Tax Credits

Making a difference in distressed communities, CohnReznick has been on the cutting edge of innovative community development for more than 30 years. Whether it is working within tax credit programs, helping shape policy at Federal and state levels, or collaborating with state and local economic development programs, we have helped lead the growth and sophistication of the community development industry. Since the implementation of tax credits and now through the unique approach of Opportunity Zones, CohnReznick has served investors, governmental entities and other stakeholders  to help communities reach their full potential.

CohnReznick is a long-standing leader in low-income housing tax credits, and an international authority on affordable housing projects. We work with developers, investors, and other stakeholders to navigate through state and local government agency and regulatory reviews, and to meet the stringent requirements of financial institutions. We conduct financial projections, transaction structuring, and assess fee arrangements and partnership allocations in accordance with IRS Code Sections 704 and 752.

New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) provide incentives for bringing jobs, businesses, and economic growth to distressed communities. The NMTC Program offers growth-oriented investors a cost effective method to enter underserved markets, but the process — from certification through closing — is complicated. As a nationally renowned NMTC advisor and pioneer, we are the go-to firm for investors, developers, and community oriented organizations. Our experts guide you through the entire lifecycle of your program. We prepare and submit Community Development Entity (CDE) certifications, file CDFI Fund data, conduct annual audits and reporting, address state and local tax issues, and provide transaction advisory and compilation services for qualified businesses in low-income communities.

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Bringing new life to old buildings is the hallmark of The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program. CohnReznick can maximize your credit and equity proceeds, minimize the risks of recapture or reallocation, and preserve the integrity of your transaction for the IRS. Our full-service capabilities include estimating credits and eligibility, supporting financing applications, developing transaction structures, and verifying terms from prospective tax equity partners that reflect current market conditions.

The legislation extending both the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is another example of the importance of renewable sources in meeting today's energy needs. CohnReznick provides transactional advice, accounting and audit services for solar, wind, and other renewable energy installations financed through these credits, and for programs such as the 179D tax deduction for owners of energy-efficient buildings. Your energy investment must be structured to optimize return profiles and monetize energy tax credits to their maximum value. Our specialists in this industry leverage all options available to you.

A broad range of improvements to products or processes can qualify your company for federal and state Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits — particularly if you are a small business. Following an initial no-cost analysis, CohnReznick models available credits by year and jurisdiction, giving you the greatest available advantage. In addition, if unused credits are discovered, they can be carried forward or amended in prior year tax returns.

Tax credits are widely available and are provided by state and local authorities in virtually every location where your business operates. Working in conjunction with our State and Local Tax (SALT) practice, CohnReznick will identify the right strategic opportunities for your business, guide you through implementation, and create a comprehensive strategy — whether you’re seeking property or sales tax exemptions, government grants, low interest or no interest loans, or income tax credits – including transferable and refundable credits.

CohnReznick’s Tax Credit Investment Services (TCIS) is a dedicated business unit within CohnReznick that provides strategic advisory and due diligence services to help institutional investors make informed decisions on acquiring and managing tax-advantaged investments. Not only do community development tax credit investments help banks meet their obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), but they offer institutional investors a competitive rate of return and a very low risk profile.

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