Federal Tax Credits for Commercial Geothermal

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT (IRA)

Commercial geothermal systems may qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code. ClimaCool water-source modular chillers can serve as the heat pump plant in a ground-coupled system.

The law changed in 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act amended the Inflation Reduction Act. Some clean energy incentives ended. The commercial credit for geothermal heat pump property remains in place.

What the credit covers:

  • Commercial geothermal heat pump energy property in U.S. buildings
  • Projects that begin construction before January 1, 2035
  • A credit rate that depends on project size, prevailing wage, apprenticeship terms, and site conditions
  • Bonus credits for domestic content and for projects in energy communities
  • Direct payment for tax-exempt owners, including schools and municipalities
  • Transfer, sale, or carryback of the credit for taxable owners

Before you rely on a number

Rates, deadlines, depreciation treatment, and ownership rules have all changed since 2022. We will not publish a figure that may be wrong by the time you break ground. Confirm the current rules with your tax advisor.

For current federal guidance:

  • U.S. Department of Energy: Tax credits, incentives, and technical assistance
    for geothermal heat pumps
  • IRS: Instructions for Form 3468, Investment Credit

This page is general information, not tax advice. Reviewed September 2026.

Additional State and Local Geothermal Energy Tax Incentives Available

Check with your your state and local governments! There may be additional incentives for installing a ClimateMaster geothermal heating and cooling system. Visit the DSIRE Website (link below) shown below to find out if there are state and local commercial and residential energy tax credits available in your area.

NOTE: Once you reach the DSIRE Website, simply select “Geothermal Heat Pumps” from the “Technology” drop down menu and then click on your state to view all the programs or energy credits available for geothermal heat pumps in your state.