ARCHITECTURE
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX INCENTIVES FOR THE ARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY
Architecture firms can attest that designing a building is not all about aesthetic design. However, the firms’ principals and officers may be unaware that the expenses associated with the development of unique functional and energy-efficient designs may allow them to take advantage of significant research and development (R&D) tax incentives. With the increase in sustainable and “green” designs incorporated into building features, architecture firms are expending more time and effort in the design phase of projects to achieve optimal energy-efficient and functional designs. A firm does not have to be a manufacturer or software developer to be conducting qualified activities as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. If a firm is in the architecture industry, there is a strong chance that they could benefit from an R&D Tax Credit study.
Examples of activities and innovations eligible for R&D tax incentives include the following:
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• Developing unique energy-efficient features
• Designing master plans
• Developing schematic designs
• Developing planning and elevation drawings
• Designing a functional site plan to incorporate or overcome the site plan features
• Developing construction documents
• Designing and developing building facades
• Achieving LEED certification
• Designing building systems
• Designing site orientations
• Designing building shape and form
additional Architecture industries:
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commercial/industrial
interior design
residential
incentAdvise Architecture Specialization Team-
In order to better serve architecture firms, incentAdvise has developed an Industry Specialization Program that focuses on the qualification and quantification of R&D tax benefits for companies operating in the architecture industry. incentAdvise Architecture Specialization Team employs several individuals who have educational backgrounds and practical experience within the disciplines of architecture and design. incentAdvise has qualified and quantified credits for firms ranging from small startup firms to large, multinational architecture firms.
