Switch on tax savings – Claiming the energy-efficient commercial buildings deduction

Description

Abstract: Businesses that have invested in energy efficiency — or are considering doing so — shouldn’t overlook the Section 179D deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings. This deduction was first added to the tax code in 2005 as a temporary incentive, but it has expired and been renewed several times over the years. Tax legislation enacted in late 2020 made the deduction permanent and provided for the maximum deduction amount to be adjusted for inflation in future years. This article details the deduction’s eligibility and qualifications and lists the specific improvements that can be deducted. A brief sidebar explores how a taxpayer can recover the deduction for a prior year.