How to Request the Right Allocation Percentage for Your 179D Deduction

Learn how to request the correct allocation percentage for your 179D deduction. Simplify the process with AllocatePro for maximum tax benefits and compliance.
How to Request the Right Allocation Percentage for Your 179D Deduction

Understanding the 179D Tax Deduction

The 179D tax deduction, part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, incentivizes energy-efficient improvements in commercial buildings. Designers, architects, and engineers can claim deductions for systems like HVAC, lighting, and building envelope enhancements.

What Are Allocation Letters?

An allocation letter is essential for claiming the 179D deduction. Issued by the property owner, this letter allocates the deduction to designers who contributed to the energy-efficient improvements.

Simplifying 179D Allocation Letters with AllocatePro

If you need assistance with allocation letters, AllocatePro is a powerful tool designed to streamline the process of obtaining them. This platform centralizes all required documentation, offers complete visibility of request statuses, and ensures compliance with current regulations. By simplifying these tasks, AllocatePro helps government agencies and design professionals efficiently manage their energy tax incentives, reducing administrative burdens and facilitating smoother collaboration between project stakeholders.

How to Request the Right Allocation Percentage

Maximum Allocation: You can request up to 100% of the 179D deduction, but it cannot exceed the project's total cost.

Sharing the Deduction: The deduction can be shared among designers, architects, and engineers involved in the project. The total allocation cannot exceed 100% of the project's cost.

Unsure of the Amount: If you're unsure, selecting 100% is a safe option. AllocatePro’s team of experts can also help determine the appropriate amount during the study process.

Conclusion

Understanding and requesting the right allocation percentage for your 179D deduction is crucial for maximizing your tax benefits and ensuring compliance. By considering the project's total cost and sharing the deduction appropriately among contributors, you can effectively utilize this incentive.

AllocatePro can help simplify this process for you making sure you stay on top of your credits and your compliance.

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 Lighting Engineers Can Maximize 179D Tax Deductions with Energy-Efficient Design
Learn how lighting engineers can optimize 179D tax deductions through high-efficiency design strategies. This guide covers key ASHRAE metrics, real project savings, and a checklist to help your lighting system qualify for maximum tax benefits in 2025.
Industrial Property Owners: Maximize Your Tax Savings in 2025
Discover how industrial property owners can reduce taxes with 179D deductions, solar tax credits, and cost segregation. Maximize savings on 2025 upgrades.
May 2025 - What the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Means for Energy Incentives
A newly proposed tax bill could dramatically reshape key clean energy incentives, including early sunsets for 45L, 48E, 45Y, and 30C. Our latest post breaks down what’s changing, what’s still available, and how developers, designers, and contractors should adjust their plans. With timelines tightening and eligibility shifting, TaxTaker explains how to stay ahead of the changes and maximize what’s left.
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.