Considering to File for 45L Tax Credit? Hire a Qualified Tax Preparer to Process Your Claim

Despite the fact that the Section 45L Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Home is a relatively new and little-known program, individuals who take advantage of it stand to gain significantly by doing so.

In order to be eligible for the Section 45L Credit, the businesses had to develop or renovate individual dwelling units in accordance with specific energy efficiency requirements. Compliance is assessed by a cost segregation study conducted by an engineer who has been engaged to certify the results.

Apartments, townhouses, and detached houses are all examples of residential housing that might be considered for inclusion. Both new and rehabbed homes are eligible, however, the building criteria for new housing are easier to satisfy than those for rehabbed housing.

One of the most apparent benefits to developers as well as real estate investors is the tax credit, which may be worth up to $2,000 per unit. In fact, some investors have used the Section 45L tax credit to partially fund the building of additional units in the same complex. A further advantage is the higher quality requirements of construction that should be maintained in order to receive the credit. Although fulfilling the requirements increases building costs, this expense is frequently offset by a rise in property values as well as a reduction in energy expenditures.

Several of the property developers who have expressed an actual interest in the Section 45L tax credit are working on bigger parcels of land that contain 50 or more units. Here are a few of the finer issues that both you and your accountant must take into consideration when deciding whether or not to claim the Section 45L tax credit.

In order to qualify, the building cannot have more than three stories. If we apply the legal term given here, an underground level or even a single-story parking structure might be considered to be a single floor. Consequently, projects that take full use of Section 45L are likely to be composed of a number of three-level structures.

The limit of the tax savings per unit is capped at $2,000 per unit. The actual credit amount may be smaller and will be influenced by a variety of factors, that will be decided once a cost-benefit analysis is performed on your property.

In order for a credit to be recognized, the unit should be sold or leased. The Section 45L credit may only be claimed in the tax year in which the unit is sold or leased. It cannot be claimed in any other year.

The tax code is susceptible to renewal on an annual basis. It is necessary for Congress to reauthorize it on an annual basis, which implies that Section 45L tax advantages may be revoked in the future.

The tax savings are somewhat offset by the investor’s inability to deduct tax depreciation on units covered by 45L savings, which reduces the amount of money saved.

Consult with your accountant if you are interested in learning more about the potential tax benefits of developing or renovating your next residential home to Section 45L requirements. In order to be eligible for the Section 45L Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit, the accountant will begin by assessing your plans and then working with a cost segregation business to establish what you will need to do to make your home more energy-efficient.

Tips When Looking for a Tax Preparer

To ensure that your taxes are filed properly, see to it that you only hire the best-qualified tax preparer, thus, here are some tips for taxpayers to remember when selecting a preparer:

Tip #1: Verify the Preparer’s Credentials. Utilize the IRS Directory of Qualified Federal Tax Return Preparers. This tool assists taxpayers in locating a tax preparer who meets specified requirements. The directory of preparers is an accessible and filterable database.

Tip #2: Conduct a background check on the preparer. Conduct a background check on certified preparers to determine their disciplinary history and licensing status. Consult the State Board of Accountancy regarding CPAs. Consult the State Bar Association for information on attorneys.

Tip #3: Inquire about Service Charges. Avoid preparers who charge a portion of the return or who claim to have a higher refund rate than their competitors. When inquiring about a preparer’s services and prices, avoid providing them with tax papers, Social Security numbers, or other personally identifiable information.

Tip #4: Inquire about electronic filing. Taxpayers should verify that their preparer can provide IRS electronic filing. The quickest option for taxpayers to receive their refund is to complete their federal tax returns online and utilize direct deposit.

Tip #5: Confirm the Preparer’s Availability. Individuals may choose to notify their preparer following this year’s April 17 deadline. Avoid shady caterers.

Tip #6: Maintain Records and Receipts. Tax preparers that are competent will want to view a taxpayer’s documents and receipts. They’ll inquire about your overall income, tax deductions, and credits.

Tip #7: Never Sign an Uncompleted Return. Employ a tax preparer who does not require the taxpayer to complete and sign a blank tax form.

Tip #8: Verify Prior to Signing. Examine a tax return before signing it. If something is unclear, ask questions. Before signing their return, taxpayers should be confident in its correctness. Additionally, they should ensure that their return is sent straight to their bank account and not to the preparers. Examine the completed return’s routing as well as bank account numbers, and you should be able to obtain a copy of the finished tax return from the preparer.

Tip #9: Verify that the Preparer Signs and Incorporates Their PTIN. All qualified tax preparers should have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN because paid preparers are mandated by law to sign returns as well as provide their PTIN in the returns.

Tip #10: Inform the IRS about Abusive Tax Preparers. Although the majority of tax preparers are trustworthy and give excellent service to their consumers, there are still certain preparers who are dishonest. And if you encounter this kind of tax preparer, make sure to notify the IRS about abusive tax preparers including suspected tax fraud. Utilize Form 14157, Tax Return Preparer Complaint. If a taxpayer believes their return was submitted or modified without their authorization, they should file Form 14157-A, Affidavit of Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct.