ECD: Opportunity Zones

What are Opportunity Zones?

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Opportunity Zones are geographically designated zones that provide Job Tax Credits for the businesses located in these zones. New or existing businesses that create two or more jobs can receive a tax credit of up to $3,500 per job. The job tax credits can be used against 100 percent of the business' income tax liability and state payroll withholding. Credits are available for these areas that are designated by Georgia's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as Opportunity Zones.

What are the benefits of being located in an Opportunity Zone?
Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Incentives include:

• 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 income tax liability and Withholding
• expansion of the definition of "business enterprise" to include all businesses

How do I know if I am in an Opportunity Zone?

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Several properties in the City of Macon recently received Opportunity Zone designation. To find out if you are in an Opportunity Zone, please view the City of Macon Opportunity Zone Map

How do I claim my Job Tax Credits against my Georgia State Income Tax?

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity Zone Brochure to ensure your business or property could benefit from the Opportunity Zone Designation

Step 2: Complete Opportunity Zone Certification request and mail to:

Gil R. Prado, AICP
Assistant Director
City of Macon
Economic and Community Development Department
200 Cherry Street, Suite 300, Macon, GA 31201
TEL: (478) 751-7190 - TDD: (478) 751-7166 - FAX: (478) 751-7390
Email:[email protected]

Once the City of Macon verifies your business is located in an Opportunity Zone, the City will complete Part Two of the Certification and forward the form to DCA for final approval. DCA will sign and mail back the form to the business owner.

Step 3: Attach the signed Certification form and file your tax returns using the appropriate form(s): Job Tax Credit – Form IT-CA and /or Withholding Benefit – Form IT-WH

Please note: every business located in an Opportunity Zone must request Certification prior to claiming the job tax credits against their State income taxes.

How do I apply for Opportunity Zone designation for my property or building?

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If you are the owner of a vacant, blighted or underutilized property or building in the City of Macon and you are interested in having your property designated an opportunity zone, contact us to discuss the designation process.