I don’t think the federal government will allow you to use painting your house as an improvement. Most home improvements that are tax deductible or eligible for a tax credit are energy or health related. I painted my house this summer and I do not plan on listing the materials or supplies anywhere on my tax forms.

However, you may be able to get some sort of money from your local township or even state if they happen to offer some sort of special local home improvement grant or tax incentive as some cities and municipalities do. There are probably hundreds of such programs across the United States, so it’s ultimately up to you to find which ones exist where you live. Good luck!