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AIA Tax and Business Resources

Available Tax Incentives | Government Opportunities | Federal Resources for International Work | Small Businesses | Additional Resources | Contact AIA

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The American Institute of Architects: The Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction (179D) Resource Page Sponsorship

Using Tax Incentives to Grow Your Business

The Federal government uses tax breaks for businesses to incentivize activities from clean energy compliance to business growth and development. There are many opportunities for architects to use the tax code to build a stronger practice. Architects can take advantage of federal tax programs to not only strengthen their practices, but to assist in getting projects moving forward. Tax programs include:

Low income housing tax credit
Historic preservation tax credit
Energy efficient commercial building deduction (179d)
Accelerated depreciation

Opportunities for Business with the Government

Roughly 23 percent of government contracts go to small businesses, disadvantaged businesses, and veteran-owned businesses. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the AIA’s Procurement Resources website.

Federal Resources for International Work

Getting businesses to expand their practice abroad is a large focus for many government agencies.  The AIA works with the US Department of Commerce, the International Trade Administration, the Export-Import Bank, and other Federal agencies.  While some may think that firms need to be large to practice abroad, many sole practitioners and other small firms have thriving international practice.  For more information on this topic, check out our web page to explore resources.

Government Programs for Small Businesses

The Federal government has several agencies that can help you start and grow your business, both domestically and internationally. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides local resources from writing a business plan to permitting and legal issues to finding a mentor. In addition, the SBA provides financing for small businesses and any business which has been affected by a disaster. The Small Business Administration has 64 local offices throughout the US and its territories. Click here to connect with a local SBA office.

Additional Resources

SBA Size Standards Change
SBA Homepage
Tax Breaks for Small Businesses
Small Business Loans and Grant Information

Questions? Contact us!

Tax Issues
Christina Finkenhofer, Esq.
Manager, Federal Relations

Email | christinafinkenhofer@aia.org
Phone | 202.626.7484

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Small Business Issues
Jessica Salmoiraghi, Esq. |
Director, Federal Relations and Counsel
Email | jessicasalmoiraghi@aia.org
Phone | 202.626. 7398