On June 1, the Internal Revenue Service clarified the terms under which consumers can qualify for a federal tax credit of as much as 30%, up to $1,500, on the purchase of a biomass stove that has an efficiency rating of 75% or higher.

That clarification was cited immediately by trade groups such as the Pellet Fuels Institute, consumer-interest nonprofits such as the Tax Incentives Assistance Project, and manufacturers such as Hearth & Home Technologies, which noted in a press release that its product line includes 30 items that qualify for the credit.

The TIAP is careful to point out that the scope of the original tax-credit incentives expanded on February 17 to include purchases of biomass stoves, ground-source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps. Also, the financial cap on the credit for heating equipment purchases increased to $1,500 from $500.

The biomass stoves offered by Hearth & Home, which are manufactured under the Quadra Fire and Harman Home Heating brands, are designed to burn wood or corn pellets (some can alternate between both). Both brands provide their customers with a document certifying that the product qualifies for the tax credit.

The credits, TIAP adds, are available for stoves placed in service between January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010.