Archive for the ‘Energy Tax Credits’ Category

West Palm Beach, FL, February 02, 2010 – Engineered Tax Services, a nationally licensed engineering firm that marries the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting, announced today that Julio P. Gonzalez, CEO, will be presenting at the MiaGreen Expo & Conference on February 25 & 26. The presentation, “Government Programs and Tax Rebates for Energy Efficient Buildings” will cover what the tax benefits of the extended incentives originating with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 are, who they affect, and how to go about achieving and applying for them and maximizing their benefits.

“The most often overlooked benefits relative to the Energy Policy Act extension are the tax benefits construed for commercial building owners,” explained Mr. Gonzalez. “The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a tax deduction for investments in energy-efficient commercial building property designed to significantly reduce the heating, cooling, water heating, and interior lighting energy costs. It is important that people understand what opportunities lie within green building practices.”

Handling over 50 certifications every month, Engineered Tax Services has perfected the energy certification process by working closely with the Internal Revenue Service on a regular basis. Through precise documentation required by the Department of Energy and the IRS, Engineered Tax Services has helped thousands of clients benefit from “going green”.  Mr. Gonzalez explains that the most ideal candidates for EPAct deductions include:

•          New Construction – Schools, Office, Retail, Hospitality, Industrial, Multi-Family, Single-Family

•          Retrofits – Energy Performance Contracting, CRA Redevelopment

•          Green Buildings

•          LEED Certified Buildings

CASE STUDY:

·         Location: Brooklyn, NY 

·         Project Area: 346,638 SF  

·         Qualified for $0.60 per sq. ft.                                                     

·         179D Energy Tax Benefit:  $207,983

·         Cost Segregation Study Five Year Cash Benefit:  $16,975,757

·         TOTAL BENEFIT TO CLIENT:  $17,183,740 million

JULIO P. GONZALEZ is the Founder and CEO of Engineered Tax Services, Inc.  He is supported by a staff of dedicated professionals with expertise in engineering, architecture and accounting.  Julio is a pioneer is the tax energy field and devoted to the conservation of resources. He generously donates his time to the U.S. Green Building Council.  Julio is committed to educating the accounting, financial advisor and real estate investor communities on engineered accounting services and the related tax benefits of these services. He is a regular public speaker on a national level regarding cost segregation studies, green construction and the emerging energy tax programs. Julio has had several articles published nationally in many accounting and real estate investment publications. Julio has worked on automating the IRS-approved software programs to help accounting professionals understand and better educate their own clients on the significance of energy efficient buildings and how substantial the tax benefits can be to the investor in addition to the Earth’s resources. Julio is also on the Board of Directors for the National Park Trust Foundation, to which he devotes his time and energy to conserving National Park resources.

ABOUT ENGINEERED TAX SERVICES

ETS is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With the most innovative and highest-quality LEED and green building knowledge and training, the approved USGBC educational courses helps green building professionals across all market sectors build the capacity to build their careers.

Engineered Tax Services (ETS) is a nationally licensed engineering firm with professionally staffed engineers who marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting to arrive at financial solutions that result in increased cash flow, minimized tax payments and increased return on investment.  ETS engineering professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in energy modeling. The ETS team consists of multi-disciplinary professionals including Professional Engineers (PE), LEED Accredited Professionals (AP), Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and architectural professionals. ETS specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions such as energy tax credits, cost segregation studies, energy audits, carbon footprint certification and insurance appraisals.

CONTACT:
Julio Gonzalez

Engineered Tax Services

Office: 1.800.236.6519

email: jgonzalez@engineeredtaxservices.com

website: www.engineeredtaxservices.com

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West Palm Beach, FL, January 28, 2010 – Engineered Tax Services, a nationally licensed engineering firm that marries the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting, announced today that their course, “Energy Tax Credits for Architects”, has been approved by the U.S. Green Building Council to be part of the Council’s national course catalog. The firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Julio P. Gonzalez, developed the course to help architects take advantage of energy tax credits, incentives and deductions. A webinar program is currently being scheduled and will be announced shortly. Engineered Tax Services (ETS) offers a similar online and in-house course designed specifically for accountants and is also registered as an education provider through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

“The Energy Policy Act offers tremendous opportunities to architects and they need to be aware of the significant tax benefits available to them through their professional trade,” stated Mr. Gonzalez.  “We are committed to green practices and partner with architects nationally to provide independent, third-party certification as required by the IRS to help them take advantage of these tax incentives and deductions.”

ENERGY TAX CREDITS

Architects are eligible for a Federal tax benefit of up to $1.80 per square foot for the design of energy-efficient public buildings placed into service after January 1, 2006. Benefits originally awarded to architects through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) have been extended by the federal government through December 31, 2013 with the support of the American Institute of Architects.

ETS has provided thousands of energy tax certifications since 2005. Handling over 50 certifications every month, they have perfected the process by working closely with the Internal Revenue Service on a regular basis. Their precise documentation meets and exceeds the standards required by the Department of Energy and the IRS and has consistently withstood the toughest scrutiny.  ETS is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With the most innovative and highest-quality LEED and green building knowledge and training, the approved USGBC educational courses helps green building professionals across all market sectors build the capacity to build their careers.

ABOUT THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.

ABOUT ENGINEERED TAX SERVICES

Engineered Tax Services (ETS) is a nationally licensed engineering firm with professionally staffed engineers who marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting to arrive at financial solutions that result in increased cash flow, minimized tax payments and increased return on investment.  ETS engineering professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in energy modeling. The ETS team consists of multi-disciplinary professionals including Professional Engineers (PE), LEED Accredited Professionals (AP), Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and architectural professionals. ETS specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions such as energy tax credits, cost segregation studies, energy audits, carbon footprint certification and insurance appraisals.

CONTACT:
Julio Gonzalez

Engineered Tax Services

Office: 1.800.236.6519

Cell: 561.358.7858

email: jgonzalez@engineeredtaxservices.com

website: www.engineeredtaxservices.com

Palm Beach Gardens – Jan. 2010 – U.S. Green Building Council of South Florida will hold a meeting at the PGA National Resort and Spa on Thursday January 21, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting titled “Financing LEED and Retrofits” will discuss financial vehicles available by way of tax incentives to businesses and non-profits. The event will feature presentations on financial options available for funding green projects. The meeting is free for USGBC members and $10 for non-members.

Debbie Danto, LEED AP from Engineered Tax Services will be a guest speaker at the event. Ms. Danto will discuss in detail financial methods such as cost segregation and Epact Certification. Engineered Tax Services is a licensed engineering firm with professionally staffed engineers who marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting to arrive at financial solutions that result in increased cash flow, minimized tax payments and increased return on investment.  ETS specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions such as energy tax credits, cost segregation studies, energy audits and insurance appraisals. For more information, please contact 800-236-6519 or email info@engineeredtaxservices.com

Other special guest speakers include Will Volker with Efficiency Energy who will speak about the monetization of the energy tax benefits, and John Goodrich with US Energy Capital who will speak about financing of energy-efficient renovations and retrofits.

More information on the USGBC and its South Florida chapters may be found at http://www.usgbcsf.org/.

Engineered Tax Services is pleased to announce that John Cummings, Esq. has joined us as our Director of Business Development for Florida and the Southeast United States.   John is an attorney licensed in New Jersey and New York and has over 15 years of experience in relationship and major account management.  He brings to ETS his expertise in advising clients of all sizes on the implications of tax and financial matters. 

ETS is a licensed engineering firm staffed with professionals who marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting to arrive at financial solutions that result in increased cash flow, minimized tax payments and increased return on investment. These IRS-sanctioned services include Energy Tax Benefits, Energy Policy Act Certifications, Energy Audits and Carbon Audits.

Our attention to detail is second to none. We meticulously follow IRS guidelines and go beyond the standards required. Our procedures, processes and final work product set the benchmarks that others strive to reach.  We look forward to working with you.

For more information, you may contact info@engineeredtaxservices.com or 1-800-236-6519

For Immediate Release – October 26, 2009, Palm Beach, Florida

Engineered Tax Services is pleased to announce that Mr. Joel Ackerman, CPA has joined us as our Director for the North East. Joel is a CPA and has a Masters Degree in Tax from C.W. Post.  He is active in the local CPA community, and is on the Board of Directors for the Suffolk County chapter of the NY Society of CPAs. He has over 16 years of experience as a CPA in major regional firms.

ETS is a licensed engineering firm staffed with professionals who marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting to arrive at financial solutions that result in increased cash flow, minimized tax payments and increased return on investment. These IRS-sanctioned services include Energy Tax Credits, Energy Policy Act Certifications, Energy Audits and Carbon Audits. Our attention to detail is second to none. We meticulously follow IRS guidelines and go beyond the standards required. Our procedures, processes and final work product set the benchmarks that others strive to reach.  We look forward to working with you.

For more information, you may contact info@engineeredtaxservices.com or 1800-236-6519

For  Immediate Release – October 25, 2009 – Palm Beach, FL/Hauppage, NY – The Suffolk County Bar Association will hold their Joint Tax Committee meeting on October 29^th 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Suffolk Bar Association location. Joel Ackerman, CPA and  Director for Engineered Tax Services, will be a featured speaker at the meeting. He will address a variety of subjects, including tax trends in the current real estate market focusing on cost segregation and the true treatment of depreciation as it pertains to real estate ownership. He will also discuss in detail the EPAct extended by Congress until 2013.

Engineered Tax Services is a nationally-licensed engineering firm with professionally staffed engineers, architects and tax professionals who marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting to arrive at financial solutions that result in increased cash flow, minimized tax payments and increased return on investment and energy.  ETS specializes in providing a wide spectrum of engineered accounting solutions such as energy tax credits, cost segregation studies, energy audits, carbon footprint certification and insurance appraisals.

For more information, please contact info@engineeredtaxservices.com or call 1800-236-6519

 

 

 

Learn……..

We guarantee it will be time well spent.

PLEASE RSVP TODAY BY CALLING (203) 847-4068. CALL NOW.    SEATING IS LIMITED. FREE COFFEE AND BAGELS WILL BE SERVED.

Engineered Tax Services is proud to announce that we will be taking part in the Austin Energy Green Building Seminar Series.  Julio Gonzalez, CEO and Founder of Engineered Tax Services, will present “Show Me The Green: Tax Deductions and Rebates for Energy Efficient Buildings.”  Austin Energy Green Building™ holds its lunchtime seminars at the LCRA Dalchau Service Center, 3505 Montopolis Drive. We meet in Building A, Rooms 504 and 505, also called the Large Safety Conference Room. There is a small café in the building and vending machines and water are available. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Date: Friday, February 27, 2009

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Topic: Show Me The Green: Tax Deductions and Rebates for Energy Efficient Buildings

Location: LCRA Dalchau Service Center

Description: Learn from an industry expert how to take advantage of the often untapped financial benefits for energy efficient designs and retrofits. The “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008” extended tax credits and deductions available through the 2005 Energy Policy Act for energy efficient homes and buildings.

This seminar will cover the tax credits available to home builders for new energy efficient homes that achieve 50% energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. This credit also applies to contractors of manufactured homes.

Owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings also are eligible for tax deductions if the building saves at least 50% of heating and cooling energy when compared to a building meeting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions are available for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems.

You may want to bring your accountant!

Presenter: Julio P. Gonzalez is the CEO and Founder of Engineered Tax Services, Inc. Mr. Gonzalez, a pioneer in the energy tax field, speaks nationally on green and LEED building engineering and R & D credits, cost segregation studies, green construction and the emerging energy tax programs and has been published nationally in many CPA and real estate investment publications.

Who may attend: Seminars are open to all building professionals and all Austin Energy and City of Austin personnel. Learning Unit and Continuing Education credits are available for American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Texas Institute of Building Design (TIBD) members.

Advance registration or RSVP is not required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about Austin Energy Green Building seminars, call (512) 482-5300.

President Signs and Extends Renewable Energy Tax Incentives

Valuable energy tax benefits that were scheduled to expire this year have recently been extended through 2013.

(United States – November 4, 2008) Valuable energy tax benefits that were scheduled to expire this year have recently been extended through 2013. As a result, substantial opportunities continue to await commercial building owners, real estate investors, architects and contractors who understand and know how to take advantage of these tax benefits.

“Congress approved, and the President has now signed into law, a measure that will help keep energy efficient commercial building, emerging wind, solar and geothermal industries in business.  This is a major and the most significant legislation approved by Congress this year to help address the energy issues in the United States” stated Julio Gonzalez, CEO of Engineered Tax Services. “Engineered Tax Services has worked hard educating the American Public on the importance of these much-needed tax incentives that enable energy efficiency and renewable energy in the United States and I’m very proud that Engineered Tax Services has been at the forefront in promoting energy efficient tax programs” added Julio Gonzalez.

The extension of the energy provisions, based upon legislation introduced by Senators Snowe and Feinstein, provides an estimated $1.779 billion in incentives for energy-efficient buildings. Critical components of the extension include the following incentives:

1. Renews critical tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades for existing homes, such as air conditioning and insulation.
2. Extends a tax credit for energy efficient new homes up to $2,000.
3. Extends for five years a landmark energy efficient commercial building deduction.
4. Provides eight years of tax stability to the solar industry.
5. Extends the 30 percent investment tax credit for solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property until 2016.  This will provide long-term stability to the solar and fuel cell industries in California. With this in place, large-scale solar projects will move forward. Extends the credit for residential solar property for eight years through 2016, and removes the (currently $2,000) for solar electric investments.

The most often overlooked tax benefit relative to The Energy Policy Act extension is the tax benefits construed for the commercial building owners. Real estate investors can now reduce the payback period in investing in energy-efficient components with the added benefit of deducting up to the entire expense of these assets immediately versus depreciating these assets over 39 years. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a tax deduction for investments in “energy-efficient commercial building property” designed to significantly reduce the heating, cooling, water heating, and interior lighting energy cost of new or existing commercial buildings. To be eligible, the energy-efficient commercial building property must be placed in service between January 1, 2006 and December 31st, 2013.

To qualify for the full deduction, a building owner or tenant must make investments designed to reduce energy costs by 50% or more. A partial deduction of $0.60 per square foot is available for investments in one of three systems-lighting; heating and cooling; or building envelope- designed to reduce energy costs by 16 and 2/3% (i.e., one-third of the 50% requirement).  These tax deductions reduce the real estate investors overall taxable income with the value of the deduction dependent on their tax bracket.

There are five alternative ways a building may qualify. Before a taxpayer may claim the section 179D deduction with respect to property installed on or in a commercial building, the taxpayer must obtain a certification with respect to the property by an independent licensed engineering firm. The certification must be provided by a qualified individual and satisfy the requirements of section 179D(c)(1). The five alternative ways to qualify a building are listed below:

1. The whole building may qualify for up to $1.80 per square foot; or
2. Lighting systems; or
3. HVAC/water heating; or
4. Building envelope may each qualify for up to a $0.60 per square foot deduction for their contribution to the 50 percent savings (defined by the Internal Revenue Service as 16 2/3% whole buildings savings); or
5. Lighting may receive an up to a $0.30 to $0.60 deduction for reductions in lighting power density from ASHRAE 90.1-2001 tabular values of 25 percent to 40 percent respectively, with linear interpolation between 25 and 40 percent.

An even more hidden gem within the Energy Policy Act is the fact that for energy-efficient commercial building property expenditures made by a public entity, such as public schools, Congress allows the deduction to be allocated to the “person primarily” responsible for designing the property in lieu of the public entity. Simply put, the 179D provision also benefits the contractors, architects or engineers who are the primary individuals responsible the energy efficiency design of public buildings.

These benefits made available by Congress were passed to encourage property owners to build energy efficient real estate properties and give them incentive to reduce energy consumption. As energy prices continue to escalate, the timing of the extension of the act could not be better for property owners and investors constructing new properties to take advantage of substantial tax benefits which will in turn promote a reduction in energy consumption and contribute to a more green community.

Engineered Tax Services is a licensed engineering firm and the premier firm in the United States at marrying the science of energy engineering with the principles of tax and accounting. ETS provides IRS sanctioned services to include engineered based Cost Segregation Studies, Energy Tax Credits, Research & Development Credits, Insurance Replacement Appraisals and Property Tax Appeals.

For more information regarding this press release, please feel free to contact Engineered Tax Services at 800-236-6519 or visit their website at www.engineeredtaxservices.com.