Approved for 1 AIA LU Credit

Join us for Tri-State Programing for 2025!

About this Course
According to the Internal Revenue Service, building owners who place in service energy efficient commercial building property (EECBP) or energy efficient commercial building retrofit property (EEBRP) may be able to claim a tax deduction. The deduction is allowed under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 179D and was expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the deduction is available to owners of qualified commercial buildings, not just those owned by government entities. Most notably, the designers (i.e. architects and other design professionals) can claim the tax deduction of EECBP/EEBRP if they are installed in buildings owned by specified government or tax-exempt entities since those entities have no tax liability. In this session, the details of this significant tax deduction are explored as ways to help owners of design firms reduce or eliminate their federal income tax liability. Relatedly, the Research and Development (R&D) income tax credit remains a potent tool for firm owners to use that can mitigate the impact of amortization requirements. This tool is discussed and reviewed as well.

Learning Objective 1:
Recognize how a design firm or owners may qualify and may benefit this year from the new building energy efficiency incentive, IRS 179D Deduction, when working in the Education, Government and non-profit sector.

Learning Objective 2:
Explore the decision to claim the R&D tax credit, understanding the mandatory requirements of the expense amortization for Architecture Firms.

Learning Objective 3:
Compare individual tax situations to real life case studies of architecture firms of all sizes in the PA/NY/NJ region benefitting from IRS tax deductions and credits.

Learning Objective 4:
Discuss concrete actions with Certified Public Accountants (CPA) for optimizing tax savings in the next five years.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS | PRESENTED BY ALLIED MEMBER EPSA, USA

Alexis Martin, CEO, EPSA USA

Alexis Martin is the CEO of EPSA USA, the US office of EPSA GROUP, a leading consulting firm specializing in Innovation Funding and Operational Performance. Since joining in 2021, Alexis has led EPSA USA’s mission to help small- and medium-sized businesses identify cash savings through tax credits and deductions.

His leadership, team efforts, and partnerships with CPA firms ensure clients benefit from all available incentives, adhering to strict IRS guidelines. With over 20 years of experience in New York City, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, Alexis has honed expertise in business optimization, strategy, and management.

Before EPSA USA, he founded and grew a consulting firm that assisted SMEs in Manufacturing and Distribution in setting up and expanding in the US. He then directed the European Desk at YER USA, aiding global companies in expanding their US operations through strategic recruitment.

Holding a Master’s degree in Management and Entrepreneurship, Alexis combines strategic vision with innovative thinking to drive EPSA USA’s growth. His active involvement with professional organizations, including CPA State Organizations (PICPA, WICPA, MASSCPA), the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and other industry associations, highlights his commitment to fostering industry education and advocacy.

Michael Nobile, Senior Business Development Associate, EPSA USA

Mike is a Business Development Associate for EPSA USA, the US subsidiary of EPSA, a global consulting firm. At EPSA USA, he plays an integral role in identifying eligible firms for R&D Credits and 179D deductions, executing EPSA’s go-to-market strategy to bring on net new business. Mike has successfully worked with firms of all sizes across various sectors including architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and software.

Mike has led initiatives to help firms navigate the complexities of R&D Credit and 179D deduction processes, resulting in significant tax benefits for his clients. Through targeted outreach campaigns and collaboration with tech firms on innovative projects, he has strengthened client relationships and increased client satisfaction, driving EPSA USA’s growth.