by Shane Henson — February 20, 2013—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has launched an education initiative developed to show how the design and construction industry can use a provision in the tax code to help win business and save energy in the process.
The program, which was developed with Houston-based alliantgroup, takes industry professionals through the vagaries of Section 179D of the tax code, which was created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to address and improve the substantial portion of U.S. energy consumption attributable to commercial buildings.
According to AIA, many architects, engineers, and design-build contractors are overlooking the 179D deduction because they may not know it exists or that they could potentially qualify. In many cases, they might be claiming small amounts and not everything they are eligible for. This provision of the tax code allows up to a $1.80 / square foot deduction for qualifying properties.
“AIA’s goal in partnering with alliantgroup is to ensure that all AIA member firms are made aware of the powerful 179D incentive—a deduction which can provide powerful cash infusing funds to help firms hire additional employees, competitively price jobs, and expand their practice,” said AIA President Mickey Jacob.
