Visit alliantgroup in May at the AIA National Convention in Washington, DC

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alliantgroup’s Dean Zerbe, former Senior Tax Counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, will be presenting an enlightening Continuing Education session at the AIA National Convention in Washington, D.C on Saturday, May 19 at 12:30-1:30 p.m. (Theater C). Join alliantgroup for this informative session to learn about valuable government tax incentives often overlooked by the design and construction industry.

Many architecture firms are entitled to cash refunds, tax credits, and deductions for their day-to-day activities as they relate to design projects. If you are an owner or principal of a firm, you’ll want to join alliantgroup at the AIA National Convention for insights on three powerful tax incentives available. The United States Congress established these incentives specifically to encourage innovation and green building, yet they are often untapped by architecture firms. alliantgroup has the expertise to help firms navigate the tax code, turning complexities into cash.

During the AIA Conference, alliantgroup is also hosting a VIP happy hour reception at the historic Henley Park Hotel, adjacent to the Convention Center in Washington D.C. on Friday, May 18 from 6-8 p.m.

Visit alliantgroup at the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in May (Booth 4313) and receive a wealth of new knowledge, skills, and resources to refresh your passion and practice.

alliantgroup: Overlooked Small-Business Tax Breaks

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Many businesses assume that tax incentives are too much effort to apply for and obtain. alliantgroup wants American companies to acquire every possible tax incentive for which they qualify. Experts with alliantgroup can assess the situation for any company and assist with the application process. Forms and regulations may seem daunting, but the financial benefits might outweigh the effort. Three lesser-known tax incentive programs are available for many companies. alliantgroup would like to see less of this money left in the government’s coffers. Any business owner with doubts should contact alliantgroup to see if his business qualifies.

o Research and Experimentation Tax Credit (R&D)
A staff of white-coated scientists is not required for companies to qualify for widely varied tax credits that are meant to encourage continuous innovation. alliantgroup specialists work with companies every day to find the activities that will qualify in this area. A simple improvement to an existing design might save the company thousands of dollars in a given tax year.The best way to find out is to contact alliantgroup for a complete assessment.

o Interest-Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation (IC-DISC)
Goods produced and services conducted in the United States might qualify for the 20 percent tax incentive if they are exported. This tax credit is designed to encourage companies to hire employees in the United States for off-shore sales of goods and services. alliantgroup specialists are well-versed in these tax credits. All companies participating in overseas sales should contact alliantgroup early for assistance with optimizing every business activity.

o Energy-Efficient Commercial Building Deduction (179D)
Improvements to the building systems that consume energy can qualify for significant tax credits. Business decision makers should contact alliantgroup for a full assessment prior to starting improvement projects. This deduction expires at the end of 2013, so there is still time to qualify. Previous energy efficiency projects might qualify for tax credits as well. Businesses are wise to work with alliantgroup to assess former projects that might add to the tax savings for the current year. Additional savings are realized through reduced energy bills.

Company decision makers should ask questions of their alliantgroup specialist to determine if other business activities would qualify for tax incentives. Large companies are not the only clients of alliantgroup that will qualify for significant tax incentives this year. Size is not a factor in the a company’s ability to qualify for tax credits under many federal and state programs.

alliant group Comments on President Obama’s State of the Union Address: Focus on Innovation, Jobs, and Strengthening Business

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alliant group’s National Managing Director and former Tax Counsel to the Senate Finance Committee Dean Zerbe comments, “In his State of the Union speech, President Obama laid out a number of tax proposals that would encourage manufacturing and energy-efficiency in this country.” We need enhanced tax incentives that benefit main street American businesses, not just the Fortune 1000 and big C-corporations. alliant group’s leadership is working daily with both sides of the political aisle to make things happen to help small and medium businesses. “We are part of these ongoing conversations that are taking place on the Hill and we are fighting every day to move mountains for stronger tax incentives for small and mid-sized companies,” said alliant group’s CEO, Dhaval Jadav.

The President’s theme of an America (and economy) built to last was certainly a needed message for our country to hear. He mentioned manufacturing early in his speech and referenced it no less than a dozen times. alliant group notes it is encouraging that the current Administration is pro-industry and no one underestimates the need to keep and create jobs on our shores, but now we need action from our legislators. “We are pushing for sensible changes to the tax code and for more powerful incentives, changes that will make a real impact to support critical business activity in this country,” said alliant group’s Jadav.

The day after the President’s address to Congress and the nation, the White House issued an outline of several new manufacturing incentives targeted at bringing more manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. New and extended or expanded tax incentives include:
• A 20% tax credit to businesses that move operations back to this country
• Increasing the Section 199 domestic production activities deduction for manufacturers; in fact, doubling it to 18% for advanced manufacturing technologies
• Extending the Section 48C advanced energy manufacturing credit
• A one-year extension of 100% expensing
• A long-awaited permanent extension of the R&D credit – something alliant group has been pushing for years
President Obama noted, ““We have a huge opportunity to bring manufacturing back to this country,” and vowed to fight obstruction with action. alliant group’s Dean Zerbe says, “Let’s hope so! It’s great these issues are being brought to the forefront and we will continue to press.”

alliant group assists small and medium businesses with claiming valuable tax incentives such as the R&D tax credit, manufacturing incentives, and energy-efficient building. alliant group serves industries as broad as engineering and construction, to food processing and apparel. alliant group has helped more than 6,000 businesses claim more than $1.6 billion in tax incentives. alliant group can be reached at 800.564.4540.

alliantgroup Hosts Strategic, Tax and Legislative Think Tank Event at Houston Headquarters With Special Guest, Senator Orrin Hatch (Part 1)

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In alliantgroup’s continuing series of Think Tank events, the tax specialty firm brought together top legislative insiders, a leading business consultant, and premier CPA firms from around the country to share ideas and express concerns with tax issues and other challenges that businesses face.

The alliantgroup program in Houston on January 10 and 11, 2012, featured special guest, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT); alliantgroup Vice Chairman and former IRS Commissioner Mark Everson; alliantgroup Director and former Congressman (NY) Rick Lazio; alliantgroup National Managing Director and former Tax Counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee Dean Zerbe; hosted by alliantgroup co-founders Dhaval Jadav and Shane Frank. Accounting industry practice development expert Jeff Pawlow of The Growth Partnership also presented an informative CPE.

Senator Hatch provided a view from Capitol Hill to alliantgroup guests during the event, holding a discussion with CPAs from leading firms who serve the middle market. Senator Hatch is the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and a member of the Joint Committee on Taxation. His willingness to share insights and to listen to the CPA community during the alliantgroup event will be valuable to making changes to the current cumbersome tax code.

“Businesses should have self-assurance on what to expect with regard to their taxes. It’s impossible for businesses to plan and the uncertainty is killing confidence in this country,” said Senator Hatch during his visit to alliantgroup’s headquarters.

Because the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) turn off in 2010 was so critical for mid-market businesses, and since Senator Hatch was instrumental in including it in legislation, AMT was a hot topic. Many tax incentives such as the powerful R&D tax credit that have become available to so many more businesses and industries in recent years, often are unattainable for many businesses because of AMT. Senators Hatch and Max Baucus (D-MT) – who both now have visited alliantgroup’ office – are co-authors of the Greater Research Opportunities with Tax Help Act of 2011 (GROWTH Act), which seeks to make the R&D tax credit more robust and permanent.

“The tax code is too complex and full of problems and inequities that are eating us alive. Big companies who are making billions need true tax liability, and need to pay their fair share,” expressed Senator Hatch during the alliantgroup event.

Senator Hatch and current IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman agree the tax code should be simplified so that businesses – not just big corporations – can thrive in this country. Senator Hatch noted that Congress hears quite frequently from Fortune 500 companies, and urged the CPAs attending the alliantgroup event to write their Congressional representatives regarding issues that are impacting the middle market such as AMT and the permanency of the R&D credit.

Alliant Group: R&D Tax Credits for Architectural Firms

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Because green buildings save energy and utilize renewable materials, the environmental impact is beneficial to any community. Building designs that include unique functional features and energy-efficient aspects are expensive and often time-consuming and labor-intensive to develop.  As architecture firms move to embrace green practices, the reward is significant R&D tax incentives.  Since more effort and time is required in the design phase for environmentally sustainable projects, the federal, and many state governments, offer tax credits.

Certain innovations and activities are eligible for R&D tax incentives, including:

·         Unique energy-efficient features

·         Master plans

·         Schematic designs

·         Plans and elevation drawings

·         Functional site plans that incorporate and address the features in the site plan

·         Construction documents

·         Building façade designs and development

·         LEED certifications

·         Building system designs

·         Site orientation

·         Building shape and form

The time and effort required to design and develop each of these aspects of a building are substantial.  R&D tax credits for architectural firms are intended to offset the additional costs of building innovative structures.

Alliant Group has developed an Industry Specialization Program that defines the degree to which a building design qualifies for the R&D tax benefits.  Every professional within the Architecture Specialization Group has the right combination of education and practical experience in architecture and design.  Firms that have utilized the services of this group range from startup companies to some of the best-known architecture firms on the globe.

An R&D Tax Credit Study will be conducted to determine what aspects of a firm’s designs fall within the guidelines set forth within the legislation.  Since expertise is required to make these determinations, the client is encouraged to notify Alliant Group early in the concept phase for the best results.  Clients have saved thousands of dollars by adjusting their design process before using precious time and resources in ways that do not qualify for the tax credits.