Are there federal and state differences for taxpayers who file joint returns?
Yes. For the federal energy conservation credit, the $1,500 aggregate limit for 2009 and 2010 applies to taxpayers filing a joint return – the limit does not double to $3,000. If spouses file separate federal returns and make separate qualifying purchases, however, the $1,500 limit then applies to each of them. Montana’s $500 per taxpayer/per property annual energy conservation limit applies to each taxpayer making qualifying purchases, whether or not they file a joint or separate return. A married couple who file a joint Montana income tax return is counted as two taxpayers.
