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. Likewise, engineering firms may not realize that their design and development activities of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems for unique buildings and structures may constitute qualified R&D activities potentially entitling them to signification R&D incentives. If you think you have to be a manufacturer or software developer to be conducting qualified activities as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, think again.

If your firm is in the architecture & engineering industry, there is a strong chance that you could benefit from an R&D Tax Credit Study. Let alliantgroup’s Architecture & Engineering experts help you claim the credits that you deserve!

Examples of activities and innovations eligible for R&D tax incentives include the following:

• Developing unique energy efficient features
• Developing innovative wastewater technologies
• Developing unique flashing details
• Developing new building elevations
• Designing a functional site plan to incorporate or overcome the site plan features
• Brownfield redevelopment
• Developing innovative designs for bridges and roadway structures
• Designing unique water treatment plants to optimize plant capacity or efficiency
• Designing innovative sanitary sewer systems for new residential communities
• Designing unique water pipeline and ancillary systems
• Designing innovative lateral force resistance systems for buildings
• Designing marinas to meet unique structural and load requirements

alliantgroup’s Architecture & Engineering Industry Specialization Team

In order to better serve architecture & engineering firms, alliantgroup, has developed an Industry Specialized Program that focuses on the qualification and quantification of R&D tax benefits for companies operating in the architecture & engineering industry. alliantgroup’s Architecture & Engineering Specialization Group employs several individuals who have educational backgrounds and practical experience within the disciplines of architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. alliantgroup has qualified and quantified credits for firms ranging from small startup firms to large, multi-national architecture and engineering firms.