Register with IRS to monetize clean energy credits

Through new elective payment and transfer options, applicable businesses, tax-exempt organizations, or entities such as state, local and tribal governments can take advantage of certain tax credits—even if they don’t have taxable income. They can apply these options to certain clean energy and manufacturing credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the CHIPS Act.

Register online before filing

Before filing a tax return, the applicable business or entity must complete the pre-file registration process to receive a registration number. They can register online with the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Their registration number must be included on their annual return to make an effective election.

Interested businesses and entities should submit the pre-filing registration request for the tax year in which they will earn the credit. The IRS recommends that eligible entities register as soon as possible after the facility/property is placed in service, and at least 120 days before filing a tax return. This allows time for the IRS to review and request any additional information before issuing the registration number before the due date of the return.

If the elective payment amount, together with other tax payments and refundable credits, exceeds income tax liability, the IRS will treat the elective payment amount as an overpayment of tax, which can be refunded or credited to estimated tax for the next tax year.

More information

• Publication 5884, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and CHIPS Act of 2022 (CHIPS) Pre-Filing Registration Tool User Guide
• Elective Pay and Transferability Frequently Asked Questions: Elective Pay
• IRS: Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act of 2022 Pre-filing Registration Tool How-To Video
• Publication 5902, Clean Energy Authorization Permission Management User Guide
• Credits and Deductions Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
• Form 3800, General Business Credit