MAXIMIZE the 179D Tax Deduction

Energy-Efficient Tax Savings for Commercial Buildings in New York State

TaxTaker works for green building owners and designers in New York to save money through energy-efficient improvements.

About 179D Program

Section 179D offers lucrative tax deductions for businesses investing in energy-efficient improvements in commercial buildings in New York. Whether you're renovating your existing structure or constructing a new one, there's a potential to claim up $5+ per square foot. And with TaxTaker by your side, every step is simplified.

What Type of Buildings Qualify?

Commercial
Multi-Family
Industrial, Office
Parking Garages
Schools
Churches
Hospitals
Big Box Retail
Hotels

HOW THE 179D TAX DEDUCTION HELPS YOU SAVE

The Benefits of the 179D Tax Deduction in New York

Reduce Your Tax Liability
By claiming the 179D deduction, commercial building owners in New York can reduce their taxable income significantly, freeing up capital that can be reinvested in your business or used for future projects.
Increase Energy Efficiency
Investing in energy-efficient improvements not only lowers operational costs but also qualifies your building for valuable tax deductions under 179D, creating long-term savings and sustainability.
Maximize Profitability
Through strategic energy-efficient upgrades, you can increase your building’s profitability. The 179D deduction enables you to reduce initial project costs while boosting your overall return on investment.

Who in New York Can Benefit from the 179D Deduction?

Building Owners

Building owners in New York who make energy-efficient improvements to their properties can unlock substantial tax savings through the 179D deduction. Whether you own a small office building, a retail space, or a large industrial complex, this tax incentive allows you to reduce your tax burden by implementing environmentally sustainable upgrades. The 179D deduction rewards you for making energy-saving changes such as upgrading to energy-efficient lighting systems, improving HVAC systems for optimized heating and cooling, or installing high-performance insulation that reduces overall energy consumption.

For building owners, the 179D deduction offers a powerful way to recoup a portion of the capital investment required for these upgrades. By qualifying for up to $5.00 per square foot in deductions, owners can realize immediate and long-term cost savings, both in terms of reduced energy bills and tax savings. Additionally, energy-efficient buildings can enhance property values and tenant satisfaction, making them more attractive to environmentally conscious businesses or organizations.

Architects, Engineers, and Designers

Architects and engineers in New York play a crucial role in the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings, and they too can benefit from the 179D tax deduction. While traditionally the deduction has been claimed by building owners, the 179D deduction also provides unique opportunities for architects, engineers, and contractors working on government-owned properties. When these professionals design energy-efficient features—such as advanced lighting systems, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and building envelopes for government-owned or public-use buildings—they are eligible to claim this deduction for their contributions to reducing energy consumption.

The 179D deduction is a key incentive for architects and engineers looking to promote sustainable design practices. It not only provides financial benefits but also supports your reputation as a leader in green building. Whether you're designing new government buildings or retrofitting existing ones, the 179D deduction offers a chance to claim up to $1.80 per square foot for energy-efficient design. This makes it an attractive incentive for firms looking to increase their project margins while contributing to sustainable development goals.

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What Building Improvements are Eligible under 179D?

Building Envelope
Enhancements to insulation, roofing, windows, and doors.
HVAC Systems
Opting for high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
Interior Lighting
Installing LED lighting, smart lighting controls, and daylight sensors.
Solar Integration
Harnessing solar power or geothermal systems with cutting-edge technologies.
Hot Water Systems
Efficient water heaters reduce energy usage and can qualify for 179D.
Smart Energy Systems
Automated energy controls optimize usage for energy-efficiency deductions.

Maximizing Your 179D Deduction with New York-Specific Opportunities

State-Specific 179D Eligibility and Incentives in New York

In addition to the federal 179D tax deduction, each state offers unique energy-efficiency requirements and local incentives that can further enhance your tax savings. Understanding these state-specific eligibility factors and taking advantage of additional incentives will ensure you maximize your return on energy-efficient improvements.

New York State and Local Energy-Efficiency Incentives

In addition to the federal 179D tax deduction, New York offers several energy-efficiency incentives that support building upgrades and sustainability initiatives. Property owners can take advantage of these programs to reduce project costs and improve building performance.

  1. Alternative Fuels and EV-Recharging Property Credit: This tax credit incentivizes the installation of alternative fuel and electric vehicle recharging stations, supporting the development of green transportation infrastructure. [1]
  2. Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings: New York property owners can receive a tax exemption for meeting green building standards, reducing property tax liabilities for energy-efficient developments. [2]
  3. NY Green Bank: The NY Green Bank provides financing for energy-efficient and renewable energy projects, helping property owners access capital for sustainable building improvements. [3]
  4. Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Corporate): This corporate tax credit incentivizes the use of clean heating fuels, offering refundable tax credits to businesses that adopt sustainable heating solutions. [4]
  5. NYSERDA - Industrial and Process Efficiency Performance Incentives: This program offers incentives for businesses to improve their energy efficiency, particularly in industrial processes, reducing energy use and operational costs. [5]
  6. Solar Energy System Equipment Credit: This tax credit incentivizes the use of solar equipment through an additional 25% of qualified expenditures, up to $5,000. [6]
  7. Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This federal tax credit supports the installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, offering financial incentives to businesses that invest in clean energy. [7]
  8. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC): The PTC provides financial incentives to businesses that produce electricity from renewable energy sources, helping offset the cost of energy production. [8]

City-Specific Green Building Requirements in New York

New York has implemented a range of green building regulations that align with the goals of energy efficiency and sustainability. These city-specific standards can help building owners meet both local and federal energy-efficiency goals, including eligibility for the 179D tax deduction.

Local Law 97

This law aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings in New York City. Property owners are required to meet strict energy-efficiency standards to reduce emissions, which can also help qualify for 179D deductions.

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Guidance for Local Wind Energy Ordinances

This resource provides guidance for municipalities in New York to promote the development of wind energy projects, helping property owners integrate renewable energy solutions into their buildings.

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New York City - Energy Conservation Requirements for Existing Buildings:

These regulations aim to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings, particularly through retrofitting and energy-saving technologies. Property owners who comply with these standards may also be eligible for 179D deductions.

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Building Energy Code

New York’s statewide building energy code sets standards for energy efficiency in new and renovated buildings, helping property owners reduce energy consumption and become eligible for tax incentives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Talk to an expert. No hard sell, ever. We only want to work with you if it's a fit.
Why TaxTaker?

Our specialized accounting and engineering teams have been securing these tax incentives for over a decade. Our highly specialized experience means your business is positioned for the maximum amount of benefit, with the confidence that you've got an accurate and complete deliverable every time. So far we have completed thousands of studies and saved our clients more than $100 million.

We also respect and want you to keep your existing accountant and bookkeeping relationships. We simply cover specific portions of the federal tax code with the finest precision so your existing teams are well supported and you spend your time doing what you do best: building your company - while getting lots of money back every year!

Has my CPA already taken these energy efficiency incentives for me?

It is possible that your CPA has taken other deductions but not necessarily the 179D Tax Deduction. Incentives like 179D and 45L require an in person site visit from an engineer that most CPA’s are not qualified to perform.

Are the energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act legit?  

Yes, the energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are legitimate and have been designed to promote investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the transition to a cleaner energy economy.  

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduced several significant updates to key tax incentives, including the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Section 179D for energy-efficient commercial buildings, Section 30C for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and Section 45L for residential energy-efficient property.

When's the best time to see if I'm eligible for these energy incentives?

The best time to evaluate energy incentives like the 179D deduction, 45L tax credit, and the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is right at the beginning of your project planning phase. Doing this early allows you to design your project to meet specific requirements, ensuring you qualify for maximum benefits and can plan your budget effectively. It also helps you integrate energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy systems from the start, rather than retrofitting later, and gives you ample time to gather necessary documentation for compliance.

What are TaxTaker’s fees?

Working with TaxTaker is risk free. TaxTaker collects a success fee only if you qualify for a tax credit.

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