Tax strategies for commercial property

New tax credit programs and tax calculation techniques offer opportunities for commercial real estate owners and managers to reduce operating costs, increase cash flow, and maximize returns in a challenging market. Matt Lister, of Engineered Tax Services, will present an overview of these options at the July 14 meeting of the Real Estate Investment Society.

The recent extension of the Energy Policy Act establishes policies to encourage energy efficiency, which are supported by tax deductions and tax credits. Most are available to existing buildings as well as new development and Lister will discuss the criteria to qualify. He'll also review new IRS sanctioned tax credits, which are available for research and development. In addition, Mr. Lister is an authority on Cost Segregation Studies and will explain how these methods can improve return on investment for a wide range of commercial properties.

Following the presentation, the speaker will respond to questions of specific interest to the real estate investment and development industry.

The meeting is sponsored by Compass Construction and will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve's Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard, one mile east of I-75 in Fort Myers. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for guests, which includes lunch. Reservations are required by July 8 and may be made at the REIS Web site: www.reis-swfl.org.