MAXIMIZE the 179D Tax Deduction

Energy-Efficient Tax Savings for Commercial Buildings in Colorado

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

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

Building Owners

Building owners in Colorado 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 Colorado 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 Colorado-Specific Opportunities

State-Specific 179D Eligibility and Incentives in Colorado

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.

Colorado and Local Energy-Efficiency Incentives

Colorado offers a variety of state and local incentives to encourage residents and businesses to adopt energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. These programs are designed to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and support the state’s broader climate goals. Below are some key incentives available:

  1. City and County of Denver - Elevations Energy Loans: Denver offers low-interest loans to residents for energy-efficient home improvements, supporting sustainable building practices. [1]
  2. City of Boulder - Solar Grant Program: Boulder provides grants to low-income homeowners and nonprofit organizations to install solar energy systems, making renewable energy more accessible. [2]
  3. Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment: Colorado offers a tax exemption for renewable energy equipment purchases, encouraging the adoption of clean energy technologies. [3]
  4. Renewable Energy Property Tax Assessment: This program ensures that renewable energy installations, such as solar panels, do not increase a property’s tax liability, making clean energy investments more attractive. [4]
  5. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC): This federal tax credit incentivizes the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and biomass. [5]
  6. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit: Colorado offers tax credits for the installation of alternative fuel vehicle refueling stations, supporting the transition to clean transportation. [6]

City-Specific Green Building Requirements in Colorado

Colorado is a leader in promoting sustainable building practices, with various cities implementing their own green building regulations to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Below are some key programs and ordinances across Colorado that promote environmentally friendly construction and energy use:

Building Energy Code

Colorado’s Building Energy Code sets efficiency standards for new buildings and significant renovations across the state, helping reduce energy use and lower emissions.
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City of Denver - Green Building Requirement for City-Owned Buildings

Denver mandates green building standards for city-owned properties, aiming to reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainability across municipal operations.

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City of Boulder - Green Points Building Program

Boulder’s Green Points Program rewards developers for incorporating energy-efficient, sustainable practices into new constructions and remodels.

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City of Boulder - Solar Access Ordinance

This ordinance ensures that new developments in Boulder do not block access to solar resources on neighboring properties, promoting solar energy use.

Learn more

Greening of State Government

This initiative promotes energy-efficient practices and sustainability across all state-owned and operated facilities, contributing to Colorado’s emissions reduction goals.

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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