SEDC Programs & Services: Empire Zone

EMPIRE ZONE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Saratoga County Empire Zone can virtually be a "tax-free" zone in best-case scenarios through a combination of New York State Tax credits, reduced utility rates, authorization for special low-interest loans, and priority attention from State agencies for new and expanding businesses.

The Saratoga County Empire Zone consists of two square miles of designated land in locations throughout Saratoga County. The Saratoga County Empire Zone was designated on December 18, 2001. Businesses that locate within the boundaries of the Empire Zone and meet the objectives of the Saratoga County Empire Zone Development Plan may qualify for advanced New York State Tax credits for creating new jobs and making new capital investment in their business.

To qualify for benefits, a business will need to complete an Empire Zone Certification Application. The application is reviewed and approved locally and then submitted to the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York State Department of Labor for joint review. Once certified, Empire Zone tax credits are self-administering in that they are claimed when the taxpayer files its tax return on an annual basis.

Eligibility must be self-determined each year based on the program criteria.

HOW TO BECOME EMPIRE ZONE CERTIFIED

To become Empire Zone certified, a business must meet the goals and objectives of the Saratoga County Empire Zone Development Plan and the business must be located within the boundaries of the Saratoga County Empire Zone. You can also visit our Zone Maps to determine your location.

After it has been determined that your business is in the Zone and qualifies for the program, the first step is to complete an application and return to Shelby Schneider at SEDC for processing.

Once the application is complete, it is reviewed by the Saratoga County Empire Zone Administrative Board and then signed by the Local Empire Zone Certification Officer. After the application is approved at the local level, it is then forwarded to New York State for review and action.