IRS Publication 6045 Spanish – In today’s push toward sustainable energy, tax-exempt organizations play a crucial role in adopting clean energy solutions. The IRS Publication 6045 in Spanish, titled “Entidades Exentas de Impuestos y el Crédito Tributario por Inversión” (§ 48 and § 48E), provides essential guidance for these entities on leveraging investment tax credits to offset costs associated with qualified energy properties and facilities. Released in February 2025, this publication helps Spanish-speaking users navigate tax benefits for renewable energy projects. Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, religious organization, or government entity, understanding this document can unlock significant savings and support environmental goals.
What Is IRS Publication 6045 (Spanish Version)?
IRS Publication 6045sp is the Spanish-language edition of the guide focused on how tax-exempt and governmental entities can utilize the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) under Internal Revenue Code sections § 48 and § 48E. It explains opportunities for installing energy generation and storage properties to meet energy demands, achieve clean energy transitions, or reduce operational costs. The publication emphasizes a new mechanism called “elective pay” (or “direct pay”), allowing these entities to claim credits directly, even without tax liability.
This resource is particularly valuable for entities like state and local governments, tribes, religious organizations, and nonprofits. For instance, it includes real-world examples, such as a tax-exempt nonprofit installing a 356 kW solar panel system on a university campus, which qualified for a base credit plus bonuses for low-income and energy communities, covering up to 60% of costs and providing utility bill credits to students.
You can download the PDF directly from the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p6045sp.pdf. An English version, Publication 6045, is also available for cross-reference.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Tax-Exempt Entities
Tax-exempt entities, including nonprofits and governmental bodies, are eligible to claim the § 48 ITC and § 48E Clean Electricity ITC through elective pay. This direct pay option, introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enables these organizations to receive cash refunds equivalent to the credit amount, making clean energy investments more accessible.
To qualify:
- The entity must be tax-exempt or governmental.
- Projects involve qualified energy properties, such as solar, wind, geothermal, or battery storage.
- For low-income communities or energy communities, additional bonuses apply, boosting the credit by 10-20%.
Important note: Entities cannot claim both the ITC (§ 48 or § 48E) and the Production Tax Credit (PTC § 45 or § 45Y) for the same property. Choosing between them depends on financial factors and generation capacity.
Details on the Investment Tax Credit (§ 48 and § 48E)
The ITC covers a percentage of the taxpayer’s basis in eligible energy properties or facilities. Here’s a breakdown:
Eligible Projects Under § 48E (Clean Electricity ITC)
- Applies to facilities and storage technologies placed in service starting January 1, 2025.
- Technology-neutral: Includes zero-net greenhouse gas emission technologies like wind, offshore wind, solar, nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, and battery storage.
Eligible Projects Under § 48
- For projects beginning construction before January 1, 2025.
- Specific technologies: Solar energy, small-scale wind, offshore wind, geothermal, geothermal heat pumps (before January 1, 2035), biogas, fuel cells, microturbines, combined heat and power (CHP), waste energy recovery, and microgrid controllers.
Credit Amounts and Bonuses
| Project Type | Base Credit | With Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship (PWA) | Additional Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| <1 MW output or construction before Jan. 29, 2023 | 30% of basis | N/A | Energy communities: +2-10% Domestic content: +2-10% Low-income: +10-20% |
| ≥1 MW output and construction on/after Jan. 29, 2023 | 6% of basis | Up to 30% | Same as above |
- PWA Requirements: Pay prevailing wages and employ registered apprentices to qualify for the full 30% credit.
- Domestic Content: Credits may be reduced if not met, with exceptions for 2024 (per Notice 2024-09) and 2025-2026 (Notice 2024-84).
- Bonus for Energy Communities: Applies to brownfield sites, areas with fossil fuel employment thresholds, or regions with recent coal mine/plant closures. Use tools like energycommunities.gov for mapping, but note it’s not authoritative for tax filings.
- Low-Income Bonuses: Require separate applications and allocations.
For projects up to 5 MW, interconnection costs can be included in the basis. If receiving grants or forgivable loans, special rules apply without reducing the basis, as detailed in elective pay FAQs.
How Tax-Exempt Entities Can Claim the Credit?
To access the ITC:
- Ensure project eligibility and compliance with PWA, domestic content, and other requirements.
- Complete pre-filing registration for elective pay.
- File Form 3468, Investment Credit (available in English).
- Submit with your tax return to receive direct payment.
For more on timelines and processes, refer to IRS resources on elective pay.
Why This Matters for Spanish-Speaking Communities?
The Spanish version of Publication 6045 ensures accessibility for diverse audiences, empowering more tax-exempt entities to participate in the clean energy economy. By reducing barriers to renewable investments, it supports broader goals like energy independence and cost savings.
For the latest updates, always check the IRS website, as tax laws evolve. If you’re planning a project, consult a tax professional to maximize benefits under § 48 and § 48E.