maryland Tax Credits

Independent Living Tax Credit:

      • Overview: This credit offers up to 50% of the cost of renovations that include accessibility and universal visitability features, with a maximum credit of $5,000.
      • Eligibility: To qualify, the renovations must be made to an existing home and include features that improve accessibility, such as no-step entrances, wider doorways, or grab bars.​
      • Application Process:
        • Submit an application to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) by June 1 of the year following the completion of the renovations.
        • The total amount of credits approved by the DHCD may not exceed $1,000,000 for any calendar year.
        • If the total amount of credits applied for exceeds this limit, the DHCD will allocate credits on a pro-rata basis.
        • Upon approval, the DHCD will issue a certification by August 1, which you must attach to your amended income tax return to claim the credit.

Montgomery County Tax Credits

  • Energy Efficiency Tax Credit:
    • Overview: Homeowners in Montgomery County can receive up to $250 annually for energy efficiency improvements.
    • Eligible Improvements: Includes air-sealing, insulation, heating and cooling equipment, windows, and doors.
    • Application Process: Applications are processed in the order received, with an annual cap of $100,000 in total credits. 

  • Montgomery County’s Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program:
    • Overview: This program offers property tax credits for including accessibility features in new or existing residential properties, promoting “visit-ability” and “live-ability.”
    • Eligibility: Homeowners incorporating features such as no-step entrances, wider doorways (minimum 32 inches), maneuverable kitchens and bathrooms, and properly installed grab bars.
    • Application Process: Property owners must apply through the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services, ensuring that planned accessibility features meet program standards. 

 

  • Application Tips (Federal, State and Local credits):
    • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all renovation expenses, including invoices and receipts, as they will be necessary for the application process.
    • Consult Professionals: You can contact Makara ADU to learn more, or engage with tax professionals or legal advisors to ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements and to maximize the benefits from these programs.

 

Whether you are building a new detached ADU, an addition to accommodate an ADU, or you are converting an existing space such as a basement or garage, Makara ADU will assist you along the way.  Contact us today to learn more and let us help bring your ADU ideas to life.   

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Address

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ADU Resources

Marlins for Mason Returns This Summer — Here’s How You Can Help

Virginia Joins its Neighbors and Requires All Counties to Allow ADUs (SB 531) A Landmark Win for Affordable Housing in the Commonwealth

Montgomery County Moves to Expand ADU Rights—Public Hearing Set for June 8

Unlock Savings: Tax Incentives for Building Accessory Dwelling Units in Montgomery County, MD – (Updated for 2026)

Howard County ADU Builder: What the New ADU Law Means for Homeowners in 2026

Great News for Maryland Homeowners – Statewide ADU Law Clears the Way for Backyard Homes (SB 891)

  • Floor Plans
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Financing
  • Government

Address

15800 Gaither Drive, Ste 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Email

info@makarabuilders.com

Phone

(240) 599-5949

Licenses

Maryland MHIC: 151479
Maryland HBR: 9666

Virginia: 2705184565

DC: 410519000096

Counties Served

Arlington County
Montgomery County

Anne Arundel County

Howard County

Frederick County

Fairfax County

Cities Served

City of Alexandria
City of Rockville

City of Annapolis

Silver Spring

Gaithersburg

Bethesda

Chevy Chase

Educational Resources

Marlins for Mason Returns This Summer — Here’s How You Can Help

Virginia Joins its Neighbors and Requires All Counties to Allow ADUs (SB 531) A Landmark Win for Affordable Housing in the Commonwealth

Montgomery County Moves to Expand ADU Rights—Public Hearing Set for June 8

Unlock Savings: Tax Incentives for Building Accessory Dwelling Units in Montgomery County, MD – (Updated for 2026)

Howard County ADU Builder: What the New ADU Law Means for Homeowners in 2026

Great News for Maryland Homeowners – Statewide ADU Law Clears the Way for Backyard Homes (SB 891)

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