Opportunity Zones

Program Description

Local governments which undertake redevelopment and revitalization efforts in certain older commercial and industrial areas can now qualify those areas for the State’s maximum job tax credit of $3,500 per job. The incentive, which is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs, is a Job Tax Credit which can be taken against the business’s Georgia income tax liability and payroll withholding tax. The credit is available for areas designated by DCA as an “Opportunity Zone”. DCA will consider designations for areas that are within or adjacent to a census block group with 15% or greater poverty where an enterprise zone or urban redevelopment plan exists.

Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Incentives:

  • the maximum Job Tax Credit allowed under law - $3,500 per job created
  • the lowest job creation threshold of any job tax credit program - 2 jobs
  • use of Job Tax Credits against 100 percent of Georgia income tax liability and withholding tax
  • provides for businesses of any nature to qualify, not just a defined "business enterprise"

For detail on designated Opportunity Zones and maps, click here