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Enterprise Zones stimulate the area by targeting economically distressed areas in Iowa. They assist businesses locating new facilities or expanding existing facilities and creating jobs may be eligible to receive certain local and state tax benefits. The goal of Enterprise Zones is to revitalize those areas and make them competitive with other locations throughout Iowa.
Eligibility Requirements
- The business must make a minimum qualifying investment of $500,000 over a three-year period. Qualifying investment includes the cost of land, buildings, improvements to buildings, manufacturing machinery and equipment, and/or computer hardware.
- The business must create at least 10 full-time, project-related jobs over a three year period and maintain them for an additional 10 years.
- The business must provide all full-time employees with a standard medical and dental insurance plan of which the business pays 80% of the premiums for employee-only coverage or provide a monetarily-equivalent benefit package.
- The business must pay new employees an average starting wage which is equal to or greater than 90% of the average county or regional wage, whichever is lower. (Check with IDED for the community's current wage requirement.)
- The business can not be a retail establishment or a business whose entrance is limited by coverage charge or membership
- The business cannot close or relocate its operation in one area of the state and relocate substantially the same operation in the Enterprise Zone.
- The local Enterprise Zone Commission and IDED must approve the business' application for Enterprise Zone program incentives prior to project initiation.
- Must meet wage thresholds requirements.
Tax Incentives
- A local property tax exemption of up to 100% of the value added to the property to a period not to exceed 10 years.
- Additional funding for training new employees. If applicable, these funds would be in addition to those authorized under the Iowa New Jobs Training Program.
- A refund of state sales, service, or use taxes paid to contractors or subcontractors during construction.
- For warehouse or distribution center projects, a refund of sales and use taxes paid on racks, shelving, and conveyor equipment.
- An investment tax credit of up to a maximum of 10% of the qualifying investment, amortized over 5 years. This tax credit is earned when the corresponding asset is placed in service and can be carried forward for up to seven additional years or until depleted, whichever occurs first.
- The State's refundable research activities credit may be doubled while the business is participating in the program for up to a maximum of 10 years
Data Source:
Iowa Department of Economic Development, 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309. ©2006. www.iowalifechanging.com
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