Utilizing the Quick Refund to Optimize Transferable Tax Credit Yields

Utilizing the Quick Refund to Optimize Transferable Tax Credit Yields

By: Bryen Alperin, Partner and Managing Director of Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technologies, Foss & Company | Published May 8, 2024

Corporations seeking to purchase 2023 transferable tax credits in 2024 may be concerned that their realization of the benefits will be delayed until they file their extended tax returns and receive a refund from the IRS. If they are forced to pay up front for those tax credits, then wait months to realize the benefits, it could dilute their financial return. In these cases, investors may be able to utilize the “quick refund” mechanism provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through Form 4466 to accelerate the receipt of benefits, thus improving their financial returns. This form allows corporations to apply for a quick refund of overpayment of estimated tax. The process is designed to expedite the refund of overpayments to corporations, ensuring they can realize the benefits of their tax credits or overpayments in a timely manner.

Eligibility and Conditions

To be eligible for a quick refund using Form 4466, a corporation must meet the following conditions:

– The overpayment must be at least 10% of the expected tax liability for the year.

– The overpayment must be at least $500.

– The corporation applies for the quick refund after the end of its tax year but before it files its income tax return for that year.

Process and Timeline

The process for filing Form 4466 involves the corporation estimating its tax liability for the year and determining the amount of overpayment. The form must be filed after the end of the corporation’s tax year and before the corporation files its income tax return. The IRS is required to act on the application within 45 days from the date it is filed.

Benefits for Corporations Buying Tax Credits

For corporations that are buying tax credits for the year 2023, filing Form 4466 can provide a quick way to realize the financial benefits of those credits. By applying for a quick refund of overpayments, corporations can effectively reduce their estimated tax payments for the year based on the tax credits they have acquired. This can improve cash flow and provide immediate financial benefits.

Considerations

Corporations should consider the following when utilizing Form 4466:

– It’s important for corporations to accurately estimate their tax liability and the amount of overpayment to avoid underpayment penalties.

– Corporations should also be aware of the timing of their tax credit acquisitions and the filing of Form 4466 to ensure they can maximize the benefits of the quick refund process.

– The IRS provides specific instructions for filling out and filing Form 4466, which corporations should carefully follow to ensure their application is processed smoothly.

– Corporations should work with an adviser like Foss & Company when structuring and conducting due diligence on the tax credit purchase to help mitigate risk and improve returns.

In conclusion, Form 4466 offers a valuable tool for corporations looking to quickly benefit from tax credits or overpayments. By understanding the eligibility requirements, process, and timing, corporations can effectively use this mechanism to improve their financial return and accelerate the realization of the benefits from transferred tax credits.

Reach out to Foss & Company today to learn more about how to utilize this quick refund method.