Manufacturing is often hailed as the poster child for economic development. Many communities actively seek manufacturing businesses through incentives due to its substantial capital investment, job creation, and community identity (e.g., “Made in [State]” label). However, these economic incentives are not solely reserved for the manufacturing sector, as communities increasingly strive to diversify their business landscape.
Effective March 23, 2024, and applicable to tax years beginning after December 31, 2023, the Wisconsin legislature passed Assembly Bill 627 with bipartisan support, introducing significant changes to the state’s primary incentive, the Business Development Tax Credit (BDTC).
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Our Location Advisory team worked with an automotive repair equipment provider to procure incentives in Missouri for an expansion.
The company, with the guidance and collaboration of McGuire Sponsel’s Credits and Incentives team, requested and received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit.
This chemical manufacturer had plans to expand. McGuire Sponsel helped negotiate a workforce training grant despite a fast-paced timeline.
This electrical contractor had plans to expand. McGuire Sponsel helped negotiate a tax abatement that will save the company tax payments over the next 10 years.
In Area Development, Ben Worrell, MBA, discusses how to navigate critical communication to identify potential solutions when a company cannot meet the original parameters set by its project.
MFLEX, or Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, is a streamlined tax incentive program designed to simplify the application process for all statutory incentives into a single procedure. However, it requires an annual report of investment numbers to maintain eligibility.
Our Location Advisory team worked with a third-party logistics company to procure incentives for their $14.7 million expansion.
HQ Hustle: How States Are Incentivizing Companies to Set Up Shop
Manufacturing is often hailed as the poster child for economic development. Many communities actively seek manufacturing businesses through incentives due to its substantial capital investment, job creation, and community identity (e.g., “Made in [State]” label). However, these economic incentives are not solely reserved for the manufacturing sector, as communities increasingly strive to diversify their business landscape.
As a result, more incentives are available for companies looking to relocate their corporate headquarters (HQ). A headquarters is broadly defined as the primary central administrative office where crucial functions such as financial, personnel, administrative, legal, planning, and similar business activities are conducted. States across the country are actively encouraging companies to relocate HQs to their communities. This is crucial for companies to consider, as relocating to a new area can result in lower business expenses, access to previously untapped consumer markets, and a larger pool of skilled workers.
Arizona seized the opportunity presented by companies fleeing California due to escalating business costs. The state not only welcomed them but also provided incentives, notably the Qualified Facility tax credit, a refundable income tax credit specifically including HQ operations as an eligible industry.
While manufacturing allows a state to proudly claim a tangible product, economic development authorities acknowledge the prestige associated with HQ operations. Moreover, HQs often promise high-wage jobs and attract a talented workforce to the area.
Indiana and Tennessee exemplify states fully capitalizing on the promises of HQ relocation by offering HQ-specific tax credits. Indiana’s Headquarters Relocation Tax Credit offers a refundable tax credit to competitive projects seeking to conduct HQ business in the state. Similarly, Tennessee’s Headquarters Tax Credit exempts sales and use tax, with the exception of a minimal 0.5% tax on the sales of building materials, equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
At McGuire Sponsel, we assist clients in navigating the optimal location for their HQ relocation. Combining national economic development, tax, and financial expertise, our Location Advisory team aims to maximize client benefits, bridge financing gaps, and provide a competitive advantage for HQ projects. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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Emma Coney
Emma Coney is a Project Analyst with the Location Advisory Services team at McGuire Sponsel.