Why Is My H&R Block Form 5695 Submission Still Pending?

Taxpayers claiming energy-efficient home improvements must submit Form 5695 to apply for the Residential Energy Credit. If you filed through H&R Block and your submission is still pending, understanding the reasons for delays and how to follow up can help ensure your credit is processed correctly.

Basic Requirements for the Residential Energy Credit

To qualify, homeowners must have installed eligible energy-efficient improvements in their primary residence within the tax year. The IRS categorizes these upgrades under two credits: the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit, each with different eligibility rules and limits.

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit applies to upgrades like insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. In 2024, the maximum credit is $1,200 per year, with sub-limits such as $600 for windows and $500 for doors. These limits reset annually, allowing homeowners to claim additional credits in future years if they continue making improvements.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit covers renewable energy systems like solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps. Unlike the home improvement credit, this one has no annual cap. Homeowners can claim 30% of the total cost of qualifying systems through 2032, after which the percentage gradually decreases. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer’s liability, the unused portion can be carried forward to future tax years.

Information to Gather Before Filling Out the Form

Before completing Form 5695, having the right documentation ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of processing delays. Receipts and invoices should clearly show the purchase date, installation date, and a breakdown of costs. Some expenses, such as labor for insulation installation, are not eligible, while installation costs for solar panels are.

Manufacturer certification statements confirm that the improvement meets IRS efficiency standards. These statements, available on the manufacturer’s website or included with the product, help prevent disqualification. Keeping digital or printed copies alongside receipts can be useful if the IRS requests additional proof.

Taxpayers should also check previous returns for any unused portions of the Residential Clean Energy Credit carried forward from prior years. Since this credit can be applied over multiple years, knowing the exact amount available prevents errors and maximizes savings.

Submitting Through H&R Block

Filing Form 5695 through H&R Block’s platform is designed to be straightforward, but accuracy is key to avoiding delays. The software integrates the form into the tax return, automatically applying the credit once all details are entered. Taxpayers should carefully input costs and system specifications, as even minor errors can affect the final credit calculation.

H&R Block includes compliance checks that flag potential issues before submission. If a taxpayer enters expenses exceeding allowable limits or attempts to claim ineligible improvements, the system generates alerts. The platform also cross-references other parts of the tax return to ensure the credit is applied correctly.

Reasons Your Filing May Show a Pending Status

A pending status after submitting Form 5695 through H&R Block is often due to IRS processing delays, which vary based on submission volume, system updates, and security reviews. During peak tax season, electronic returns may take longer to process. The IRS also uses fraud detection measures that can flag returns for manual review, particularly those claiming credits that have been subject to abuse in prior years.

Errors in the tax return can also cause delays. If there are discrepancies between Form 5695 and IRS records—such as mismatched taxpayer identification numbers or inconsistencies in reported income—the return may be held for further review. Missing or incorrect tax forms, such as W-2s or 1099s, can also delay processing.

How to Check on Your Submission

Tracking a tax return’s status helps determine whether any action is needed. The IRS provides multiple ways to check on a return’s progress.

The Where’s My Refund? tool on the IRS website is the most direct way to monitor a return. Taxpayers need to enter their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. The tool typically shows three stages: return received, refund approved, and refund sent. If the status remains at “return received” for an extended period, additional review may be required. Electronic filers usually see updates within 24 hours, while paper filers may wait up to four weeks.

For those who opted for direct deposit, checking their bank account for IRS transactions can provide clues about processing progress. If a refund is expected but not yet deposited, the return is still under review. H&R Block users can also log into their account to verify submission details and confirm that the return was successfully transmitted. If an issue arises, such as an IRS rejection due to incorrect information, the platform provides guidance on how to correct and resubmit the return.

Keeping Records After Filing

Maintaining documentation after filing Form 5695 is important for future tax planning and potential IRS inquiries. Since energy credits can be carried forward in some cases, organized records ensure that any unused portion is accurately applied in subsequent years.

Taxpayers should keep copies of their completed tax return, Form 5695, and all associated receipts and manufacturer certifications for at least three years from the filing date. The IRS generally audits returns within this timeframe, though in cases of substantial underreporting, reviews can go back up to six years. Digital storage solutions, such as cloud-based services or encrypted external drives, help preserve these records securely while ensuring easy access if needed.