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    Tax Credits & Incentives

    Carbon Capture Credits (45Q)

    Tax Credits for Carbon Sequestration Projects

    The Section 45Q credit provides substantial tax benefits for carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) projects. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 dramatically increased credit amounts and made credits transferable, creating new opportunities for investors and industrial facilities to monetize carbon capture investments. Credits can exceed $85 per metric ton for direct air capture with permanent geological storage.

    See Your Potential Savings

    Based on a typical client profile for this strategy

    $3,700,000
    Annual Tax Savings
    $500,000
    Implementation Cost
    $3,200,000
    Net Year-1 Benefit
    $38,400,000
    5-Year Cash Benefit

    Real Results: Client Success Story

    Tax Before
    $3,700,000
    Tax After
    $0
    Total Savings
    $3,700,000
    100% Reduction

    "An industrial facility captures and permanently stores 100,000 metric tons of CO2 annually. At $85/ton credit rate (2024+ with wage/apprentice bonus), annual credit is $8.5 million for 12-year period."

    *Illustrative scenario for educational purposes. Tax savings depend on individual circumstances, income level, entity structure, and proper implementation. Consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.

    Do You Qualify? Quick Self-Assessment

    This strategy may be right for you if:

    Minimum capture thresholds (varies by facility type)
    Qualified carbon capture equipment
    Secure geological storage or qualified utilization
    Prevailing wage and apprenticeship for full credit
    Third-party verification of captured amounts
    EPA Class VI well permits for geological storage

    Check 3 or more? You may be a good candidate for this strategy. Schedule a free consultation to calculate your potential savings.

    Investment Levels

    Strategy Session
    $450-$750
    per session (1-1.5 hrs)
    • Current situation analysis
    • Tax reduction opportunities
    • Action item roadmap
    • Follow-up summary
    Get Started
    Most Popular
    Comprehensive Plan
    $2,500-$6,000
    per plan
    • Full financial analysis
    • Multi-year projections
    • Entity optimization
    • Implementation support
    Get Started
    Ongoing Advisory
    $600-$1,500
    per month
    • Quarterly planning calls
    • Transaction review
    • Legislative updates
    • Priority access
    Get Started
    Implementation
    $1,500-$5,000
    per project
    • Structure analysis
    • Document preparation
    • IRS filings
    • Transition planning
    Get Started

    Related Strategies

    Deep Dive

    Explore the Details

    For those who want to understand the full picture

    Real-World Example: Before & After

    Industrial emitter or carbon capture developer
    Corporation or Partnership

    An industrial facility captures and permanently stores 100,000 metric tons of CO2 annually. At $85/ton credit rate (2024+ with wage/apprentice bonus), annual credit is $8.5 million for 12-year period.

    BEFORE Strategy

    Taxable Income:$10,000,000
    Tax Liability:$3,700,000

    AFTER Strategy

    Taxable Income:$10,000,000
    Tax Liability:$0

    100,000 tons × $85/ton = $8.5M annual credit. Direct air capture with storage earns highest rate. Credits can be transferred to tax equity investors or sold under IRA provisions. 12-year credit period from placed-in-service.

    IRS Authority & Professional References

    IRC § 45Q
    Credit for Carbon Oxide Sequestration
    Main code section providing carbon capture tax credits
    Treas. Reg. § 1.45Q-1
    45Q Regulations
    Final regulations defining qualified facilities and credits
    IRC § 45Q(b)(1)
    Credit Amounts
    Credit rates for different sequestration methods
    IRC § 45Q(f)
    Credit Transferability
    Direct pay and transfer provisions under IRA
    Notice 2020-12
    Beginning of Construction
    Safe harbor for construction start date
    IRC § 45Q(d)
    Capture Thresholds
    Minimum capture requirements for credit eligibility

    Key Benefits

    • $85/ton for direct air capture with geological storage
    • $60/ton for industrial capture with geological storage
    • 12-year credit period from placed-in-service
    • Transferable to buyers or direct pay option
    • Stacks with depreciation and other benefits
    • Addresses climate goals while generating returns

    Requirements & Risks

    Requirements:

    • Minimum capture thresholds (varies by facility type)
    • Qualified carbon capture equipment
    • Secure geological storage or qualified utilization
    • Prevailing wage and apprenticeship for full credit
    • Third-party verification of captured amounts
    • EPA Class VI well permits for geological storage

    Risks to Consider:

    • !High capital costs for capture equipment
    • !Technology and operational risks
    • !Storage site permitting challenges
    • !12-year commitment required
    • !Credit recapture if CO2 released
    • !Complex regulatory environment

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    Last updated: September 7, 2026