MAXIMIZE the 179D Tax Deduction

Energy-Efficient Tax Savings for Commercial Buildings in Texas

TaxTaker works for commercial building owners and designers in Texas 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 Texas. 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 Texas

Reduce Your Tax Liability
By claiming the 179D deduction, commercial building owners in Texas 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 Texas Can Benefit from the 179D Deduction?

Building Owners

Building owners in Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas-Specific Opportunities

State-Specific 179D Eligibility and Incentives in Texas

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.

Texas and Local Energy-Efficiency Incentives

In Texas, property owners and businesses can take advantage of several state and local incentives, in addition to the federal 179D tax deduction, to help reduce the costs of energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy installations. Here are some key programs:

  1. The Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) offers tax credits for electricity generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass, helping offset the installation costs of renewable energy systems. [1]
  2. Austin Energy’s Small Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Program provides rebates to small businesses for implementing energy-efficient improvements, such as upgrades to lighting and HVAC systems, allowing businesses to reduce energy consumption and costs. [2]
  3. Austin Energy’s Commercial New Construction Efficiency Rebates support developers in reducing energy costs by offering rebates for high-efficiency systems in new commercial buildings, making sustainable construction more affordable. [3]
  4. Austin Energy’s Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program incentivizes multi-family property owners to adopt energy-efficient solutions, such as better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and HVAC upgrades, helping lower energy bills and improve overall efficiency. [4]
  5. The Texas-New Mexico Power Company SCORE/CitySmart & Commercial Solutions Programs provide financial incentives for commercial buildings and schools to implement energy-saving upgrades, including efficient lighting and HVAC systems, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. [5]
  6. The Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit offers businesses tax incentives for purchasing clean energy vehicles, such as electric or hybrid models, supporting the transition to more sustainable transportation. [6]
  7. Texas provides a Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption, exempting property taxes on renewable energy installations such as solar or wind systems, reducing the tax burden for businesses investing in renewable energy. [7]
  8. The City of Houston Property Tax Abatement for Green Commercial Buildings offers property tax reductions for commercial buildings that meet specific green building standards, incentivizing sustainable development and energy efficiency in Houston. [8]
  9. The LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program provides low-interest financing for public entities looking to fund energy-efficient projects, helping organizations implement energy-saving improvements without high upfront costs. [9]

City-Specific Green Building Requirements in Texas

Texas cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin have adopted green building standards that can align with 179D tax deduction eligibility. These local regulations help ensure buildings meet energy-efficiency benchmarks, potentially qualifying for full deductions.

Dallas Green Building Requirements

The City of Dallas requires residential and commercial properties to follow energy-efficiency standards aimed at reducing energy consumption. Meeting these local guidelines, particularly with upgrades like efficient lighting, HVAC, and enhanced building envelopes, may help property owners qualify for the 179D deduction.

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Houston Green Building Requirements

Houston mandates sustainable building practices for new construction and renovations, focusing on energy conservation. Compliance with these local standards can enhance eligibility for 179D deductions, especially for improvements in HVAC, lighting, and insulation.

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Austin Green Building Requirements

Austin’s green building program promotes energy efficiency in both residential and commercial projects. Aligning with these standards, particularly in lighting, HVAC, and insulation, can help property owners qualify for 179D deductions.

Learn more.

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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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