Take advantage of tax credits
Energy efficiency and renewable energy provide reliable returns on investment, and now is a great time to take advantage of energy-related tax incentives as well as other incentives offered by your state, local government, or utility. 

You can also benefit from pre-existing tax deductions for energy-efficient commercial buildings. Those deductions were originally authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and were extended until Dec. 31, 2013, by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. A helpful place to start learning more about energy incentives is the Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) at www.dsireusa.org; it also covers federal incentives.

More information on:
Energy-efficient commercial buildings tax deduction
Renewable-energy tax credits and grants
Qualifying advanced energy project investment tax credit

Additional resources
• The DOE’s Recovery Web site (www.energy.gov/recovery) has more information on energy efficiency and renewable-energy initiatives as well as links to what individual states are doing.
• An Energy Star brochure on the commercial building tax deduction provides a how-to guide for building owners and can be found at www.energystar.gov/ia/business/comm_bldg_tax_incentives.pdf.
• The TIAP presents a helpful summary of assistance for commercial buildings at www.energytaxincentives.org/business/commercial_buildings.php.
• The IRS supplies tax guidance for commercial buildings at www.irs.gov/irb/2006-26_IRB/ar11.html.
• DSIRE is an excellent resource for state and federal policies and incentives such as tax credits (www.dsireusa.org).

Disclaimer: This information serves as general guidance and a resource to help you make the most of the opportunities presented by energy policies. It’s important that you consult a tax professional for your specific needs.

Please note that some of the provisions may require that Internal Revenue Service regulations be written and adopted, or updated; and eligible investments must be placed in service before the end of 2013 for commercial buildings tax deductions.