Holly Paz Joins alliant as a Tax Expert to Enhance Energy Infrastructure Practice

The Strategic Addition of Holly Paz at alliant

alliant, a leading consulting and technology firm, has made a significant move by welcoming Holly Paz, the former Commissioner of the IRS's Large Business & International Division. This strategic appointment aims to bolster alliant's capabilities in tax law and energy infrastructure, particularly under Section 48—a crucial area in today’s energy market.

Why Holly Paz is a Game Changer

With a remarkable career spanning over twenty years in tax law, Holly Paz is recognized for her expertise in complex tax legislation. Her recent role at the IRS saw her leading a division responsible for managing tax compliance for the country's largest taxpayers, including major corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Alliant's Vice Chairman, Mark Everson, praised her unique perspective, which is expected to enhance the firm's ability to tackle intricate tax issues faced by diverse clients, from small businesses to governmental entities.

Paz's contributions extend beyond leadership; she played a pivotal role in shaping the IRS's implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), particularly in the domain of clean energy investment and production tax credits—one of the most complex tax acts in modern history. This legislation introduced unique and nuanced provisions designed to incentivize businesses and non-profits to invest in energy technologies.

Navigating Section 48: A Tax Credit with Potential

Holly's understanding of Section 48's mechanics is unparalleled. The act potentially allows businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities to apply for up to a 50% credit on their investments in clean energy technologies. One of Paz's key achievements was overseeing the IRS's guidelines for this credit, making it easier for applicants to navigate its complexities. With added features such as transferability and direct pay provisions, this credit transforms how organizations finance energy projects.

The complexities surrounding this credit require a deep understanding of its dependent rules, including prevailing wage requirements and apprenticeship conditions—a territory where Holly excels.

A Vision for the Future of Energy

The urgent need for innovative energy solutions is more pressing than ever, driven by the U.S. government's push for advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for sustainable energy infrastructures. As Dhaval Jadav, alliant's CEO pointed out, the real bottleneck in the AI race is not technology—it's energy production. With this in mind, Holly Paz's addition to the team is timely and essential in ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to leverage federal incentives designed to foster growth and sustainability.

Alliant is committed to assembling an elite group of experts who will work closely with Holly to navigate the intricate details of Section 48. This team aims to facilitate capital introductions and guide clients in maximizing the benefits they can derive from governmental credits.

Holly's Career Trajectory

Holly Paz's career at the IRS has been marked by significant milestones that showcase her expertise. Starting as an attorney-advisor in the Taxpayer Advocate Service, she ascended through various leadership positions, culminating in her role as Commissioner. Her work has consistently focused on delivering value to taxpayers by providing clear guidance and interpretation of tax laws.

In addition to her formidable experience with the IRS, Holly practiced tax law at leading national firms prior to her government service, advising top corporations on complex governance and estate issues. Her educational background includes a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a magna cum laude B.A. from Allegheny College.

Looking Ahead

Holly Paz’s enthusiasm about joining alliant reflects the firm’s robust reputation in navigating tax complexities. As she stated, the IRS encourages businesses to engage with trusted partners like alliant when dealing with Section 48. This partnership is set to enable more organizations to efficiently access the essential resources they need for growth and compliance in an increasingly complex landscape.

The future of energy infrastructure in the U.S. is not just about regulatory compliance, but about strategic growth and innovation—something that alliant, under the esteemed guidance of Holly Paz, is poised to lead decisively.