“Sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a smart business move.”
That quote has been making the rounds in boardrooms for a reason. In today’s market, green practices are not only good for the planet, they’re also good for your profit margins. And here’s the kicker: Uncle Sam wants to reward you for going green.
If your business isn’t tapping into green business tax credits, you’re leaving serious money on the table.
Why Go Green? Because the IRS Pays Attention
At Estess CPA, we’ve seen more businesses in Belle Chasse, Luling, and across Southeast Louisiana shift to sustainable operations, and get rewarded for it.
Whether it’s installing energy-efficient lighting, upgrading to eco-friendly HVAC systems, or investing in clean energy, these upgrades may qualify for:
- Federal sustainability incentives
- State-specific green tax benefits
- Energy-efficient deductions tied directly to your commercial improvements
And here’s where it gets exciting: these aren’t just small perks. Some tax credits cover up to 30% of project costs, a huge win for businesses making strategic investments.
Key Green Business Tax Credits You Should Know
Let’s break it down. These aren’t vague ideas. These are real, actionable credits you could qualify for:
1. Section 179D Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction
This one’s a powerhouse. If you’ve improved energy efficiency in your commercial property (think HVAC, lighting, building envelope), you could claim up to $5.00 per square foot in deductions.
We’ve helped clients retroactively claim this for upgrades they already made!
2. Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for Renewable Energy
Installed solar panels? Geothermal systems? You may be eligible for a 30% federal tax credit, plus state-level benefits depending on where you operate.
3. EV Charging Station Credits
Businesses that install electric vehicle charging infrastructure can claim a credit of up to $100,000 per location under the IRS’s newly updated rules.
That’s not a small change, it’s a future-focused incentive with immediate ROI.
What Counts as “Green”?
We get this question a lot. The IRS isn’t looking for a compost bin out back. It’s about certifiable improvements. If your upgrades:
- Reduce energy consumption
- Lower carbon emissions
- Improve system efficiency
They may qualify. Our team at Estess CPA helps you document every improvement properly, so you’re audit-ready and maximally deductible.
Pro Tip: Combine Credits With Local Grants
Here’s where things get strategic.
Many businesses qualify for both federal tax credits and state or local sustainability grants. We’ve seen clients offset 60–70% of project costs through careful planning and timing.
Need help coordinating all that paperwork? That’s what we do.
Real Clients. Real Results.
We recently helped a multi-location healthcare client install LED lighting across its properties. We uncovered a mix of federal green tax credits and Louisiana energy rebates. Total result? $42,000 saved on installation costs, and ongoing savings on utility bills.
The best part? They didn’t even know these credits existed before our mid-year tax review.
Get Ahead, Not Behind
Green investments aren’t just about doing the right thing. They’re about staying competitive.
Companies that embrace sustainability now are building future-proof businesses, and taking advantage of real-time savings today.
Don’t wait until tax season to think about green business tax credits. Planning in Q2 or Q3 gives you the flexibility to:
- Align purchases with IRS deduction schedules
- Maximize overlapping sustainability incentives
- Avoid missing filing deadlines that kill eligibility
Let’s Talk About Your Green Opportunities
If you’re running a business in Southeast Louisiana, we’d love to hear what you’re working on. Whether it’s a full facility upgrade or a few strategic changes, Estess CPA is ready to help you turn eco-friendly decisions into bottom-line benefits.
📍 Belle Chasse Office: (504) 433-5122
📍 Luling Office: (985) 785-1470
📅 Schedule a Free Appointment
Let’s turn your sustainability efforts into tax savings that matter.
Need help getting started with green tax planning?
Call us today or click the link above to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Estess CPAs, where your business goals meet smart accounting.