Posts Tagged ‘Energy Tax Benefits’

According to the US Department of Energy, buildings consume around 37% of the energy almost 70% of the electricity produced in the United States. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) was enacted to help save energy by encouraging commercial building owners to incorporate energy efficient features in their buildings. The program was originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2009, but in 2008 EPAct was extended through December 31, 2013. For buildings placed in service between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013, the building owner is eligible for a federal tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot if certain energy efficiency criteria are met. EPAct has proven to be a great incentive for owners, resulting in significant energy savings and an increased awareness of energy efficient technologies. To fully implement the intent of the legislation, in the case of public buildings where no federal tax liability exists, the designer of the building is allowed to take the deduction upon obtaining a written allocation letter from the owner.  

The designer is the “person primarily responsible for the design” and may include an architect, engineer, contractor, environmental consultant or energy services provider who creates the technical specifications for a new building or an addition to an existing building. To qualify for the full $1.80 per square foot deduction, the building must achieve a 50% energy savings as compared to a similar building that would have met the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 – 2001. The energy savings must be achieved through: (1) the building envelope; (2) the interior lighting system; and (3) HVAC & Hot Water systems. Each system contributes $.60 per square foot to the total deduction and can qualify independently. Partial deductions of from $.30 to $.60 per square foot are also available for lighting under IRS interim rules.

Any building that falls under the guidance of ASHRAE 90.1 – 2001 is eligible and IRS Section 179D defines the specific procedures required to obtain the deduction. Basically, the building must be modeled – both in a “baseline” (2001) version and an then using actual components, using approved building simulation software to determine how many systems qualify for certification. An independent, qualified person must conduct a physical site visit to certify that the qualifying systems were installed in accordance with the modeled documents. The amount of the deduction, taken in the year the building is placed in service, is entered on the tax return of the person applying for the deduction. The IRS allows taxpayers to amend tax returns for up to three years, so it still possible to claim the deduction for a building placed in service in 2007 depending on when the ’07 tax return was filed. 
Nilo C. Regojo, AIA, LEED^® AP  
nregojo@engineeredtaxservices.com 
267.303.1142

For additional information please contact:

Nilo was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up visiting construction projects with his father, a civil engineer. This early influence directed him to a career in architecture. His love of older buildings led him to Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.

Nilo’s experience includes working for various architectural firms in Miami and Philadelphia as well as a national developer of historic residential properties. He also ran his own practice for four years. Prior to joining A² Group to develop the firm’s in house architectural practice, Nilo was a principal at spg³ in Philadelphia. His projects draw upon his unique expertise which consists of innovative design tempered with real world experience. 

Nilo is a member of the USGBC, the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. As spg3′s first principal to become a LEED Accredited Professional, he also led the firm’s Sustainability Initiative.

In December 2009, Nilo became a Certified Building Commissioning Professional

 
Green By Design:  Understanding Energy Tax Benefits for Architects

When
Thursday, August 12, 2010 – 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where
Center of Architecture – Main Hall
1218 Arch St Philadelphia, PA 19107

Presented By
Julio P. Gonzalez
Chief Executive Officer

Who Should Attend?
This program is intended for architects interested in the learning about the refunds due to them for energy efficient design of Public Buildings since 2006  available through the Energy Policy Act.

Key Learning Objectives

• Gain an understanding of the recently extended federal tax benefit available for the design of energy-efficient public or government-owned buildings
• Learn how to take advantage of valuable tax savings and increase cash flow for your business

How to Register
Register by email to ffox@engineeredtaxservices.com

If you have any questions, please call (240) 398.8488 

Lecture Fee
$20.00 AIA Members
$10.00 Students
$30.00 Non-members

This instructor-led program will offer 1.0 credit hour of continuing professional education from the AIA, USGBC and NASBA. Please confirm the CPE sponsor requirements of your licensing board upon registration.

This informative lecture is proudly sponsored by

Engineered Tax Services (ETS) has been working closely with the AIA in recent months, including a cooperative effort to urge Congress to expand the current $1.80/ft² deduction to $3.00/ft² (S. 1637/H.R. 4226) and extend it through 2015. Lobbying efforts on behalf of Julio Gonzalez and Andrew Goldberg, Senior Director of Federal Relations at the AIA, have been well received and the outlook is positive for change.

ETS is honored to be collaborating with the AIA to enhance benefits for architects under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition to lobbying efforts, ETS has been helping architects and designers understand the current benefits under EPAct by hosting workshops to various AIA chapters all over the country. ETS is approved to provide continuing education to architects through the AIA (CES Provider #E275) and to LEED APs through the USGBC (LEED AP CE Provider #319613). We may be in your area soon! We are currently scheduled to present to the following AIA Chapters, and more locations/chapters are added to our calendars every day.

Who Should Attend:
This program is intended for architects interested in the latest tax benefits available through the Energy Policy Act.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of the recently extended federal tax benefit available for the design of energy-efficient public or government-owned buildings
• Learn how to take advantage of valuable tax savings and increase cash flow for your business 

Please contact us if you would like more information about these or any other continuing education opportunities.

 
Engineered Tax Services is pleased to announce that Kim Zillman, a member of the ETS sales and research team since January 2007, is now stepping into her new role, as Client Relations Manager.

Kim is clearly up the task of ensuring that ETS clients are updated and satisfied at each and every stage of the service process.  As a company that places great emphasis on building long term relationships with our clients, ETS has carefully chosen the right person to manage relationships for a diverse array of clients, including commercial property owners, leaseholders, designers, consultants and CPAs.

Kim has a strong background in real estate and holds a Florida  Real Estate Broker’s license.  Her 20 years of experience in a variety of real estate transactions enable her to have a solid and practical understanding of the importance that Cost Segregation and Energy Tax Benefits have for ETS clients.  Kim is a member of the Florida Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Personally, she enjoys helping people and is a passionate advocate for animals.  In her leisure time, she loves being at the beach, golfing, swimming and scuba diving.

You can reach Kim at:

Kim Zillman
Client Relations Manager
Engineered Tax Services, Inc.
Phone: 1.561.253.6640
Email: kim@engineeredtaxservices.com