Clean Energy Tax Credits for Manufacturers
Is Your Manufacturing Company Eligible for Clean Energy Tax Credits?
Enacted in Q3 of 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides valuable tax credits that support clean energy manufacturing. Also of note, the law created the Advanced Manufacturing Project Tax Credit (45X MPTC), which is an incentive for producing clean energy components. In addition, the IRA expanded the Advanced Energy Project Investment Tax Credit (48C ITC) program. Eligible manufacturers that purchase property to re-equip, expand, or establish facilities in relation to clean energy can apply for this credit, whose funding is limited.
Keep in mind two caveats: Your manufacturing company can claim only one credit, not both. Also, both credits begin to phase out in 2032. Let’s take a closer look at each credit.
45X MPTC
The 45X MPTC is available to manufacturers that produce clean energy components in the United States. The credit varies by eligible component and is multiplied by the number of units produced and sold during the year.
What components qualify for the 45X MPTC? The list includes photovoltaic modules (commonly known as solar panels), as well as subcomponents, inverters, tracking system components, batteries and critical minerals. (Components produced at a facility that received a 48C ITC after August 2022 aren’t eligible.)
Of significance, rather than using a 45X MPTC to offset taxes owed, manufacturers can elect to transfer the credit or “monetize” it through a direct payment from the IRS. Manufacturers may receive a refund for the 45X MPTC for the first five years they claim the credit (subject to the 2033 credit sunset) using the direct payment option. The five-year rule doesn’t apply to manufacturers that are tax-exempt organizations (or to certain other comparable organizations). Excess payments are subject to a 20% penalty.
Alternatively, manufacturers have the option to transfer the entirety or a fraction of the 45X MPTC (Manufacturing Productivity and Technology Credit) for a specific year to an unrelated eligible taxpayer. Payments for the credits must be conducted through cash payments and do not qualify as taxable events. It’s important to note that a 20% penalty might be imposed on any excessive payments.
48C ITC
The 48C ITC (Investment Tax Credit) was initially established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This program, administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, offers tax credits as incentives for investments made in eligible property. Generally, the eligible property is required to be designed for the production or recycling of advanced energy components such as solar modules, inverters, and batteries. However, a diverse range of property types may also qualify. The credit represents a percentage of eligible investment costs placed in service during the tax year.
The IRA expanded the types of investments that can qualify for the 48C ITC program and provides $10 billion in funding for new credits to be allocated to projects beginning in 2023 or thereafter. At least $4 billion of the credits must be allocated to projects located in a tract that is designated as an “energy community” and hasn’t been allocated a 48C ITC prior to enactment of the IRA.
Starting in 2023, manufacturers have the opportunity to apply to claim a 48C ITC (Investment Tax Credit) equivalent to 30% of their qualified investment, provided they meet the labor requirements set by the Treasury Department for their manufacturing facilities. In cases where a project fails to meet these labor requirements, it would be eligible for a limited tax credit of 6%. It’s important to note that these labor requirements cease to apply once the facility has been put into service.
Manufacturers must apply to receive the credit in compliance with other regulations or documentation required by the Treasury Department. The program will begin to accept applications on May 31, 2023, and competition for the limited funding available is expected to be stiff.
After a manufacturer is awarded an allocation, it has two years from the allocation date to provide evidence (for example, permits) that the requirements have been met in a timely fashion. The Treasury Department will then provide certification for the credit.
Unlike for the 45X MPTC, manufacturers can receive a refund for the 48C ITC only if they’re tax-exempt organizations (or certain other comparable organizations). As with the 45X MPTC, a 20% penalty applies if excess payments occur.
Manufacturers can elect to transfer all or a portion of the credit for a given year to an unrelated eligible taxpayer. Payments for the credit must be made in cash and aren’t treated as a taxable event. Again, a 20% penalty applies to any excess.
Choosing the Right Credit
So which, if any, of the two credits is right for your manufacturing company? If you won’t be manufacturing 45X MPTC-eligible components, the 48C ITC will be your only option. And know that you’ll benefit from the 48C ITC only if you apply in a timely manner, receive an allocation and meet the compliance requirements.
If your facility will be manufacturing 45X MPTC-eligible components, you likely will be better off going with the 45X MPTC. But there are no absolutes. Turn to us for help in making an informed decision.