The Investment Tax Credit (“ITC”) is a 30 percent federal tax credit for solar systems on residential (under Section 25D) and commercial (under section 48) properties that, under current law, remains in effect through December 31, 2016. The company that installs, develops or finances the project uses the credit.

Are investment tax credits transferable?

Tax credits are either transferrable, meaning they can be sold by the entity earning them and purchased by another, or nontransferable. These capital contributions resemble the sales prices paid by investors purchasing transferable credits.

How does ITC tax credit work?

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income taxes that a person or company would otherwise pay the federal government. The ITC is based on the amount of investment in solar property. After 2023, the residential credit drops to zero while the commercial credit drops to a permanent 10 percent.

What is transferable tax credit?

What are transferable credits? Many states offer credits that can be transferred or sold to other taxpayers. These credits can then be used by the purchasing taxpayer (“transferee”) to offset its current or future tax liability.

Why would a company buy tax credits?

Business and individuals may be able to reduce their federal and state tax burdens and while also supporting certain historic, cultural, and community-driven causes by purchasing tax credits. These credits can be purchased by taxpayers to reduce tax rates in 30+ states and through select federal programs.

Are business tax credits transferable?

Tax credits are issued by the Federal government as well as U.S. State and territory governments, and thus can be applied against tax liabilities at either level. Tax credits are either transferrable, meaning they can be sold by the entity earning them and purchased by another, or nontransferable.

How does a company sell tax credits?

One way they do that is through “transferable” tax credits. If the value of a company’s credits is higher than its tax liability, it can sell the excess credits to another taxpayer who owes the state taxes. Bigel, like others in the film industry, would work with tax credit brokers to find buyers for credits.