Tax Provisions


Repeals Penalty for Subsidized Energy Financing

Allows businesses and individuals to qualify for the full amount of the solar tax credit, even if projects receive subsidized energy financing (e.g. below market loans, tax preferred bonds, state grants etc.). This amendment shall apply to periods after Dec. 31, 2008.



Extends Bonus Depreciation

Last year, Congress temporarily increased the amount (50% of the cost of capital investment) that businesses could write-off for capital expenditures incurred in 2008 to $250,000 and increased the phase-out threshold for 2008 to $800,000. The bill would extend these temporary increases for capital expenditures incurred in 2009. Accordingly, until the end of 2010, business taxpayers are allowed to write-off up to $125,000 (indexed for inflation) of capital expenditures subject to a phase-out once capital expenditures exceed $500,000 (indexed for inflation).



5-Year Carryback of Net Operating Losses

For tax years 2008 and 2009, extends the maximum carryback period for net operating losses from two years to five years. Eligible small business may elect to increase the carryback period for an applicable 2008 NOL from two years to any whole number of years elected by the taxpayer that is more than two and less than six. An eligible small business is defined as a taxpayer meeting a $15,000,000 gross receipts test. (see Sec. 448(c)) An applicable NOL is the taxpayer's NOL for any taxable year ending in 2008, or if elected by the taxpayer, the NOL for any taxable year beginning in 2008. However, any election under this provision may be made only with respect to one taxable year.



Remedy for AMT and R&D Credits in Lieu of Bonus Depreciation

Where a taxpayer is in a loss position, deductions in excess of income are unable to enjoy the benefit of bonus depreciation. This provision extends the allowance in the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 that permits AMT and loss taxpayers to receive 20% of the value of their old AMT or R&D credits to the extent such taxpayers invest in assets that qualify for bonus depreciation. The amount is capped at the lesser of 6% of outstanding and unused AMT and R&D credits or $30 million. The extension of the additional first-year depreciation deduction is generally effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2008. The extension of the election to accelerate AMT and research credits in lieu of bonus depreciation is effective for taxable years ending after December 31, 2008.