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Section 179d Qualified PE Engineers: Where do I Find Them?

 
Question:

Leo asks: We have a green building that we want to certify for the section 179d tax credit and we understand that we need a certified engineer to sign off on the work... where do we find such a person?

Answer:
Advice provided by: Ed LeBard, Associate AIA, PMP, LEED AP, Gensler
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Hi Leo, thanks for your question. To qualify for the IRS Section 179D tax credit, energy-saving improvements must reduce total annual energy and power costs with respect to the interior lighting, systems, HVAC and hot water systems by at least 50%. A few requirements to fulfill the Section 179D tax credit are:

* Latest as-built / architectural plans that includes all specifications
* Energy Modeling computer documentation
* Energy-saving spec documents for lighting, HVAC and envelope
* Contact information for point person
* Project can be Commercial / Retail, Apartments (4 stories or more), and Commercial interior / energy renovations

Inspection and testing must be completed by a qualified (PE) engineer or contractor registered in the jurisdiction. Depending where your building is located, you can find a Professional Engineer through many avenues such as:

* Energy Star's Professional Engineer's Directory

* Department of Licensing and Regulations in the state where your building is located

* National Society of Professional Engineers

* ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers)

* Your state's Society of Professional Engineers (i.e., Maryland Society of Professional Engineers Chapter)

Good luck!

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Expert Advice and Comments
ahackman's picture

re 179D deduction

Thu, 12/23/2010 - 18:21 — ahackman

Leo and Ed,

You really want someone who specializes in this field to make the cost make sense. I am strategically associated with a national engineering/account firm that does this type of work. There are very specific rules that a firm has to go by. You don't want someone who simply dabbles in it since there is modeling that has to be done. Would be happy to talk to you.

And by the way, you can break down the HVAC, building, and lighting to get a partial benefit. Meaning you can do lighting one year, HVAC another year, etc and get a partial deduction. It isn't and all or nothing proposition. It is a little complex to write all the nuances of this section.

Anna Hackman, LEED AP
Sustainable Pathway Consulting
Green Talk, a green living website
www.green-talk.com

179D Tax Incentives

Thu, 03/31/2011 - 23:31 — Melanie Sincich (not verified)

Hello All,

I work for Engineered Tax Services that provides these 179D studies across the US. We use the approved IRS Trace 700 software with our licensed engineers. We have $3M Error & Omission insurance and provide full audit defense at no extra cost if ever needed.

Feel free to give me a call to learn more!
Melanie Sincich
Engineered Tax Services
440-567-9067
msincich@engineeredtax.com

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