How Property Management Groups Can Benefit from Energy Tax Incentives

Energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just good for tenants—they can also mean serious tax savings. This guide explains how property managers can tap into 179D and 45L before time runs out.
How Property Management Groups Can Benefit from Energy Tax Incentives

With energy and labor costs on the rise and building performance under greater scrutiny, property management groups are in a strong position to capture value from federal energy tax incentives, but the clock is ticking.

Both Section 179D and 45L are now scheduled to end in 2026, following changes under the Big Beautiful Bill. If your team is planning system upgrades, renovations, or new development, there’s still time to benefit but you’ll need to act before the cutoff.

Whether you manage multifamily housing, commercial offices, retail or mixed-use buildings, these incentives can unlock real savings when applied strategically. Property managers involved in project planning, design coordination, or vendor selection often play a key role in determining eligibility and securing these benefits.

Why Tax Incentives Matter for Property Managers

Energy-efficient upgrades have long delivered long-term cost savings and happier tenants. But now, they also deliver direct tax advantages that can offset capital expenditures and speed up ROI.

If you’re involved in project scoping, systems integration, or working with contractors and engineers, you may already be in the perfect position to support and even claim certain tax incentives.

Federal Tax Incentives Property Managers Should Know

1. Section 179D – Energy-Efficient Commercial Building Deduction

  • Applies to lighting, HVAC, and envelope system upgrades
  • Deduction worth up to $5.81 per square foot (2025 rates)
  • Available for both new construction and retrofits
  • Must begin construction before June 30, 2026 to qualify
  • For public and non-profit buildings, the deduction can be allocated to the project designer, including engineers, contractors, or property managers

Key update: The 179D program is officially ending. Projects that don’t start construction before June 30, 2026 will no longer be eligible, so planning ahead is critical.

2. Section 45L – Residential Energy Credit

  • Offers up to $5,000 per dwelling unit for new or renovated multifamily housing
  • Requires compliance with ENERGY STAR® or Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) standards
  • Units must be sold or leased before June 30, 2026 to qualify

Key update: Like 179D, the 45L credit will terminate after mid-2026. Projects nearing completion should aim to meet certification and leasing/sale deadlines before June 30, 2026.

Can Property Managers Really Benefit?

Absolutely. If your team is actively engaged in project oversight, from coordinating design to managing system upgrades, you may qualify for credits or help your ownership group do so.

For commercial projects, property managers can sometimes be recognized as the "designer of record" for 179D if they influence and document energy-efficient systems integration.

For residential properties, involvement in the build or renovation process may support 45L eligibility, particularly if you help coordinate required certifications and reporting.

Other Things to Know

  • Bonus Multipliers: Some credits offer increased value if your contractors meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards.
  • State & Local Incentives: Many utilities and cities offer rebates or bonus programs that can stack with federal tax benefits.
  • Documentation Matters: Maintain detailed project records, including plans, energy modeling, contractor agreements, and certifications.

Plan Ahead to Maximize Value

These incentives can’t be retroactively claimed without proper planning. To benefit, get involved early in the design and procurement process so you can ensure eligibility and compliance. There also may be opportunities for development or upgrades you’ve already completed, so be sure to review prior year projects as part of this effort. 

By shaping the project scope and vendor selection upfront, you can turn routine upgrades into bottom-line wins for your ownership group or portfolio.

What Types of Properties Should Be Paying Attention?

  • Multifamily buildings adding new units or updating systems
  • Commercial offices undergoing lighting or HVAC retrofits
  • Mixed-use properties with residential and commercial components
  • Student housing, senior living, and hospitality facilities focused on asset longevity and performance

Ready to Explore What You Qualify For?

The window to take advantage of these powerful energy incentives is closing. Both 179D and 45L are set to expire in mid-2026, making early-stage planning more important than ever.

If your team is managing upgrades, tenant improvements, or ground-up construction, now is the time to evaluate which projects can qualify, and take action before it’s too late.

Book a call with TaxTaker today to get clarity on what qualifies, what deadlines matter, and how to make these incentives part of your 2025–2026 capital planning strategy.

About the Author

Abby Massey
VP of Energy Incentives

Abby Massey is an expert in applying tax incentives for clean energy initiatives. With a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and licenses in 46 states plus the District of Columbia, Abby offers significant expertise to her role at TaxTaker as the Vice President of Energy Incentives. Her experience includes certifying over 1,500 179D deductions, achieving more than $100 million in savings for clients. As a LEED Accredited Professional, Abby is dedicated to sustainable building practices. In her role at TaxTaker, she focuses on optimizing energy incentives for clients by leveraging her in-depth understanding of the 179D program, aiming to improve business sustainability and efficiency.

Related articles
How Property Management Groups Can Benefit from Energy Tax Incentives
Energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just good for tenants—they can also mean serious tax savings. This guide explains how property managers can tap into 179D and 45L before time runs out.
July Recap: Miss the Big R&D Update? Don’t Let It Cost You
Everyone’s talking energy cuts—but this R&D update could put real money back in your pocket.
Texas is Booming: Here’s How New Projects Can Capitalize on Energy Tax Incentives
From manufacturing plants to data centers, Texas projects have a limited window to secure energy tax savings. Discover how to maximize 179D, 45L, and ITC incentives now.
Other categories
A picture of downtown city with multiple green tech buildings that have greenery along the outside of the building

Chat with an expert!

Discover your tax savings with our expert guidance and assistance.
Thank you for your interest in TaxTaker.
We’ve sent more information to your email. Please check your inbox for details on our services.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.