Can I get a tax credit for an Energy-Efficient dishwasher?

No, there is currently no federal income tax credit for purchasing an energy-efficient dishwasher for your home.

1) Why dishwashers don’t qualify for a federal credit

The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit under IRC §25C (as expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act) applies only to specific types of improvements, such as:

• Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
• Central air conditioners and furnaces
• Insulation and air-sealing materials
• Exterior windows, doors, and skylights
• Electrical panel and wiring upgrades (in limited cases)

Household appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, and clothes washers, are not eligible for this credit.

2) ENERGY STAR ≠ tax credit 

An ENERGY STAR® label means the dishwasher meets energy-efficiency standards, but:

• ENERGY STAR certification does not create a federal tax credit by itself
• The IRS does not list dishwashers as qualifying §25C property

3) Possible alternatives that may save money

Although there is no federal tax credit, you may still benefit from:

A) State or local rebates

Some states, cities, or utilities offer:

• Rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances
• Instant discounts at purchase

These are not federal tax credits, but they reduce out-of-pocket cost.

Check:

• https://www.dsireusa.org (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)

B) Business use (limited situations)

If the dishwasher is used in a business (e.g., restaurant, rental with short-term lodging):

• It may be depreciable as business equipment
• Or deductible under IRC §179 (subject to rules and business use)

This does not apply to personal household use.

4) What does qualify for energy tax credits (2025 reference)

To avoid confusion, these items do qualify for federal energy credits in 2025 (subject to limits):

• Heat pumps & heat pump water heaters
• High-efficiency HVAC systems
• Insulation & air sealing
• Exterior windows & doors
• Electrical panel upgrades (when tied to energy improvements)

Summary

• No federal tax credit for an energy-efficient dishwasher
• ENERGY STAR status alone does not qualify
• Possible state or utility rebates
• Possible business depreciation if used in a trade or business
• Federal energy credits apply to home systems, not appliances

Related Questions

• Can I claim childcare tax credit if I pay my provider in cash and they don’t report the income?
• How to report the Employee Retention Credit on Form 1120S?
• If I own rental properties internationally, how does that affect my individual tax return?

Source:

IRS §25C guidance

IRC §162 – Trade or business expenses

IRC §179 – Election to expense certain property

IRS Pub 946 – How To Depreciate Property

IRS – Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit