Did you literally put a new roof over your head in 2011? You may be eligible for a $500 energy tax credit for the roof replacement on your 2011 return.

To claim the $500 credit, file IRS Form 5695 you’ll need to know the facts. Here are the requirements as outlined by HouseLogic.

Tax credit limits and deadlines:

• 10% of expenditures, up to $500 for the year, for all energy improvements combined.
• A relevant roof must have been installed by Dec. 31, 2011.
• Save receipts and labels.
• For roofs, installation isn’t covered.
• See Energy Star for guidelines on what exactly is covered. It’s your safest bet for information on how to get the credit.
• Be warned that not all roofs, not even all roofs with the Energy Star seal, will qualify. Only specially manufactured roofs, as listed on the Energy Star site, are eligible.
• Don’t rely solely on contractors who may not know the details or who promise their products will get the credit in order to make a sale.
• As of January 2012, the feds haven’t extended the energy tax credit for roofs beyond 2011.