HOUSTON—
It's a good time shop for new appliances. Not only will there be good deals, but the state is restarting the Texas Appliance Mail-in Rebate Program Monday. But it's not a totally easy process.You might remember how the state offered a similar program earlier this year. Unfortunately the rebate program wasn't as efficient as the state hoped. Now almost $20 million bucks is available for consumers.
What's included:
Air Source Heat Pumps
Central Air Conditioners
Clothes Washers
Dish Washers
Dishwashers
Freezers
Refrigerators
Room Air Conditioners
Water Heaters
But they all have to be Energy Star qualified.
The new program starting Monday, does not require you to reserve a spot like last April's, instead you will mail it all in. And oh yeah...there are a few other steps too.
"First of all you have to purchase the Energy Star appliance, then you have to install it, then you have to properly dispose of the appliance you are getting rid of, and you have to fill out an application form that's a little complicated, and then you have to fill out a checklist to make sure you filled out the application form properly, then you have to mail in the form," explained Houston CPA Bob Martin
Did you get all of that? And then there is a six to eight week waiting period assuming you did all of this properly.
"In fact for a lot of individuals, this whole process is going to be more complicated than their annual filing of their federal income tax return," Martin added.
Why is it so complicated? Martin says the government is trying to fight fraud.
Raheel Ali works as a manager of a cell phone store and says he's seen simpler steps to a rebate.
"The rebate forms are much, much simpler, than this big list right here," he said. "So it should definitely be a little more easy and convenient to fill out."
"It's good that people are getting more energy efficient appliances, it's a shame that you have all this paperwork that slows them down from getting the appliances and getting the benefits of them," Martin said.
The state money lasts until the funds are all used up.
There is also a federal credit which is simpler to get, but you have to buy and install an energy efficient appliance by December 31st of 2011.
http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.com/rebate/
