Press Releases

Washington, DC--- Today, Congressman Paul Hodes introduced legislation that would provide a tax credit to help Granite Staters heat their homes this winter. The Home Energy Assistance Tax Credit Act of 2009 would provide a dollar for dollar tax credit for every dollar that an individual spends to heat his or her home, up to $1,000. For a joint return, the limit would be $2,000.

"Last year, thousands of Granite Staters struggled to keep up with their heating bills during a cold winter and a difficult economy," said Congressman Hodes. "This legislation will ease the financial strain for working families who are juggling heating bills, a mortgage, and rising health care costs. The first snow has already fallen in New Hampshire and relief for working families cannot wait."

From October 2009 through March of 2010, the Department of Energy estimates that households in the Northeast will pay an average of $1,135 for natural gas and $1,892 for heating oil. Those utilizing electric heat will pay about $1,455, and families using propane will pay $2,236 on average. The tax credit would also be available for families using renewable biomass or other fuels to heat their homes.   

This legislation will provide up to a $1,000 tax credit for individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint returns). For individuals making between $75,000 and $100,000, the tax credit is good for up to $500 ($1,000 for a joint return of $150,000-$200,000).

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