Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Initial Guidance Under Section 45(b)(6)(B)(ii) and Other Substantially Similar Provisions, 73580-73585 [2022-26108]

Download as PDF 73580 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Notices III. Public Participation The meeting listed in this notice will be open to the public virtually. Please see the website not later than five working days before the meeting for details on viewing the meeting on YouTube. If you are in need of assistance or require reasonable accommodation for this meeting, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section at least ten calendar days before the meeting. Sign and oral interpretation can be made available if requested ten calendar days before the meeting. Interested members of the public may submit relevant written statements for the COMSTAC members to consider under the advisory process. Statements may concern the issues and agenda items mentioned above and/or additional issues that may be relevant to the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. Interested parties wishing to submit written statements should contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section in writing (mail or email) 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING so that the information can be made available to COMSTAC members for their review and consideration before the meeting. Written statements should be supplied in the following formats: One hard copy with the original signature and/or one electronic copy via email. Portable Document Format (PDF) attachments are preferred for email submissions. A detailed agenda will be posted on the FAA website at https://www.faa.gov/space/ additional_information/comstac/. Issued in Washington, DC. James A. Hatt, Designated Federal Officer, Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation. [FR Doc. 2022–26078 Filed 11–29–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 [2022–61] Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Initial Guidance Under Section 45(b)(6)(B)(ii) and Other Substantially Similar Provisions Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of initial guidance. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 29, 2022 This notice provides guidance on the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements that generally apply to certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This notice also serves as the published guidance establishing the 60day period described in those provisions of the Code with respect to the applicability of the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Finally, this notice provides guidance for determining the beginning of construction of a facility for certain credits allowed under the Code, and the beginning of installation of certain property with respect to the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction under the Code. This notice affects facilities the construction of which began, or certain property the installation of which began, on or after January 30, 2023. The Department of the Treasury (Treasury Department) and the IRS anticipate issuing proposed regulations and other guidance with respect to the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. DATES: January 30, 2023 is the date that is 60 days after the Secretary of the Treasury or her delegate (Secretary) publishes the guidance described in 26 U.S.C. 30C(g)(1)(C)(i), 45(b)(6)(B)(ii), 45Q(h)(2), 45V(e)(2)(A)(i), 45Y(a)(2)(B)(ii), 48(a)(9)(B)(ii), 48E(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) and (a)(2)(B)(ii)(II), and 179D(b)(3)(B)(i). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander Scott, CC:PSI:6, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, at (202) 317–6853 (not a toll-free call). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Jkt 259001 Section 1. Purpose Public Law 117–169, 136 Stat. 1818 (August 16, 2022), commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), amended §§ 30C, 45, 45L, 45Q, 45U, 45V, 45Y, 45Z, 48, 48C, 48E, and 179D of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to add prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements to qualify for increased credit or deduction amounts.1 This notice provides guidance on the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements that generally apply to those sections of the Code. This notice also serves as the published guidance under §§ 30C(g)(1)(C)(i), 45(b)(6)(B)(ii), 45Q(h)(2), 45V(e)(2)(A)(i), 45Y(a)(2)(B)(ii), 48(a)(9)(B)(ii), 1 See §§ 13101(f), 13102(k), 13104(d), 13105(a), 13204(a)(1), 13303(a)(1), 13304(d), 13404(d), 13501(a), 13701(a), 13702(a), and 13704(a) of the IRA. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48E(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) and (a)(2)(B)(ii)(II), and 179D(b)(3)(B)(i) establishing the 60day period described in such sections with respect to the applicability of the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Finally, this notice provides guidance for determining the beginning of construction under §§ 30C, 45, 45Q, 45V, 45Y, 48, and 48E, and the beginning of installation under § 179D solely for purposes of § 179D(b)(3)(B)(i). The Department of the Treasury (Treasury Department) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) anticipate issuing proposed regulations and other guidance with respect to the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Section 2. Background .01 Increased Tax Benefits For Satisfying Certain Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship or Construction and Installation Requirements. (1) In General. Increased credit amounts are available under §§ 30C, 45, 45Q, 45V, 45Y, 45Z, 48, 48C, and 48E, and an increased deduction is available under § 179D, for taxpayers satisfying certain prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Increased credit amounts are available under §§ 45L and 45U for taxpayers satisfying certain prevailing wage requirements. The general concepts and provisions relating to the increased tax benefits under § 45(b)(6), (7), and (8) are similar to those under each of these other Code sections. Therefore, only the relevant provisions under § 45(b)(6), (7), and (8) are discussed in section 2.01(2) and (3) of this notice. (2) Prevailing Wage Requirements. Section 45(b)(7)(A) provides that to meet the prevailing wage requirements with respect to any qualified facility, a taxpayer must ensure that any laborers and mechanics employed by the taxpayer or any contractor or subcontractor in: (i) the construction of such facility, and (ii) the alteration or repair of such facility (with respect to any taxable year, for any portion of such taxable year that is within the 10-year period beginning on the date the qualified facility is originally placed in service), are paid wages at rates not less than the prevailing rates for construction, alteration, or repair of a similar character in the locality in which such facility is located as most recently determined by the Secretary of Labor, in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements). Section 45(b)(7)(B) provides correction and penalty mechanisms for a taxpayer’s failure to satisfy the requirements under § 45(b)(7)(A). E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Notices (3) Apprenticeship Requirements. Section 45(b)(8)(A)(i) provides that to meet the apprenticeship requirements taxpayers must ensure that, with respect to the construction of any qualified facility, not less than the applicable percentage of the total labor hours of the construction, alteration, or repair work (including such work performed by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such facility is, subject to § 45(b)(8)(B), performed by qualified apprentices (Apprenticeship Labor Hour Requirements). Under § 45(b)(8)(A)(ii), for purposes of § 45(b)(8)(A)(i), the applicable percentage is: (i) in the case of a qualified facility the construction of which begins before January 1, 2023, 10 percent, (ii) in the case of a qualified facility the construction of which begins after December 31, 2022, and before January 1, 2024, 12.5 percent, and (iii) in the case of a qualified facility the construction of which begins after December 31, 2023, 15 percent. Section 45(b)(8)(B) provides that the requirement under § 45(b)(8)(A)(i) is subject to any applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Department of Labor or the applicable State Apprenticeship Agency (Apprenticeship Ratio Requirements). Section 45(b)(8)(C) provides that each taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the construction of a qualified facility must employ 1 or more qualified apprentices to perform such work (Apprenticeship Participation Requirements). Under § 45(b)(8)(D)(i), a taxpayer is not treated as failing to satisfy the requirements of § 45(b)(8) if: (i) the taxpayer satisfies the requirements described in § 45(b)(8)(D)(ii) (Good Faith Effort Exception), or (ii) subject to § 45(b)(8)(D)(iii) (Intentional Disregard Provision), in the case of any failure by the taxpayer to satisfy the requirement under § 45(b)(8)(A) and (C) with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on any qualified facility to which § 45(b)(8)(D)(i)(I) does not apply, the taxpayer makes payment to the Secretary of the Treasury or her delegate (Secretary) of a penalty in an amount equal to the product of $50 multiplied by the total labor hours for which the requirement described in § 45(b)(8)(A) and (C) was not satisfied with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on such qualified facility. Under the Good Faith Effort Exception described in § 45(b)(8)(D)(ii), a taxpayer is deemed to have satisfied the apprenticeship requirements with respect to a qualified facility if the taxpayer has requested qualified VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program, as defined in § 3131(e)(3)(B), and: (i) such request has been denied, provided that such denial is not the result of a refusal by the taxpayer or any contractors or subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to such qualified facility to comply with the established standards and requirements of the registered apprenticeship program, or (ii) the registered apprenticeship program fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request. Under the Intentional Disregard Provision, if the Secretary determines that any failure described in § 45(b)(8)(D)(i)(II) is due to intentional disregard of the requirements under § 45(b)(8)(A) and (C), § 45(b)(8)(D)(i)(II) is applied by substituting ‘‘$500’’ for ‘‘$50.’’ Under § 45(b)(8)(E)(i), the term ‘‘labor hours’’ means the total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the taxpayer or by any contractor or subcontractor. This term excludes any hours worked by foremen, superintendents, owners, or persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations). Under § 45(b)(8)(E)(ii), the term ‘‘qualified apprentice’’ means an individual who is employed by the taxpayer or by any contractor or subcontractor and who is participating in a registered apprenticeship program, as defined in § 3131(e)(3)(B). Section 3131(e)(3)(B) defines a registered apprenticeship program as an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act, 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663, 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) that meets the standards of subpart A of part 29 and part 30 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.2 .02 Beginning of Construction. (1) In General. A qualified facility, property, project, or equipment, are hereafter referred to as a ‘‘facility’’ in this notice. A facility generally must meet the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements to receive the increased credit or deduction 2 Effective November 25, 2022, 29 CFR part 29 is no longer divided into subparts A and B because subpart B (Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs) was rescinded in a final rule published on September 26, 2022. See 87 FR 58269. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73581 amounts under §§ 30C, 45, 45Q, 45V, 45Y, 48, 48E, and 179D if construction (or installation for purposes of § 179D) of the facility begins on or after the date 60 days after the Secretary publishes guidance with respect to the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements of the Code.3 The IRS has issued notices under §§ 45,4 45Q,5 and 48 6 (collectively, IRS Notices) that provide guidance for determining when construction begins for purposes of §§ 45, 45Q, and 48, respectively, including a safe harbor regarding the continuity requirement (described in section 2.02(3) of this notice). (2) Establishing Beginning of Construction. The IRS Notices describe two methods that a taxpayer may use to establish that construction of a facility begins: (i) by starting physical work of a significant nature (Physical Work Test), and (ii) by paying or incurring five percent or more of the total cost of the facility (Five Percent Safe Harbor). (i) Physical Work Test. Under the Physical Work Test, construction of a facility begins when physical work of a significant nature begins, provided that the taxpayer maintains a continuous program of construction. This test focuses on the nature of the work performed, not the amount or the costs. Assuming the work performed is of a significant nature, there is no fixed minimum amount of work or monetary or percentage threshold required to satisfy the Physical Work Test. Physical work of significant nature does not include preliminary activities, even if the cost of those preliminary activities is properly included in the depreciable basis of the facility.7 For purposes of the Physical Work Test, preliminary activities include, but are not limited to, planning or designing, securing financing, exploring, researching, 3 Certain facilities are exempt from the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. See, for example, § 45(b)(6)(B)(i). 4 Notice 2013–29, 2013–20 I.R.B. 1085; clarified by Notice 2013–60, 2013–44 I.R.B. 431; clarified and modified by Notice 2014–46, 2014–36 I.R.B. 520; updated by Notice 2015–25, 2015–13 I.R.B. 814; clarified and modified by Notice 2016–31, 2016–23 I.R.B. 1025; updated, clarified, and modified by Notice 2017–04, 2017–4 I.R.B. 541; Notice 2018–59, 2018–28 I.R.B. 196; modified by Notice 2019–43, 2019–31 I.R.B. 487; modified by Notice 2020–41, 2020–25 I.R.B. 954; clarified and modified by Notice 2021–5, 2021–3 I.R.B. 479; clarified and modified by Notice 2021–41, 2021–29 I.R.B. 17. 5 Notice 2020–12, 2020–11 I.R.B. 495. 6 Notice 2018–59, 2018–28 I.R.B. 196; modified by Notice 2019–43; modified by Notice 2020–41; clarified and modified by Notice 2021–5; clarified and modified by Notice 2021–41. 7 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, section 4.02(1); Notice 2016–31, section 5.03; for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 5.03; and for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 4.03. E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 73582 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 obtaining permits, licensing, conducting surveys, environmental and engineering studies, or clearing a site.8 Work performed by the taxpayer and work performed for the taxpayer by other persons under a binding written contract 9 that is entered into prior to the manufacture, construction, or production of the property for use by the taxpayer in the taxpayer’s trade or business (or for the taxpayer’s production of income) is taken into account in determining whether construction has begun.10 Both on-site and off-site work (performed either by the taxpayer or by another person under a binding written contract) may be taken into account for purposes of demonstrating that physical work of a significant nature has begun. Physical work of a significant nature does not include work (performed either by the taxpayer or by another person under a binding written contract) to produce property that is either in existing inventory or is normally held in inventory by a vendor.11 (ii) Five Percent Safe Harbor. Under the Five Percent Safe Harbor, construction of a facility will be considered as having begun if: (i) a taxpayer pays or incurs (within the meaning of § 1.461–1(a)(1) and (2)) five percent or more of the total cost of the facility, and (ii) thereafter, the taxpayer makes continuous efforts to advance towards completion of the facility. All costs properly included in the depreciable basis of the facility are taken into account to determine whether the Five Percent Safe Harbor has been met.12 For property that is manufactured, constructed, or produced for the taxpayer by another person under a binding written contract with the taxpayer, costs incurred with respect to the property by the other person before the property is provided to the taxpayer are deemed incurred by the taxpayer when the costs are incurred by the other person under the principles of § 461.13 8 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, section 4.02(1); Notice 2016–31, section 5.03; for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 5.03; and for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 4.03. 9 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, section 4.03(1); for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 8.02(1); for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 7.03(1). 10 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, sections 4.01 and 4.03; for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 8.02; and for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 7.03. 11 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, section 4.02(2); for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 5.04; and for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 4.04. 12 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, section 5.01(1); for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 5.02; and for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 6.02. 13 For § 45, see Notice 2013–29, section 5.01(2); for § 48, see Notice 2018–59, section 7.03; for § 45Q, see Notice 2020–12, section 8.02. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 (3) Continuity Requirement and Continuity Safe Harbor. The IRS Notices, as clarified and modified by Notice 2021–41, provide that for purposes of the Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor, taxpayers must demonstrate either continuous construction or continuous efforts (Continuity Requirement) regardless of whether the Physical Work Test or the Five Percent Safe Harbor was used to establish the beginning of construction. Whether a taxpayer meets the Continuity Requirement under either test is determined by the relevant facts and circumstances. The IRS will closely scrutinize a facility and may determine that the beginning of construction is not satisfied with respect to a facility if a taxpayer does not meet the Continuity Requirement. The IRS Notices, as subsequently modified and clarified, also provide for a ‘‘Continuity Safe Harbor’’ under which a taxpayer will be deemed to satisfy the Continuity Requirement provided a qualified facility is placed in service no more than four calendar years after the calendar year during which construction of the qualified facility began for purposes of §§ 45 14 and 48,15 and no more than six calendar years after the calendar year during which construction of the qualified facility or carbon capture equipment began for purposes of § 45Q.16 Certain offshore projects and projects built on federal land under §§ 45 and 48 satisfy the Continuity Requirement if such a project is placed into service no more than 10 calendar years after the calendar year during which construction of the project began.17 .03 Recordkeeping. Section 6001 provides that every person liable for any tax imposed by the Code, or for the collection thereof, must keep such records as the Secretary may from time to time prescribe. Section 1.6001–1(a) provides that any person subject to income tax must keep such permanent books of account or records, including inventories, as are sufficient to establish the amount of gross income, deductions, credits, or other matters required to be shown by such person in any return of such tax. Section 1.6001– 1(e) provides that the books and records required by § 1.6001–1 must be retained so long as the contents thereof may 14 Notice 2016–31, section 3. 2018–59, section 6.05. 16 Notice 2020–12, section 7.05. 17 Notice 2021–5. Projects under §§ 45 and 48 may also be eligible for the extended Continuity Safe Harbors provided for in Notices 2020–41 and 2021–41 due to the COVID–19 pandemic depending on when construction began with respect to those projects. 15 Notice PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Section 45(b)(12) authorizes the Secretary to issue such regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the purposes of § 45(b), including regulations or other guidance that provide requirements for recordkeeping or information reporting for purposes of administering the requirements of § 45(b).18 Section 3. Guidance With Respect to Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements .01 How to Satisfy Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements. The Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements under § 45(b)(7)(A) and the substantially similar provisions set forth in §§ 30C, 45L, 45Q, 45U, 45V, 45Y, 45Z, 48, 48C, 48E, and 179D will be satisfied if: (1) The taxpayer satisfies the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements with respect to any laborer or mechanic employed in the construction, alteration, or repair of a facility, property, project, or equipment by the taxpayer or any contractor or subcontractor of the taxpayer; and (2) The taxpayer maintains and preserves sufficient records, including books of account or records for work performed by contractors or subcontractors of the taxpayer, to establish that such laborers and mechanics were paid wages not less than such prevailing rates, in accordance with the general recordkeeping requirements under § 6001 and § 1.6001–1, et seq. .02 Prevailing Wage Determinations. If the Secretary of Labor has published on www.sam.gov a prevailing wage determination for the geographic area and type or types of construction applicable to the facility, including all labor classifications for the construction, alteration, or repair work that will be done on the facility by laborers or mechanics, that wage determination contains the prevailing rates for the laborers or mechanics who perform work on the facility as most recently determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code, as identified in § 45(b)(7)(A). The following procedures described in section 3.02 of this notice are designed to be used to request an unlisted classification only in the limited circumstance when no labor classification on the applicable 18 See also §§ 30C(g)(4), 45L(g)(3), 45Q(h)(5), 45U(d)(3), 45V(e)(5), 45Y(f), 45Z(e), 48(a)(16), 48E(i), and 179D(b)(6). E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Notices prevailing wage determination applies to the planned work. If the Secretary of Labor has not published a prevailing wage determination for the geographic area and type of construction for the facility on www.sam.gov, or the Secretary of Labor has issued a prevailing wage determination for the geographic area and type of construction, but one or more labor classifications for the construction, alteration, or repair work that will be done on the facility by laborers or mechanics is not listed, then the taxpayer can rely on the procedures established by the Secretary of Labor for purposes of the requirement to pay prevailing rates determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code.19 To rely on the procedures to request a wage determination or wage rate, and to rely on the wage determination or rate provided in response to the request, the taxpayer must contact the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division via email at IRAprevailingwage@dol.gov and provide the Wage and Hour Division with the type of facility, facility location, proposed labor classifications, proposed prevailing wage rates, job descriptions and duties, and any rationale for the proposed classifications. The taxpayer may use these procedures to request a wage determination, or wage rates for the unlisted classifications, applicable to the construction, alteration, or repair of the facility. After review, the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division will notify the taxpayer as to the labor classifications and wage rates to be used for the type of work in question in the area in which the facility is located. Questions regarding the applicability of a wage determination or its listed classifications and wage rates should be directed to the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division via email at IRAprevailingwage@dol.gov. For purposes of the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements, the prevailing rate for qualified apprentices hired through a registered apprenticeship program may be less than the corresponding prevailing rate for journeyworkers of the same classification, as described in 29 CFR 5.5(a)(4)(i). For purposes of the Prevailing Wage Requirements for the § 179D deduction, the prevailing wage rate for installation of energy efficient commercial building 19 The taxpayer is not required to follow any other procedure to request a wage determination or a wage rate under § 45(b)(7)(A), including submission of the Form SF–1444. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 property, energy efficient building retrofit property, or property installed pursuant to a qualified retrofit plan, is determined with respect to the prevailing wage rate for construction, alteration, or repair of a similar character in the locality in which such property is located, as most recently determined by the Secretary of Labor, in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code. .03 Definitions. For purposes of the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirement and the associated recordkeeping requirements the following definitions apply. (1) A taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor is considered to ‘‘employ’’ an individual if the individual performs services for the taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor in exchange for remuneration, regardless of whether the individual would be characterized as an employee or an independent contractor for other Federal tax purposes. (2) The terms ‘‘wage’’ and ‘‘wages’’ means ‘‘wages’’ as defined under 29 CFR 5.2(p), including any bona fide fringe benefits as defined therein. (3) The term ‘‘laborer or mechanic’’ means ‘‘laborer or mechanic’’ as defined under 29 CFR 5.2(m). (4) The term ‘‘construction, alteration, or repair’’ means ‘‘construction, prosecution, completion, or repair’’ as defined under 29 CFR 5.2(j). (5) The term ‘‘prevailing wage’’ means the wage listed for a particular classification of laborer or mechanic on the applicable wage determination for the type of construction and the geographic area or other applicable wage as determined by the Secretary of Labor. (6) The term ‘‘prevailing wage determination’’ means a wage determination issued by the Department of Labor and published on www.sam.gov.20 .04 Examples. (1) Example 1. A taxpayer employs laborers and mechanics to construct a facility. The taxpayer also uses a contractor and subcontractor to construct the facility. The Department of Labor has issued a prevailing wage determination that applies to the type of construction that the laborers and mechanics perform for the county in which the facility is located. The taxpayer ensures that the taxpayer, contractor, and subcontractor pay each laborer and mechanic a wage rate equal to the applicable rates for their 20 Prevailing wage determinations and the applicable procedures are described in section 3.02 of this notice, above. PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73583 respective labor classifications listed in this prevailing wage determination. The taxpayer maintains records that are sufficient to establish that the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s contractor and subcontractor paid wages not less than such prevailing wage rates. Such records include but are not limited to, identifying the applicable wage determination, the laborers and mechanics who performed construction work on the facility, the classifications of work they performed, their hours worked in each classification, and the wage rates paid for the work. Under these facts, the taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements with respect to the facility. (2) Example 2. The facts are the same as in Example 1, except that the Department of Labor has not issued an applicable prevailing wage determination for the relevant type of construction and geographic area in which the facility is being constructed. The taxpayer contacts the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division under the procedures described in section 3.02 of this notice. After review, the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division notifies the taxpayer as to the labor classifications and wage rates to be used for the type of construction work in question in the area in which the facility is located. The taxpayer ensures that the taxpayer, contractor, and subcontractor pay each laborer and mechanic a wage rate equal to the applicable rates for the respective classifications listed in this wage determination. The taxpayer maintains records, which include the additional prevailing wage rates provided by the Department of Labor to establish that the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s contractor and subcontractor paid wages not less than such prevailing wage rates. Under these facts, the taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements with respect to the facility. (3) Example 3. The facts are the same as in Example 1, except that the Department of Labor has issued a prevailing wage determination that applies to the type of construction that the laborers and mechanics are hired to perform for the county in which the facility is located, but that wage determination does not include a classification of laborer or mechanic that will be used to complete the construction work on the facility (for example, electrician, carpenter, laborer, etc.). The taxpayer contacts the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division under the procedures E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 73584 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 described in section 3.02 of this notice. After review, including confirming that no labor classification on the applicable prevailing wage determination that applies to the work exists, the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division notifies the taxpayer as to the wage rate to be paid regarding the additional classification. The taxpayer ensures that the taxpayer, contractor, and subcontractor pay each laborer and mechanic a wage rate equal to the applicable rates for their respective labor classifications listed in the prevailing wage determination, including the additional wage rates provided by the Department of Labor. The taxpayer maintains records, which include the additional wage rates provided by the Department of Labor to establish that the taxpayer and taxpayer’s contractor and subcontractor paid wages not less than prevailing wage rates. Under these facts, the taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements with respect to the facility. Section 4. Guidance With Respect to Apprenticeship Requirements .01 How to Satisfy Apprenticeship Requirements. A taxpayer satisfies the apprenticeship requirements described in § 45(b)(8) if: (1) The taxpayer satisfies the Apprenticeship Labor Hour Requirements, subject to any applicable Apprenticeship Ratio Requirements; (2) The taxpayer satisfies the Apprenticeship Participation Requirements; and (3) The taxpayer complies with the general recordkeeping requirements under § 6001 and § 1.6001–1, including maintaining books of account or records for contractors or subcontractors of the taxpayer, as applicable, in sufficient form to establish that the Apprenticeship Labor Hour and the Apprenticeship Participation Requirements have been satisfied. Under the Good Faith Effort Exception,21 the taxpayer will be considered to have made a good faith effort in requesting qualified apprentices if the taxpayer requests qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program in accordance with usual and customary business practices for registered apprenticeship programs in a particular industry.22 Pursuant to § 6001 and § 1.6001–1, the taxpayer must maintain sufficient books and records establishing the taxpayer’s request of qualified apprentices from a registered apprenticeship program and the program’s denial of such request or non-response to such request, as applicable. .02 Definitions. For purposes of the apprenticeship requirements the following definitions apply. (1) A taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor is considered to ‘‘employ’’ an individual if the individual performs services for the taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor in exchange for remuneration, regardless of whether the individual would be characterized as an employee or an independent contractor for other Federal tax purposes.23 (2) The term ‘‘journeyworker’’ means ‘‘journeyworker’’ as defined under 29 CFR 29.2. (3) The term ‘‘apprentice-tojourneyworker ratio’’ means the ratio described under 29 CFR 29.5(b)(7). (4) The term ‘‘construction, alteration, or repair’’ means ‘‘construction, prosecution, completion, or repair’’ as defined under 29 CFR 5.2(j). (5) The term ‘‘State Apprenticeship Agency’’ means ‘‘State Apprenticeship Agency’’ as defined under 29 CFR 29.2. .03 Example. A taxpayer employs workers and qualified apprentices to construct a new facility. Construction of the facility begins in calendar year 2023, and the construction of the facility is completed in calendar year 2023. To satisfy the apprenticeship labor hour requirement, the percentage of total labor hours to be performed by qualified apprentices is 12.5 percent for 2023. The total labor hours, as defined in § 45(b)(8)(E)(i), for the construction of the facility is 10,000 labor hours. The taxpayer employed qualified apprentices that performed a total of 1,150 hours of construction on the facility. On each day that a qualified apprentice performed construction work on the facility for the taxpayer, the applicable requirements for apprenticeto-journeyworker ratios of the Department of Labor or the applicable State Apprenticeship Agency were met. The taxpayer also hired a contractor to assist with construction of the facility for 1,000 labor hours of the 10,000 total labor hours. The contractor employed qualified apprentices that performed a total of 100 hours of construction on the 21 Described in section 2.01(3) of this notice, above. 22 Registered apprenticeship programs can be located using the Office of Apprenticeship’s partner finder tool, available at https:// www.apprenticeship.gov/partner-finder and through the applicable State Apprenticeship Agency, https://www.apprenticeship.gov/about-us/ state-offices. 23 This definition does not alter any of the existing legal requirements pertaining to the proper classification of qualified apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs as employees for purposes of certain Federal laws and regulations. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 facility. On each day that a qualified apprentice performed construction work on the facility for the contractor, the applicable requirements for apprenticeto-journeyworker ratios of the Department of Labor or the applicable State Apprenticeship Agency were met. The taxpayer ensured that the taxpayer and the contractor each employed 1 or more qualified apprentices because the taxpayer and contractor each employed 4 or more individuals to perform construction work on the qualified facility. The taxpayer maintained sufficient records to establish that the taxpayer and the contractor hired by the taxpayer satisfied the Apprenticeship Labor Hour Requirement of 1,250 total labor hours for the facility (12.5% of 10,000 labor hours), and the Apprenticeship Ratio and Apprenticeship Participation Requirements. Under these facts, the taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Apprenticeship Labor Hour, Apprenticeship Ratio, and Apprenticeship Participation Requirements of the statute with respect to the facility. Section 5. Determining When Construction or Installation Begins To determine when construction begins for purposes of §§ 30C, 45V, 45Y, and 48E, principles similar to those under Notice 2013–29 regarding the Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor apply, and taxpayers satisfying either test will be considered to have begun construction. In addition, principles similar to those provided in the IRS Notices regarding the Continuity Requirement for purposes of §§ 30C, 45V, 45Y, and 48E apply. Whether a taxpayer meets the Continuity Requirement under either test is determined by the relevant facts and circumstances. Similar principles to those under section 3 of Notice 2016–31 regarding the Continuity Safe Harbor also apply for purposes of §§ 30C, 45V, 45Y, and 48E. Taxpayers may rely on the Continuity Safe Harbor provided the facility is placed in service no more than four calendar years after the calendar year during which construction began. For purposes of § 179D, the IRS will accept that installation has begun if a taxpayer generally satisfies principles similar to the two tests described in section 2.02 of this notice, above, regarding the beginning of construction under Notice 2013–29 (Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor). The relevant facts and circumstances will ultimately be determinative of whether a taxpayer has begun installation. E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 30, 2022 / Notices For purposes of §§ 45, 45Q, and 48, the IRS Notices will continue to apply under each respective Code section, including application of the Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor, and the rules regarding the Continuity Requirement and Continuity Safe Harbors.24 Section 6. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and its attendant regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require an agency to consider the impact of paperwork and other information collection burdens imposed on the public. The IRA allows taxpayers to take certain increased credit amounts or an increased deduction if they satisfy the Prevailing Wage Requirements, and Apprenticeship Requirements, where applicable. The Department of Labor will collect the data needed to issue wage rates for taxpayers in connection with facilities whose construction, alteration, or repair is not subject to one or more Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), as facilities subject to the DBRA are already accounted for in an existing collection approved by OMB.25 DOL data collections needed to register apprentices and apprenticeship programs are accounted for in an existing collection approved by OMB.26 Under the PRA, an agency may not collect or sponsor an information collection requirement unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.27 This collection of information is approved under OMB Control Number 1235–0034. The Department of Labor estimates that it will take an average of 15 minutes for respondents to complete this collection of information, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The information that the Department of Labor will collect, as discussed in section 3.02 of this notice, includes the type of facility, facility location, proposed labor classifications, proposed prevailing wage rates, job descriptions and duties, and any rationale for the proposed classifications. After review, the Department of Labor will notify the lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 24 Described in section 2.02 of this notice, above. Control Number 1235–0023. 26 OMB Control Number 1205–0223. 27 See 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3)(vi). 25 OMB VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Nov 29, 2022 Jkt 259001 taxpayer as to the labor classifications and wage rates to be used for the type of work in question in the area in which the facility is located. You may view the Department of Labor’s web page instruction here: https://www.dol.gov/ agencies/whd/IRA. Section 7. Drafting Information The principal authors of this notice are Alexander Scott and Jeremy Milton of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs & Special Industries). However, other personnel from the Treasury Department and the IRS participated in its development. For further information regarding this notice contact Mr. Scott at (202) 317–6853 (not a toll-free call). Melanie R. Krause, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. Approved: November 23, 2022. Krishna P. Vallabhaneni, Tax Legislative Counsel. [FR Doc. 2022–26108 Filed 11–29–22; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900–0572] Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for Benefits for Qualifying Veteran’s Child Born With Disabilities Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 30, 2023. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73585 Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0572’’ in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 266–4688 or email maribel.aponte@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0572’’ in any correspondence. Under the PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1805, 1815, 1821, and 1822. Title: Application for Benefits for Qualifying Veteran’s Child Born with Disabilities (VA Form 21–0304). OMB Control Number: 2900–0572. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Abstract: VA Form 21–0304 is used to determine the monetary allowance for a child born with Spina Bifida or certain birth defects who is the natural child of a Vietnam and certain Thailand or Korea service veterans. Without this information, VA would be unable to effectively administer 38 U.S.C. 1805, 1815, 1821, and 1822. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73580-73585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26108]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

[2022-61]


Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Initial Guidance Under Section 
45(b)(6)(B)(ii) and Other Substantially Similar Provisions

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of initial guidance.

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SUMMARY: This notice provides guidance on the prevailing wage and 
apprenticeship requirements that generally apply to certain provisions 
of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), as amended by the Inflation 
Reduction Act of 2022. This notice also serves as the published 
guidance establishing the 60-day period described in those provisions 
of the Code with respect to the applicability of the prevailing wage 
and apprenticeship requirements. Finally, this notice provides guidance 
for determining the beginning of construction of a facility for certain 
credits allowed under the Code, and the beginning of installation of 
certain property with respect to the energy efficient commercial 
buildings deduction under the Code. This notice affects facilities the 
construction of which began, or certain property the installation of 
which began, on or after January 30, 2023. The Department of the 
Treasury (Treasury Department) and the IRS anticipate issuing proposed 
regulations and other guidance with respect to the prevailing wage and 
apprenticeship requirements.

DATES: January 30, 2023 is the date that is 60 days after the Secretary 
of the Treasury or her delegate (Secretary) publishes the guidance 
described in 26 U.S.C. 30C(g)(1)(C)(i), 45(b)(6)(B)(ii), 45Q(h)(2), 
45V(e)(2)(A)(i), 45Y(a)(2)(B)(ii), 48(a)(9)(B)(ii), 
48E(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) and (a)(2)(B)(ii)(II), and 179D(b)(3)(B)(i).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander Scott, CC:PSI:6, Internal 
Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, at 
(202) 317-6853 (not a toll-free call).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Section 1. Purpose

    Public Law 117-169, 136 Stat. 1818 (August 16, 2022), commonly 
known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), amended Sec. Sec.  
30C, 45, 45L, 45Q, 45U, 45V, 45Y, 45Z, 48, 48C, 48E, and 179D of the 
Internal Revenue Code (Code) to add prevailing wage and apprenticeship 
requirements to qualify for increased credit or deduction amounts.\1\ 
This notice provides guidance on the prevailing wage and apprenticeship 
requirements that generally apply to those sections of the Code. This 
notice also serves as the published guidance under Sec. Sec.  
30C(g)(1)(C)(i), 45(b)(6)(B)(ii), 45Q(h)(2), 45V(e)(2)(A)(i), 
45Y(a)(2)(B)(ii), 48(a)(9)(B)(ii), 48E(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) and 
(a)(2)(B)(ii)(II), and 179D(b)(3)(B)(i) establishing the 60-day period 
described in such sections with respect to the applicability of the 
prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Finally, this notice 
provides guidance for determining the beginning of construction under 
Sec. Sec.  30C, 45, 45Q, 45V, 45Y, 48, and 48E, and the beginning of 
installation under Sec.  179D solely for purposes of Sec.  
179D(b)(3)(B)(i).
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    \1\ See Sec. Sec.  13101(f), 13102(k), 13104(d), 13105(a), 
13204(a)(1), 13303(a)(1), 13304(d), 13404(d), 13501(a), 13701(a), 
13702(a), and 13704(a) of the IRA.
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    The Department of the Treasury (Treasury Department) and the 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) anticipate issuing proposed regulations 
and other guidance with respect to the prevailing wage and 
apprenticeship requirements.

Section 2. Background

    .01 Increased Tax Benefits For Satisfying Certain Prevailing Wage 
and Apprenticeship or Construction and Installation Requirements.
    (1) In General. Increased credit amounts are available under 
Sec. Sec.  30C, 45, 45Q, 45V, 45Y, 45Z, 48, 48C, and 48E, and an 
increased deduction is available under Sec.  179D, for taxpayers 
satisfying certain prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. 
Increased credit amounts are available under Sec. Sec.  45L and 45U for 
taxpayers satisfying certain prevailing wage requirements. The general 
concepts and provisions relating to the increased tax benefits under 
Sec.  45(b)(6), (7), and (8) are similar to those under each of these 
other Code sections. Therefore, only the relevant provisions under 
Sec.  45(b)(6), (7), and (8) are discussed in section 2.01(2) and (3) 
of this notice.
    (2) Prevailing Wage Requirements. Section 45(b)(7)(A) provides that 
to meet the prevailing wage requirements with respect to any qualified 
facility, a taxpayer must ensure that any laborers and mechanics 
employed by the taxpayer or any contractor or subcontractor in: (i) the 
construction of such facility, and (ii) the alteration or repair of 
such facility (with respect to any taxable year, for any portion of 
such taxable year that is within the 10-year period beginning on the 
date the qualified facility is originally placed in service), are paid 
wages at rates not less than the prevailing rates for construction, 
alteration, or repair of a similar character in the locality in which 
such facility is located as most recently determined by the Secretary 
of Labor, in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, 
United States Code (Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements). Section 
45(b)(7)(B) provides correction and penalty mechanisms for a taxpayer's 
failure to satisfy the requirements under Sec.  45(b)(7)(A).

[[Page 73581]]

    (3) Apprenticeship Requirements. Section 45(b)(8)(A)(i) provides 
that to meet the apprenticeship requirements taxpayers must ensure 
that, with respect to the construction of any qualified facility, not 
less than the applicable percentage of the total labor hours of the 
construction, alteration, or repair work (including such work performed 
by any contractor or subcontractor) with respect to such facility is, 
subject to Sec.  45(b)(8)(B), performed by qualified apprentices 
(Apprenticeship Labor Hour Requirements). Under Sec.  45(b)(8)(A)(ii), 
for purposes of Sec.  45(b)(8)(A)(i), the applicable percentage is: (i) 
in the case of a qualified facility the construction of which begins 
before January 1, 2023, 10 percent, (ii) in the case of a qualified 
facility the construction of which begins after December 31, 2022, and 
before January 1, 2024, 12.5 percent, and (iii) in the case of a 
qualified facility the construction of which begins after December 31, 
2023, 15 percent.
    Section 45(b)(8)(B) provides that the requirement under Sec.  
45(b)(8)(A)(i) is subject to any applicable requirements for 
apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Department of Labor or the 
applicable State Apprenticeship Agency (Apprenticeship Ratio 
Requirements). Section 45(b)(8)(C) provides that each taxpayer, 
contractor, or subcontractor who employs 4 or more individuals to 
perform construction, alteration, or repair work with respect to the 
construction of a qualified facility must employ 1 or more qualified 
apprentices to perform such work (Apprenticeship Participation 
Requirements).
    Under Sec.  45(b)(8)(D)(i), a taxpayer is not treated as failing to 
satisfy the requirements of Sec.  45(b)(8) if: (i) the taxpayer 
satisfies the requirements described in Sec.  45(b)(8)(D)(ii) (Good 
Faith Effort Exception), or (ii) subject to Sec.  45(b)(8)(D)(iii) 
(Intentional Disregard Provision), in the case of any failure by the 
taxpayer to satisfy the requirement under Sec.  45(b)(8)(A) and (C) 
with respect to the construction, alteration, or repair work on any 
qualified facility to which Sec.  45(b)(8)(D)(i)(I) does not apply, the 
taxpayer makes payment to the Secretary of the Treasury or her delegate 
(Secretary) of a penalty in an amount equal to the product of $50 
multiplied by the total labor hours for which the requirement described 
in Sec.  45(b)(8)(A) and (C) was not satisfied with respect to the 
construction, alteration, or repair work on such qualified facility.
    Under the Good Faith Effort Exception described in Sec.  
45(b)(8)(D)(ii), a taxpayer is deemed to have satisfied the 
apprenticeship requirements with respect to a qualified facility if the 
taxpayer has requested qualified apprentices from a registered 
apprenticeship program, as defined in Sec.  3131(e)(3)(B), and: (i) 
such request has been denied, provided that such denial is not the 
result of a refusal by the taxpayer or any contractors or 
subcontractors engaged in the performance of construction, alteration, 
or repair work with respect to such qualified facility to comply with 
the established standards and requirements of the registered 
apprenticeship program, or (ii) the registered apprenticeship program 
fails to respond to such request within 5 business days after the date 
on which such registered apprenticeship program received such request.
    Under the Intentional Disregard Provision, if the Secretary 
determines that any failure described in Sec.  45(b)(8)(D)(i)(II) is 
due to intentional disregard of the requirements under Sec.  
45(b)(8)(A) and (C), Sec.  45(b)(8)(D)(i)(II) is applied by 
substituting ``$500'' for ``$50.''
    Under Sec.  45(b)(8)(E)(i), the term ``labor hours'' means the 
total number of hours devoted to the performance of construction, 
alteration, or repair work by any individual employed by the taxpayer 
or by any contractor or subcontractor. This term excludes any hours 
worked by foremen, superintendents, owners, or persons employed in a 
bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity (within 
the meaning of those terms in part 541 of title 29, Code of Federal 
Regulations).
    Under Sec.  45(b)(8)(E)(ii), the term ``qualified apprentice'' 
means an individual who is employed by the taxpayer or by any 
contractor or subcontractor and who is participating in a registered 
apprenticeship program, as defined in Sec.  3131(e)(3)(B).
    Section 3131(e)(3)(B) defines a registered apprenticeship program 
as an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 
(commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act, 50 Stat. 664, 
chapter 663, 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) that meets the standards of subpart 
A of part 29 and part 30 of title 29 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations.\2\
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    \2\ Effective November 25, 2022, 29 CFR part 29 is no longer 
divided into subparts A and B because subpart B (Industry Recognized 
Apprenticeship Programs) was rescinded in a final rule published on 
September 26, 2022. See 87 FR 58269.
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    .02 Beginning of Construction.
    (1) In General. A qualified facility, property, project, or 
equipment, are hereafter referred to as a ``facility'' in this notice. 
A facility generally must meet the prevailing wage and apprenticeship 
requirements to receive the increased credit or deduction amounts under 
Sec. Sec.  30C, 45, 45Q, 45V, 45Y, 48, 48E, and 179D if construction 
(or installation for purposes of Sec.  179D) of the facility begins on 
or after the date 60 days after the Secretary publishes guidance with 
respect to the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements of the 
Code.\3\ The IRS has issued notices under Sec. Sec.  45,\4\ 45Q,\5\ and 
48 \6\ (collectively, IRS Notices) that provide guidance for 
determining when construction begins for purposes of Sec. Sec.  45, 
45Q, and 48, respectively, including a safe harbor regarding the 
continuity requirement (described in section 2.02(3) of this notice).
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    \3\ Certain facilities are exempt from the prevailing wage and 
apprenticeship requirements. See, for example, Sec.  45(b)(6)(B)(i).
    \4\ Notice 2013-29, 2013-20 I.R.B. 1085; clarified by Notice 
2013-60, 2013-44 I.R.B. 431; clarified and modified by Notice 2014-
46, 2014-36 I.R.B. 520; updated by Notice 2015-25, 2015-13 I.R.B. 
814; clarified and modified by Notice 2016-31, 2016-23 I.R.B. 1025; 
updated, clarified, and modified by Notice 2017-04, 2017-4 I.R.B. 
541; Notice 2018-59, 2018-28 I.R.B. 196; modified by Notice 2019-43, 
2019-31 I.R.B. 487; modified by Notice 2020-41, 2020-25 I.R.B. 954; 
clarified and modified by Notice 2021-5, 2021-3 I.R.B. 479; 
clarified and modified by Notice 2021-41, 2021-29 I.R.B. 17.
    \5\ Notice 2020-12, 2020-11 I.R.B. 495.
    \6\ Notice 2018-59, 2018-28 I.R.B. 196; modified by Notice 2019-
43; modified by Notice 2020-41; clarified and modified by Notice 
2021-5; clarified and modified by Notice 2021-41.
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    (2) Establishing Beginning of Construction. The IRS Notices 
describe two methods that a taxpayer may use to establish that 
construction of a facility begins: (i) by starting physical work of a 
significant nature (Physical Work Test), and (ii) by paying or 
incurring five percent or more of the total cost of the facility (Five 
Percent Safe Harbor).
    (i) Physical Work Test. Under the Physical Work Test, construction 
of a facility begins when physical work of a significant nature begins, 
provided that the taxpayer maintains a continuous program of 
construction. This test focuses on the nature of the work performed, 
not the amount or the costs. Assuming the work performed is of a 
significant nature, there is no fixed minimum amount of work or 
monetary or percentage threshold required to satisfy the Physical Work 
Test. Physical work of significant nature does not include preliminary 
activities, even if the cost of those preliminary activities is 
properly included in the depreciable basis of the facility.\7\ For 
purposes of the Physical Work Test, preliminary activities include, but 
are not limited to, planning or designing, securing financing, 
exploring, researching,

[[Page 73582]]

obtaining permits, licensing, conducting surveys, environmental and 
engineering studies, or clearing a site.\8\
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    \7\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, section 4.02(1); Notice 
2016-31, section 5.03; for Sec.  45Q, see Notice 2020-12, section 
5.03; and for Sec.  48, see Notice 2018-59, section 4.03.
    \8\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, section 4.02(1); Notice 
2016-31, section 5.03; for Sec.  45Q, see Notice 2020-12, section 
5.03; and for Sec.  48, see Notice 2018-59, section 4.03.
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    Work performed by the taxpayer and work performed for the taxpayer 
by other persons under a binding written contract \9\ that is entered 
into prior to the manufacture, construction, or production of the 
property for use by the taxpayer in the taxpayer's trade or business 
(or for the taxpayer's production of income) is taken into account in 
determining whether construction has begun.\10\ Both on-site and off-
site work (performed either by the taxpayer or by another person under 
a binding written contract) may be taken into account for purposes of 
demonstrating that physical work of a significant nature has begun. 
Physical work of a significant nature does not include work (performed 
either by the taxpayer or by another person under a binding written 
contract) to produce property that is either in existing inventory or 
is normally held in inventory by a vendor.\11\
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    \9\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, section 4.03(1); for Sec.  
45Q, see Notice 2020-12, section 8.02(1); for Sec.  48, see Notice 
2018-59, section 7.03(1).
    \10\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, sections 4.01 and 4.03; 
for Sec.  45Q, see Notice 2020-12, section 8.02; and for Sec.  48, 
see Notice 2018-59, section 7.03.
    \11\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, section 4.02(2); for 
Sec.  45Q, see Notice 2020-12, section 5.04; and for Sec.  48, see 
Notice 2018-59, section 4.04.
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    (ii) Five Percent Safe Harbor. Under the Five Percent Safe Harbor, 
construction of a facility will be considered as having begun if: (i) a 
taxpayer pays or incurs (within the meaning of Sec.  1.461-1(a)(1) and 
(2)) five percent or more of the total cost of the facility, and (ii) 
thereafter, the taxpayer makes continuous efforts to advance towards 
completion of the facility. All costs properly included in the 
depreciable basis of the facility are taken into account to determine 
whether the Five Percent Safe Harbor has been met.\12\ For property 
that is manufactured, constructed, or produced for the taxpayer by 
another person under a binding written contract with the taxpayer, 
costs incurred with respect to the property by the other person before 
the property is provided to the taxpayer are deemed incurred by the 
taxpayer when the costs are incurred by the other person under the 
principles of Sec.  461.\13\
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    \12\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, section 5.01(1); for 
Sec.  48, see Notice 2018-59, section 5.02; and for Sec.  45Q, see 
Notice 2020-12, section 6.02.
    \13\ For Sec.  45, see Notice 2013-29, section 5.01(2); for 
Sec.  48, see Notice 2018-59, section 7.03; for Sec.  45Q, see 
Notice 2020-12, section 8.02.
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    (3) Continuity Requirement and Continuity Safe Harbor. The IRS 
Notices, as clarified and modified by Notice 2021-41, provide that for 
purposes of the Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor, 
taxpayers must demonstrate either continuous construction or continuous 
efforts (Continuity Requirement) regardless of whether the Physical 
Work Test or the Five Percent Safe Harbor was used to establish the 
beginning of construction. Whether a taxpayer meets the Continuity 
Requirement under either test is determined by the relevant facts and 
circumstances. The IRS will closely scrutinize a facility and may 
determine that the beginning of construction is not satisfied with 
respect to a facility if a taxpayer does not meet the Continuity 
Requirement.
    The IRS Notices, as subsequently modified and clarified, also 
provide for a ``Continuity Safe Harbor'' under which a taxpayer will be 
deemed to satisfy the Continuity Requirement provided a qualified 
facility is placed in service no more than four calendar years after 
the calendar year during which construction of the qualified facility 
began for purposes of Sec. Sec.  45 \14\ and 48,\15\ and no more than 
six calendar years after the calendar year during which construction of 
the qualified facility or carbon capture equipment began for purposes 
of Sec.  45Q.\16\ Certain offshore projects and projects built on 
federal land under Sec. Sec.  45 and 48 satisfy the Continuity 
Requirement if such a project is placed into service no more than 10 
calendar years after the calendar year during which construction of the 
project began.\17\
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    \14\ Notice 2016-31, section 3.
    \15\ Notice 2018-59, section 6.05.
    \16\ Notice 2020-12, section 7.05.
    \17\ Notice 2021-5. Projects under Sec. Sec.  45 and 48 may also 
be eligible for the extended Continuity Safe Harbors provided for in 
Notices 2020-41 and 2021-41 due to the COVID-19 pandemic depending 
on when construction began with respect to those projects.
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    .03 Recordkeeping.
    Section 6001 provides that every person liable for any tax imposed 
by the Code, or for the collection thereof, must keep such records as 
the Secretary may from time to time prescribe. Section 1.6001-1(a) 
provides that any person subject to income tax must keep such permanent 
books of account or records, including inventories, as are sufficient 
to establish the amount of gross income, deductions, credits, or other 
matters required to be shown by such person in any return of such tax. 
Section 1.6001-1(e) provides that the books and records required by 
Sec.  1.6001-1 must be retained so long as the contents thereof may 
become material in the administration of any internal revenue law.
    Section 45(b)(12) authorizes the Secretary to issue such 
regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines necessary to 
carry out the purposes of Sec.  45(b), including regulations or other 
guidance that provide requirements for recordkeeping or information 
reporting for purposes of administering the requirements of Sec.  
45(b).\18\
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    \18\ See also Sec. Sec.  30C(g)(4), 45L(g)(3), 45Q(h)(5), 
45U(d)(3), 45V(e)(5), 45Y(f), 45Z(e), 48(a)(16), 48E(i), and 
179D(b)(6).
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Section 3. Guidance With Respect to Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements

    .01 How to Satisfy Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements. The 
Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements under Sec.  45(b)(7)(A) and the 
substantially similar provisions set forth in Sec. Sec.  30C, 45L, 45Q, 
45U, 45V, 45Y, 45Z, 48, 48C, 48E, and 179D will be satisfied if:
    (1) The taxpayer satisfies the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements 
with respect to any laborer or mechanic employed in the construction, 
alteration, or repair of a facility, property, project, or equipment by 
the taxpayer or any contractor or subcontractor of the taxpayer; and
    (2) The taxpayer maintains and preserves sufficient records, 
including books of account or records for work performed by contractors 
or subcontractors of the taxpayer, to establish that such laborers and 
mechanics were paid wages not less than such prevailing rates, in 
accordance with the general recordkeeping requirements under Sec.  6001 
and Sec.  1.6001-1, et seq.
    .02 Prevailing Wage Determinations. If the Secretary of Labor has 
published on www.sam.gov a prevailing wage determination for the 
geographic area and type or types of construction applicable to the 
facility, including all labor classifications for the construction, 
alteration, or repair work that will be done on the facility by 
laborers or mechanics, that wage determination contains the prevailing 
rates for the laborers or mechanics who perform work on the facility as 
most recently determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with 
subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code, as 
identified in Sec.  45(b)(7)(A). The following procedures described in 
section 3.02 of this notice are designed to be used to request an 
unlisted classification only in the limited circumstance when no labor 
classification on the applicable

[[Page 73583]]

prevailing wage determination applies to the planned work.
    If the Secretary of Labor has not published a prevailing wage 
determination for the geographic area and type of construction for the 
facility on www.sam.gov, or the Secretary of Labor has issued a 
prevailing wage determination for the geographic area and type of 
construction, but one or more labor classifications for the 
construction, alteration, or repair work that will be done on the 
facility by laborers or mechanics is not listed, then the taxpayer can 
rely on the procedures established by the Secretary of Labor for 
purposes of the requirement to pay prevailing rates determined by the 
Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of 
title 40, United States Code.\19\ To rely on the procedures to request 
a wage determination or wage rate, and to rely on the wage 
determination or rate provided in response to the request, the taxpayer 
must contact the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division via email 
at [email protected] and provide the Wage and Hour Division 
with the type of facility, facility location, proposed labor 
classifications, proposed prevailing wage rates, job descriptions and 
duties, and any rationale for the proposed classifications. The 
taxpayer may use these procedures to request a wage determination, or 
wage rates for the unlisted classifications, applicable to the 
construction, alteration, or repair of the facility. After review, the 
Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division will notify the taxpayer as 
to the labor classifications and wage rates to be used for the type of 
work in question in the area in which the facility is located.
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    \19\ The taxpayer is not required to follow any other procedure 
to request a wage determination or a wage rate under Sec.  
45(b)(7)(A), including submission of the Form SF-1444.
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    Questions regarding the applicability of a wage determination or 
its listed classifications and wage rates should be directed to the 
Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division via email at 
[email protected].
    For purposes of the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements, the 
prevailing rate for qualified apprentices hired through a registered 
apprenticeship program may be less than the corresponding prevailing 
rate for journeyworkers of the same classification, as described in 29 
CFR 5.5(a)(4)(i).
    For purposes of the Prevailing Wage Requirements for the Sec.  179D 
deduction, the prevailing wage rate for installation of energy 
efficient commercial building property, energy efficient building 
retrofit property, or property installed pursuant to a qualified 
retrofit plan, is determined with respect to the prevailing wage rate 
for construction, alteration, or repair of a similar character in the 
locality in which such property is located, as most recently determined 
by the Secretary of Labor, in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 
31 of title 40, United States Code.
    .03 Definitions. For purposes of the Prevailing Wage Rate 
Requirement and the associated recordkeeping requirements the following 
definitions apply.
    (1) A taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor is considered to 
``employ'' an individual if the individual performs services for the 
taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor in exchange for remuneration, 
regardless of whether the individual would be characterized as an 
employee or an independent contractor for other Federal tax purposes.
    (2) The terms ``wage'' and ``wages'' means ``wages'' as defined 
under 29 CFR 5.2(p), including any bona fide fringe benefits as defined 
therein.
    (3) The term ``laborer or mechanic'' means ``laborer or mechanic'' 
as defined under 29 CFR 5.2(m).
    (4) The term ``construction, alteration, or repair'' means 
``construction, prosecution, completion, or repair'' as defined under 
29 CFR 5.2(j).
    (5) The term ``prevailing wage'' means the wage listed for a 
particular classification of laborer or mechanic on the applicable wage 
determination for the type of construction and the geographic area or 
other applicable wage as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
    (6) The term ``prevailing wage determination'' means a wage 
determination issued by the Department of Labor and published on 
www.sam.gov.\20\
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    \20\ Prevailing wage determinations and the applicable 
procedures are described in section 3.02 of this notice, above.
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    .04 Examples.
    (1) Example 1. A taxpayer employs laborers and mechanics to 
construct a facility. The taxpayer also uses a contractor and 
subcontractor to construct the facility. The Department of Labor has 
issued a prevailing wage determination that applies to the type of 
construction that the laborers and mechanics perform for the county in 
which the facility is located. The taxpayer ensures that the taxpayer, 
contractor, and subcontractor pay each laborer and mechanic a wage rate 
equal to the applicable rates for their respective labor 
classifications listed in this prevailing wage determination. The 
taxpayer maintains records that are sufficient to establish that the 
taxpayer and the taxpayer's contractor and subcontractor paid wages not 
less than such prevailing wage rates. Such records include but are not 
limited to, identifying the applicable wage determination, the laborers 
and mechanics who performed construction work on the facility, the 
classifications of work they performed, their hours worked in each 
classification, and the wage rates paid for the work. Under these 
facts, the taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Prevailing 
Wage Rate Requirements with respect to the facility.
    (2) Example 2. The facts are the same as in Example 1, except that 
the Department of Labor has not issued an applicable prevailing wage 
determination for the relevant type of construction and geographic area 
in which the facility is being constructed. The taxpayer contacts the 
Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division under the procedures 
described in section 3.02 of this notice. After review, the Department 
of Labor, Wage and Hour Division notifies the taxpayer as to the labor 
classifications and wage rates to be used for the type of construction 
work in question in the area in which the facility is located. The 
taxpayer ensures that the taxpayer, contractor, and subcontractor pay 
each laborer and mechanic a wage rate equal to the applicable rates for 
the respective classifications listed in this wage determination.
    The taxpayer maintains records, which include the additional 
prevailing wage rates provided by the Department of Labor to establish 
that the taxpayer and the taxpayer's contractor and subcontractor paid 
wages not less than such prevailing wage rates. Under these facts, the 
taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Prevailing Wage Rate 
Requirements with respect to the facility.
    (3) Example 3. The facts are the same as in Example 1, except that 
the Department of Labor has issued a prevailing wage determination that 
applies to the type of construction that the laborers and mechanics are 
hired to perform for the county in which the facility is located, but 
that wage determination does not include a classification of laborer or 
mechanic that will be used to complete the construction work on the 
facility (for example, electrician, carpenter, laborer, etc.). The 
taxpayer contacts the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division under 
the procedures

[[Page 73584]]

described in section 3.02 of this notice. After review, including 
confirming that no labor classification on the applicable prevailing 
wage determination that applies to the work exists, the Department of 
Labor, Wage and Hour Division notifies the taxpayer as to the wage rate 
to be paid regarding the additional classification. The taxpayer 
ensures that the taxpayer, contractor, and subcontractor pay each 
laborer and mechanic a wage rate equal to the applicable rates for 
their respective labor classifications listed in the prevailing wage 
determination, including the additional wage rates provided by the 
Department of Labor.
    The taxpayer maintains records, which include the additional wage 
rates provided by the Department of Labor to establish that the 
taxpayer and taxpayer's contractor and subcontractor paid wages not 
less than prevailing wage rates. Under these facts, the taxpayer will 
be considered to have satisfied the Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements 
with respect to the facility.

Section 4. Guidance With Respect to Apprenticeship Requirements

    .01 How to Satisfy Apprenticeship Requirements. A taxpayer 
satisfies the apprenticeship requirements described in Sec.  45(b)(8) 
if:
    (1) The taxpayer satisfies the Apprenticeship Labor Hour 
Requirements, subject to any applicable Apprenticeship Ratio 
Requirements;
    (2) The taxpayer satisfies the Apprenticeship Participation 
Requirements; and
    (3) The taxpayer complies with the general recordkeeping 
requirements under Sec.  6001 and Sec.  1.6001-1, including maintaining 
books of account or records for contractors or subcontractors of the 
taxpayer, as applicable, in sufficient form to establish that the 
Apprenticeship Labor Hour and the Apprenticeship Participation 
Requirements have been satisfied.
    Under the Good Faith Effort Exception,\21\ the taxpayer will be 
considered to have made a good faith effort in requesting qualified 
apprentices if the taxpayer requests qualified apprentices from a 
registered apprenticeship program in accordance with usual and 
customary business practices for registered apprenticeship programs in 
a particular industry.\22\ Pursuant to Sec.  6001 and Sec.  1.6001-1, 
the taxpayer must maintain sufficient books and records establishing 
the taxpayer's request of qualified apprentices from a registered 
apprenticeship program and the program's denial of such request or non-
response to such request, as applicable.
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    \21\ Described in section 2.01(3) of this notice, above.
    \22\ Registered apprenticeship programs can be located using the 
Office of Apprenticeship's partner finder tool, available at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/partner-finder and through the applicable 
State Apprenticeship Agency, https://www.apprenticeship.gov/about-us/state-offices.
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    .02 Definitions. For purposes of the apprenticeship requirements 
the following definitions apply.
    (1) A taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor is considered to 
``employ'' an individual if the individual performs services for the 
taxpayer, contractor, or subcontractor in exchange for remuneration, 
regardless of whether the individual would be characterized as an 
employee or an independent contractor for other Federal tax 
purposes.\23\
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    \23\ This definition does not alter any of the existing legal 
requirements pertaining to the proper classification of qualified 
apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs as employees for 
purposes of certain Federal laws and regulations.
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    (2) The term ``journeyworker'' means ``journeyworker'' as defined 
under 29 CFR 29.2.
    (3) The term ``apprentice-to-journeyworker ratio'' means the ratio 
described under 29 CFR 29.5(b)(7).
    (4) The term ``construction, alteration, or repair'' means 
``construction, prosecution, completion, or repair'' as defined under 
29 CFR 5.2(j).
    (5) The term ``State Apprenticeship Agency'' means ``State 
Apprenticeship Agency'' as defined under 29 CFR 29.2.
    .03 Example. A taxpayer employs workers and qualified apprentices 
to construct a new facility. Construction of the facility begins in 
calendar year 2023, and the construction of the facility is completed 
in calendar year 2023. To satisfy the apprenticeship labor hour 
requirement, the percentage of total labor hours to be performed by 
qualified apprentices is 12.5 percent for 2023. The total labor hours, 
as defined in Sec.  45(b)(8)(E)(i), for the construction of the 
facility is 10,000 labor hours. The taxpayer employed qualified 
apprentices that performed a total of 1,150 hours of construction on 
the facility. On each day that a qualified apprentice performed 
construction work on the facility for the taxpayer, the applicable 
requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios of the Department 
of Labor or the applicable State Apprenticeship Agency were met.
    The taxpayer also hired a contractor to assist with construction of 
the facility for 1,000 labor hours of the 10,000 total labor hours. The 
contractor employed qualified apprentices that performed a total of 100 
hours of construction on the facility. On each day that a qualified 
apprentice performed construction work on the facility for the 
contractor, the applicable requirements for apprentice-to-journeyworker 
ratios of the Department of Labor or the applicable State 
Apprenticeship Agency were met.
    The taxpayer ensured that the taxpayer and the contractor each 
employed 1 or more qualified apprentices because the taxpayer and 
contractor each employed 4 or more individuals to perform construction 
work on the qualified facility.
    The taxpayer maintained sufficient records to establish that the 
taxpayer and the contractor hired by the taxpayer satisfied the 
Apprenticeship Labor Hour Requirement of 1,250 total labor hours for 
the facility (12.5% of 10,000 labor hours), and the Apprenticeship 
Ratio and Apprenticeship Participation Requirements. Under these facts, 
the taxpayer will be considered to have satisfied the Apprenticeship 
Labor Hour, Apprenticeship Ratio, and Apprenticeship Participation 
Requirements of the statute with respect to the facility.

Section 5. Determining When Construction or Installation Begins

    To determine when construction begins for purposes of Sec. Sec.  
30C, 45V, 45Y, and 48E, principles similar to those under Notice 2013-
29 regarding the Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor apply, 
and taxpayers satisfying either test will be considered to have begun 
construction. In addition, principles similar to those provided in the 
IRS Notices regarding the Continuity Requirement for purposes of 
Sec. Sec.  30C, 45V, 45Y, and 48E apply. Whether a taxpayer meets the 
Continuity Requirement under either test is determined by the relevant 
facts and circumstances.
    Similar principles to those under section 3 of Notice 2016-31 
regarding the Continuity Safe Harbor also apply for purposes of 
Sec. Sec.  30C, 45V, 45Y, and 48E. Taxpayers may rely on the Continuity 
Safe Harbor provided the facility is placed in service no more than 
four calendar years after the calendar year during which construction 
began.
    For purposes of Sec.  179D, the IRS will accept that installation 
has begun if a taxpayer generally satisfies principles similar to the 
two tests described in section 2.02 of this notice, above, regarding 
the beginning of construction under Notice 2013-29 (Physical Work Test 
and Five Percent Safe Harbor). The relevant facts and circumstances 
will ultimately be determinative of whether a taxpayer has begun 
installation.

[[Page 73585]]

    For purposes of Sec. Sec.  45, 45Q, and 48, the IRS Notices will 
continue to apply under each respective Code section, including 
application of the Physical Work Test and Five Percent Safe Harbor, and 
the rules regarding the Continuity Requirement and Continuity Safe 
Harbors.\24\
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    \24\ Described in section 2.02 of this notice, above.
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Section 6. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., 
and its attendant regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require an agency to 
consider the impact of paperwork and other information collection 
burdens imposed on the public. The IRA allows taxpayers to take certain 
increased credit amounts or an increased deduction if they satisfy the 
Prevailing Wage Requirements, and Apprenticeship Requirements, where 
applicable. The Department of Labor will collect the data needed to 
issue wage rates for taxpayers in connection with facilities whose 
construction, alteration, or repair is not subject to one or more 
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), as facilities subject to the DBRA 
are already accounted for in an existing collection approved by 
OMB.\25\ DOL data collections needed to register apprentices and 
apprenticeship programs are accounted for in an existing collection 
approved by OMB.\26\
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    \25\ OMB Control Number 1235-0023.
    \26\ OMB Control Number 1205-0223.
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    Under the PRA, an agency may not collect or sponsor an information 
collection requirement unless it displays a currently valid Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) control number.\27\ This collection of 
information is approved under OMB Control Number 1235-0034. The 
Department of Labor estimates that it will take an average of 15 
minutes for respondents to complete this collection of information, 
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. The information that the 
Department of Labor will collect, as discussed in section 3.02 of this 
notice, includes the type of facility, facility location, proposed 
labor classifications, proposed prevailing wage rates, job descriptions 
and duties, and any rationale for the proposed classifications. After 
review, the Department of Labor will notify the taxpayer as to the 
labor classifications and wage rates to be used for the type of work in 
question in the area in which the facility is located. You may view the 
Department of Labor's web page instruction here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/IRA.
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    \27\ See 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3)(vi).
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Section 7. Drafting Information

    The principal authors of this notice are Alexander Scott and Jeremy 
Milton of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs & Special Industries). 
However, other personnel from the Treasury Department and the IRS 
participated in its development. For further information regarding this 
notice contact Mr. Scott at (202) 317-6853 (not a toll-free call).

Melanie R. Krause,
Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.
    Approved: November 23, 2022.
Krishna P. Vallabhaneni,
Tax Legislative Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2022-26108 Filed 11-29-22; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P


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