State offers energy-related tax relief

Missouri residents now have new ways to reduce their home energy bills.

Gov. Matt Blunt today announced a new state program through the Department of Natural Resources that allows Missourians to apply for formal certification as a home energy auditor. Homeowners who enlist the help of a certified home energy auditor will be able to deduct the costs of home energy audits and related recommendations beginning in 2009.

"Certified home energy audits will give Missouri families reliable guidance when it comes to energy use and waste reduction, saving money on overall energy costs as well as offering another tax break," Blunt said in a news release.

The new law also enacts the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday. Missouri is the fourth state to enact such a holiday, which exempts purchases of Energy Star appliances up to $1,500 - including washers and dryers, water heaters, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers - from state sales tax.

Missouri's holiday will run April 19-25, 2009.