ICS Tax Engagement Review: It has been a pleasure working with ICS Tax on the projects they have completed for us. They were very responsive, knowledge and available for questions throughout the entire process of completing our Cost Seg reports in a timely manor....
The IRS has updated its Practice Unit on the §179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction. While not official guidance, these units provide valuable insights into IRS audit and enforcement approaches. The latest §179D updates introduce new eligibility rules, compliance requirements, and higher deduction limits. Given the complexity of these provisions, non-compliance can increase audit risks. Engaging qualified tax professionals and engineers is crucial to ensuring compliance and maximizing deductions....
When converting personal property to investment use, taxpayers must maintain clear documentation of both the original cost and the fair market value at the time of conversion. This documentation is crucial for supporting depreciation deductions and avoiding IRS challenges. In Sherman Derell Smith v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2025-24 (March 24, 2025), the U.S. Tax Court ruled against the taxpayer, who had disputed the IRS’s denial of a depreciation deduction for a rental property on his 2018 federal income tax return. The court found that Smith failed to establish a proper depreciable basis under IRC §167 and Treas. Reg. §1.167(g)-1. This case underscores the importance of maintaining accurate records when transitioning personal property to investment use....
President Donald Trump signaled a strong commitment to reinstating full bonus depreciation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a provision currently set to phase out by the end of 2026. The reinstatement, according to Trump, would be made retroactively to January 20, 2025. If implemented, this move would have significant implications for real estate investors, making cost segregation studies even more valuable in maximizing tax benefits....
A partial disposition occurs when a taxpayer disposes of a portion of an asset rather than the entire asset. This can happen during renovations or improvements when parts of the building are replaced or retired. For example, a taxpayer upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting, installing a new HVAC system, replacing an aging roof, or demolishing old tenant improvements can elect a partial disposition to write off the remaining value of the removed assets in the year of disposal....
ICS Tax and ICS Inspectors are exhibiting at the International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas from February 25–27, 2025. Connect with our team and learn more about how we can support your business with our unique tax planning and home inspection solutions. Our team of HERS raters, engineers, and tax professional will be in the West Hall, booth number W4474...
Alex Bagne, President of ICS, recently hosted a webinar on accounting methods in November 2024. The webinar drew an audience of over 1,000 participants, and we are now contributing our expertise by publishing answers to your accounting methods Accounting methods are the rules used to report income and expenses for tax purposes. A change in accounting method includes any adjustment to a taxpayer’s overall method of accounting. The IRS requires taxpayers to adopt an accounting method that accurately reflects their income and to consistently apply it year after year. As a tax planning tool, accounting methods help taxpayers implement cost segregation studies and energy efficiency incentives, adopt beneficial provisions of the Tangible Property Regulations, and numerous other tax minimization strategies. ...
In a 2024 case, United States of America v. Oehler et al, the tax court denied the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction under IRC §179D to a lighting contractor for work they performed upon public schools since it failed to meet the definition of a “designer”....
ICS Tax, LLC is thrilled to announce Tiffany Grimmer as its newest partner, who will serve as the Chief Operating Officer. She will continue to reside at its Savage, Minnesota headquarters. Tiffany has been with ICS for eight years, progressing in her career as the operations hub of the organization. She brings over 25 years of experience in business management and stakeholder relations, with an MBA focused on Global Management....
Join our exclusive webinar where Laura Steinbrink from Emerald Built Environments hosts an insightful discussion with Alex Bagne, Jason Puffenbarger, and Noe Montalvo from ICS Tax. Topics include: Federal tax incentives (179D, 45L, Cost Segregation, renewable energy tax credit), utility rebates, opportunity zones. How to layer incentives together to maximize benefit....