Ahmed Zinna (16 Southside Drive, Charlotte, NC 28204), one of your clients, owns two retail establishments in downtown Charlotte and has come to you seeking advice concerning the tax consequences of complying with the Americans with Disabilities  Act. He understands that he needs to install various features at his stores (e.g., ramps, doorways, and restrooms that are handicap accessible) to make them more accessible to disabled individuals. He asks whether any tax credits are available to help offset the cost of the necessary changes. He estimates the cost of the planned changes to his facilities as follows.

Location

Projected Cost

Calvin Street

$22,000

Stowe Avenue

8,500

Ahmed reminds you that the Calvin Street store was constructed in 2004, and that the Stowe Avenue store is in a building that was constructed in 1947. Ahmed operates his business as a sole proprietorship and has approximately eight employees at each location.  Write a letter to Ahmed in which you summarize your conclusions concerning the tax consequences of his proposed capital improvements.