MAXIMIZE the 179D Tax Deduction

Energy-Efficient Tax Savings for Commercial Buildings in Michigan

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

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

Building Owners

Building owners in Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan-Specific Opportunities

State-Specific 179D Eligibility and Incentives in Michigan

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.

Michigan and Local Energy-Efficiency Incentives

Michigan offers a wide range of incentives to encourage businesses and residents to adopt energy-efficient practices and renewable energy technologies. These programs provide financial support, tax credits, and rebates to reduce the upfront costs of sustainable energy investments.

  1. Charge Up Michigan Program: The Charge Up Michigan Program helps fund the installation of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. It aims to increase the availability of EV charging infrastructure, supporting Michigan’s transition to cleaner transportation options. [1]
  2. Nonrefundable Business Activity Tax Credit: This tax credit is available to businesses that engage in energy-efficient practices or renewable energy investments. It helps offset the cost of implementing sustainable practices by reducing overall tax liabilities for eligible businesses. [2]
  3. Refundable Payroll Tax Credit: Michigan offers a refundable payroll tax credit to businesses that hire employees in energy-efficient industries. This credit incentivizes job creation in the clean energy sector by providing businesses with tax relief based on their payroll expenses. [3]
  4. Indiana Michigan Power - EV Incentive: Indiana Michigan Power provides rebates and incentives for residential and business customers who install electric vehicle charging stations. This program helps reduce the cost of setting up EV infrastructure and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles in Michigan. [4]
  5. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC): The federal Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) rewards companies and individuals for generating electricity through renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass. This incentive encourages the development of renewable energy projects and helps lower the costs of producing clean energy. [5]
  6. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit: Michigan offers tax credits for the installation of alternative fuel vehicle refueling stations, including electric charging stations and natural gas refueling infrastructure. These credits support the expansion of clean transportation options across the state, reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels. [6]

City-Specific Green Building Requirements in Michigan

Michigan is actively promoting energy-efficient and sustainable building practices through a variety of codes and initiatives. These regulations are designed to reduce energy consumption, encourage renewable energy use, and ensure that buildings are constructed with long-term environmental sustainability in mind.

Building Energy Code

Michigan’s Building Energy Code sets mandatory energy efficiency standards for new constructions and significant renovations. These standards aim to reduce energy usage by improving insulation, lighting, and heating systems in both residential and commercial buildings.

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Energy Efficiency in State Buildings

This program focuses on enhancing energy efficiency in Michigan’s state-owned buildings, requiring energy-efficient upgrades and operational practices to reduce energy costs and lower carbon footprints. State agencies are tasked with meeting these standards to lead by example in sustainable building practices.

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Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Facility Siting

Michigan has developed guidelines for the siting of renewable energy and energy storage facilities to ensure that these projects are implemented efficiently and with minimal impact on communities. This initiative supports the state’s goals of expanding renewable energy infrastructure while addressing public concerns related to land use and environmental impacts.

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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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