For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provides a new permanent deduction for domestic C-corporations that generate income from serving foreign markets. The deduction would reduce the federal tax rate on such income from 21% to 13.125% (increasing to 16.41% after 2025).
The name of the new deduction provision, Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII), is a bit misleading as this new incentive is not connected to the ownership of specific intangible property. Instead, the deduction applies to the above-routine return arising from the taxpayer’s foreign-derived income – i.e., income earned from providing goods and services to customers outside the United States for foreign use. The above-routine return is considered the “deemed intangible income” and is generally the excess of the taxpayer’s total income over a 10% return on its depreciable tangible property (the routine or “deemed tangible income” return).
An important step in determining the FDII benefit is identifying the income that is considered “foreign-derived” income. The key aspect is that the new deduction applies to taxpayers that generate income from export sales and services. The property must be sold, licensed, or leased to a foreign person (related or unrelated) for use outside the United States; and services must be provided to persons located outside the United States, or with respect to property located outside the United States.
It is important that corporations begin to assess whether they may qualify for this new tax deduction as it can lower estimated tax payments and will have financial reporting implications.
DiSanto, Priest & Co. is experienced in preparing detailed FDII calculations which involve a multi-step process with certain data inputs.
Do you own a piece of real estate whose fair market value is greater than its basis? Are you contemplating selling and buying another? A 1031 Exchange may be for you!
In a Section 1031 Exchange, also known as a “like-kind” exchange or a Starker exchange, the taxpayer does not recognize and pay tax on the gain on an exchange of like-kind properties so long as both properties are held for use in a trade, business, or investment purposes.
There are specific guidelines to follow to qualify for a Section 1031 exchange. The first is the term “like-kind.” Luckily, like-kind is a broad term. For example, a rental property can be exchanged for raw land, and vice-versa. A multi-family rental property can be exchanged for commercial property, a warehouse for an office building, residential apartment building for a storefront, etc. According to the IRS, so long as the properties being exchanged are of the same nature, character, or class, they would qualify (e.g., Real Property for Real Property, etc.). Second, this provision applies to business or investment property only. You cannot exchange your primary residence for another home. For example, if you are moving from Rhode Island to another state, the sale of your home and purchase of a new home would not qualify for like-kind treatment.
Third, the IRS requires that the value of the property and equity purchased must be the same as or greater than the property given up in exchange. To qualify for 100% deferral of the gain, an example would be a piece of property worth $500,000 with a $100,000 mortgage attached. It would have to be exchanged for another piece of property with a minimum value of $500,000 and a $100,000 mortgage retained. This leads us to another rule: A taxpayer must not receive “boot” in the transaction to qualify for 100% deferral of the gain. Any boot received is considered taxable to the extent there is realized gain on the transaction. For example, you own a property worth $1,500,000, and you are exchanging it for a qualified property worth $900,000. The $600,000 cash received in this instance would be considered “boot,” and you would pay tax on the amount up to the gain on the property.
Because simultaneously swapping properties is rare between two owners, you’ll engage in a “deferred” exchange where you enlist the help of a QI (qualified intermediary). Additionally, there are a few time constraints when conducting like-kind exchanges. You, as the property owner, have up to 45 days after selling and closing on your original property to identify up to three potential pieces of like-kind exchange property. The replacement property needs to be received and the exchange completed within 180 days from the sale of your original property or the due date of your income tax return (including extensions) for the tax year in which the relinquished property was sold – whichever is earlier. Please note that there are no extensions available for the 45-day and 180-day periods.
To add more to the like-kind exchange gamut, the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changed a rule related to like-kind exchanges. For exchanges completed after December 31, 2017, the TCJA limits these like-kind exchanges to real property not held primarily for sale (real-property limitation.) Therefore, after December 31, 2017, personal property and intangible property no longer qualify. There are transition rules that only apply in certain circumstances.
All these rules and guidelines can confuse even the most astute investors. Many areas in the like-kind exchange arena can trip you up and therefore disqualify transactions from tax deferral. If you are contemplating a like-kind exchange, please give us a call at (401) 921-2000 and we would be more than happy to assist you.
In boating, an anchor is a mechanism used to hold a ship steady. In television, an anchor is a person who presents and coordinates. In sports, an anchor is the person on the team with the best ability. In Rhode Island, an anchor is a business that orchestrates the creation of new jobs.
In 2015, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Rhode Island Division of Taxation issued the Anchor Institution Tax Credit. This credit is one of several incentive programs offered by the State to local businesses committed to our economy. These credits were established to promote the retention and expansion of jobs and to stimulate growth in key development areas. The Anchor Institution Tax Credit rewards businesses that play a key role in bringing new jobs from suppliers and/or customers to the State. By taking advantage of the Anchor Institution Tax Credit, a business can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and spur supply chain collaboration.
The Anchor Institution Tax Credit requires the creation of at least 10 jobs on or before December 31, 2018, or 25 jobs on or before December 31, 2020. The applicant must play a key role in the decision of suppliers or customers to move to Rhode Island and create these jobs. The amount of the credit depends on the following criteria:
- Number of new full time jobs created
- Compensation and benefits of new full time jobs created
- Length of time that new full time jobs are committed to remaining in Rhode Island
- New full time jobs created in target industries
- New full time jobs created in target communities
- Other factors that display a benefit to the Rhode Island economy
Consider if you may be in a position to be an anchor for the state of Rhode Island. Do you have a steady business that helps the State economy? Do you have connections with your suppliers and customers that may allow you to present and coordinate a move for them to come to Rhode Island? Do you have the ability to play a key role in the growth of the Rhode Island economy? If so, the State is looking to partner with and reward you through the Anchor Institution Tax Credit.
For More Information
Below is a link to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation website further discussing the Anchor Institution Tax Credit. From this website, you can obtain additional information, contact a representative, and begin the application process. This website will also provide information about the other incentive programs currently offered by the State. Also, contact us if you have any questions regarding the impacts that this credit may have on your tax returns.
http://commerceri.com/finance-business/taxes-incentives/anchor-institution-tax-credit/
Bonus depreciation’s job is to spur economic growth through investment, or reinvestment, in business property within the United States. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to expand your operations or simply looking to update your equipment, bonus depreciation can help you accelerate tax savings. In addition to accelerating deductions to the current year, taking a bonus depreciation deduction in 2017 instead of 2018 may also save you actual tax dollars.
What is bonus depreciation? It’s a special, one-time deduction available in the year you place in service new qualifying property. The dollar amount of the deduction will be dependent on the percentage allowed under the law in effect for the year you put the asset in service. Currently, the general rule is 50% bonus depreciation will be available for eligible property placed in service in 2017, 40% for property placed in service in 2018 and 30% for property placed in service in 2019.
To illustrate the benefits of bonus depreciation let’s look at an example. In 2017, you buy and place in service an asset with a five-year depreciable life which cost $2,000. Under the bonus depreciation rules, you are allowed to immediately expense $1,000 (50% of the cost of the asset). You would also be allowed to depreciate the remaining $1,000 and take a $200 regular depreciation deduction, for a total 2017 of $1,200. Without the bonus depreciation rules, you would only receive a current deduction of $400. Note that we are not creating deductions by utilizing bonus depreciation, but simply accelerating them.
If we recalculate the above example assuming a placed in service date of 2018 (40% bonus depreciation), you would be able to get a first year deduction of $1,040 ($2,000 x .40 = $800 bonus depreciation; $1,200 x .20 = 240 regular depreciation). You may not think a difference of $160 between the two years is a big deal. However, if we change the cost of the new asset to $500,000, the difference between the two years sky rockets to $40,000!
It’s no secret that the Trump administration and the Republican Congress wish to lower tax rates. What no one knows is when these changes will happen, what they will entail and when they will be effective if tax rates drop in 2018, depending on your tax situation it may make more sense to invest in your operations today and get a bigger tax benefit out of your deduction. More simply put, by accelerating deductions to 2017 you can reduce taxable income in a year with potentially higher tax rates than the next. This could translate into real cash savings year over year.
Like every tax law, the bonus depreciation rules can be tricky. For example, not all capital assets will qualify for bonus depreciation and you need to pay close attention to when an asset is placed in service. If you’re planning any large capital expenditures in the near future please give us a call to ensure the proper planning is taken to maximize your investment.
Interactions with technology are advancing at an exponential rate, and so are the risks of a cyber-attack. It seems like every other day there is another story in the news of a malicious virus sweeping the global marketplace and negatively impacting local economies.
Perhaps your manufacturing business just implemented real-time financial reporting in the cloud, invoices customers via the internet, or conducts a multitude of online banking transactions. Imagine just a few of the possible impacts of a cyber-attack in this new e-commerce environment:
- Your company data becomes inaccessible as an unknown individual holds your information for ransom. How can you continue to operate without this information? Will you pay this ransom?
- Your operations floor comes to a sudden halt. Machines abruptly shut down as the related technology suffers a cyber-attack. How long will it take to recover and reboot? How much will this cost? How will you fulfill your customers’ demands?
- Vital software programs become inoperative. Your employees are not able to perform their day to day tasks. A security professional informs you that an attack to your servers has come through an employee’s personal tablet. What other access points are prone to attack?
According to a recent article published by Automation World, utilizing a recent study performed by Cisco, many manufacturers are devoting more resources to cybersecurity. The key is to not only commit these resources, but to do so in an efficient manner. Here are a few points to consider when addressing cybersecurity:
- Gradual and Continuous Process: Building up your cybersecurity can become very expensive. Some of the major costs can include programs, equipment, and experienced employees or consultants. You should consider these costs against the risks of potential threats. Create a plan that will help spread the cash flow, but also prevent extensive damage. Threats will continue to adapt, so this plan should be periodically monitored and updated.
- Information Technology and Operational Technology: Manufacturing floors are increasingly being built upon and supported by technology. The connection between information technology and the operational technology on the manufacturing floors needs to be established and maintained in a careful manner, so that the operational technology is protected from the potential threats to the information technology. The benefits of connection between these two technologies should be considered against these threats.
- Internet of Things: Internet access can be established through many technological devices: computers, phones, operating machinery, watches, vehicles, buildings, etc. For each device that is provided access to business information, a new avenue is created that can be exploited by attackers. Proper security should be established prior to enabling the use of new devices.
All in all, technology is providing extreme operational efficiencies. You would be mistaken not to consider the use of these technologies. However, you would be further mistaken not to consider the cybersecurity measures that should be established and maintained with each and every change in your business use of technology. Keep your business effective. Keep your business secure.
For More Information
Please follow the link below for the full discussion of the Cisco study presented by Automation World. Let us know if you have accounting or taxation questions as you build your cybersecurity.
Though it has been publicized that certain “contract-based” industries – telecommunications, technology, engineering, media, and pharmaceuticals, to name a few – will be impacted by the new revenue recognition rules the effects are in fact more far-reaching and will apply to all companies, public or private. A 15-year effort made by FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board has resulted in significant revenue recognition changes which will take effect in January 2018. The changes outlined in Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 will have sweeping effects as to how and when businesses recognize revenue for financial statement reporting purposes.
The objective of the new rules is to create a single global revenue recognition model applicable across all industries. This principles-based model has five steps: (1) identifying applicable contracts with customers; (2) identifying performance obligations within those contracts; (3) determining the total transaction value; (4) allocating the transaction value to those performance obligations; and, (5) recognizing revenue as your company satisfies those performance obligations.
Manufacturing, distribution, and retail companies may initially consider their sales model too simplistic but likely haven’t contemplated the potential implications to their industries. The following are examples of scenarios that will change revenue reporting in January 2018:
- Multi-year manufacturing arrangements – Manufacturers that fulfill multi-year orders, produced to customer specifications, could be required to recognize revenue on work in progress. Under present GAAP, manufacturers recognize revenue only when goods are shipped or delivered. Under the new rule, contracts entitling manufacturers to a right of payment for work to date will now require revenue recognition over time, as products are completed, rather than shipped.
- Manufacturing incentive payments – Manufacturers entitled to an incentive payment at the end of a multi-year contract may now need to consider the incentive payment as part of a transaction value. Under the new rule, to the extent it is probable that the manufacturer will collect the incentive payment; portions of it will be recognized rateably over the life of the contract, not at the date the manufacturer is entitled to the payment.
- Customer loyalty programs, reward points – Under the new revenue rule, customer incentives, commonly offered by retailers and distributors, may give rise to separate performance obligations that affect the timing of revenue recognition. Incentives entitling customers to additional goods or services for free, or at a discount, that would not have been received without entering into the contract are deemed separate performance obligations, thereby requiring an allocation of a portion of the transaction price to the incentives.
- Volume discounts, price concessions, rebates – Under the new rule, sales incentives that create variability in the price of the goods or services offered to the customer will now require companies to employ certain predictive methods to determine the amount of consideration they are entitled to. Judgments made in determining the true transaction price could prove challenging due to issues such as subsequent changes to estimate inputs that could result in a reversal of revenue, susceptibility to factors outside the entity’s control, and business practices that offer a multitude of possible transaction prices.
Ultimately, the new revenue recognition standard starts with the contract and the obligation(s) it creates. In some cases defining those factors will be black and white; in others, they will be gray. At a minimum, the change requires management to re-examine and assess their earnings process and how ASU 2014-09 could impact their financial statements.
Technology in the energy industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Solar panels are becoming leaner and more efficient – providing more capacity at a lesser cost, mimicking the path of more traditional computer hardware. Below are 5 reasons why we believe solar is worth considering today to boost your bottom line.
- Your energy bill is one of your biggest – when was the last time you reviewed it with an expert? Solar isn’t always the answer for reducing costs but if you’re not at least considering it as part of an overall effort to reduce your company’s energy costs you may be leaving a lot of dollars on the table.
- With the current Federal Tax Credit available the cost of your install may not be as high as you think. The clock is ticking though. The current credit rate is 30% of the cost but this incentive is NOT permanent. The legislation is on a schedule to decline and eventually drop off completely (without further action from Congress). Between the current Federal credits, state incentives, depreciation benefits and available USDA grants, going solar may not cost as much as you think.
- The states have various ways to connect you to the grid and all kinds of different incentive programs. Navigating your state’s system may be challenging but, while it is important that you have a general understanding of what system will work best for your needs, the qualified expert you hire should handle the bulk of the heavy lifting.
- Financing is available. Banks are catching on to the benefits of providing financing for these projects – particularly for large manufacturers. More and more we hear about banks working out the collateral issues that may have caused issues in the past and seeking to educate themselves on what these projects entail. Bottom line here – the cost savings related to solar can provide a benefit above and beyond the cost of financing which is becoming more readily available.
- To remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, businesses must appeal to the needs of end users. People are becoming more and more conscious of their impact on the environment. Whether you believe in climate change or not the fact is that consumers care about where their products are coming from now more than ever. Solar panels are a clean energy technology. As consumer attitudes trickle up the supply chain you may find that your environmentally friendly decision to incorporate solar is a key differentiator for you in your marketplace.
What’s the next great challenge for the solar industry?
How about storage? While the technology for generating energy has grown by leaps and bounds we still see much waste as storage technology is limited and very expensive. The ability to efficiently and cost-effectively store, instead of losing, the energy produced will be a game changer.
For More Information
Through our volunteer work within the energy industry and our experience assisting clients to navigate through these types of projects, we’ve made a lot of contacts. We’d be happy to connect you with an experienced solar professional that can not only provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision as to whether or not solar is a good fit for you but who will also fully guide you through this process from the planning stage through completion and provide continuous monitoring and system alerts. And of course, as your trusted advisor, your CPA can make sure the numbers make sense for your business and that you’re maximizing the tax incentives available to you.
Tax credits are important. These are our government’s “carrots” for business owners. They are saying “Hey! Please focus here! Our economy depends on it! And if you do, we’ll thank you with a reduced tax bill.” Credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in your tax bill. 100,000 in credits = $100,000 off your taxes (unlike a deduction for which the actual benefit is really the deduction times your tax rate (i.e. a 100,000 deduction = $35,000 in tax savings at a 35% tax rate). But enough numbers, the bottom line is that our government knows that research and development is a key factor to economic growth. It keeps us ahead of our competition. That’s why it’s no surprise they reinstated the R&D credit last year. And, unlike in years past where they only reinstated the credit for one year, this time they made it permanent. So now that we know it’s going to be around for a while, below are 10 key things that you need to know.
- Yes, technology companies are eligible for this credit. And the technology or software you develop does not have to be groundbreaking. Chances are if you are working to develop a new version of an existing technology or software application, in any industry, there is a strong chance you could benefit from the Research and Development tax credit. With respect to software, even software developed for internal use may qualify.
- Do you need an outside R&D firm? Well, it depends. Your tax preparer, given the necessary information, can complete the tax form. However, failure by taxpayers to record and maintain documentation supporting the qualified research activity, as required by the IRS, is a major reason for the loss of a research credit. In addition to guiding you with recordkeeping, an R&D firm may also help you identify R&D qualified activity that you might not have considered and will help you support your positions under audit. All of these services do come at a cost though – finding the balance between risk and reward is key to this decision.
- Did you know that if you are a qualified small business you may be eligible to offset payroll taxes with R&D credits generated? What a great opportunity for those startup tech. companies who may not have started generating profit and income taxes yet!
- Does claiming the research credit increase my chances of an IRS examination? No one can say for certain. The research credit, if entitled, can provide some HUGE tax savings and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the IRS scrutinizes tax returns claiming the credit more than returns without it. The key here is to know the risks and make sure you are comfortable with, and able to support, the positions you are taking with respect to this credit.
- Can I use R&D credits even if I’m in AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)? You can now! In the past you couldn’t offset AMT but that all changed with the last extension (with certain exceptions (of course!)).
- Your state may offer R&D credits – MA, RI & CT do and they all have their own ways of calculating them (nothing your CPA can’t handle!).
- Federal R&D credits carry forward for up to 20 years if you don’t use them! Most states with R&D have carry- forward provisions as well, however, they are often for much shorter periods. Also, refer to # 3 above and see if you can use them against payroll taxes instead.
- Think you missed out on these credits in the past? You can amend to take advantage of this credit (generally up to three years back) however the way you calculate the credit is more limited on an amended return.
- Federal R&D credits are available to most businesses regardless of the structure of your entity. If you operate a flow through an entity that doesn’t pay taxes at the corporate level, those credits can pass down to you to be claimed on your individual return. This feature may or may not be available at the state level depending on the state.
- While a full discussion of qualifying activities is outside of the scope of this post, it is helpful to know that the calculation considers wages, supplies and contracted R&D costs (limited to 65%). It most notably excludes the cost of any equipment used for R&D activity (including depreciation) and any overhead costs. Also, any research after commercial production commences does not qualify.
For More Information
Below is a link to some additional information on what activities qualify. This is basic information that can be found right on the IRS’s website. Check it out and more importantly call your CPA who, as your trusted advisor, will help you see how this opportunity might fit into your 2017 tax plan.
So first of all – congratulations! Starting your own business takes guts and entrepreneurship is a key driver of our economy. So bravo and thank you for taking the big leap. At the risk of “raining on the parade”, we can’t ignore the hard truth out there which is that most new businesses fail within the first two years. And while we know that a good business model incorporates many factors outside of accounting we want to do our part to help you know whether or not your business is financially sustainable for the long haul.
- Initial costs to launch – start-up costs vary significantly depending on your business model, industry, market, etc. The bottom line is you need to be realistic about what it’s going to cost you to get off the ground. The more research you can do up front the more accurate the numbers will be and the more you will be able to show investors you’ve done your homework. Don’t forget to add some cushion for unforeseen costs.
- Pricing your products – finding the “win-win” pricing model might be the hardest part of ensuring your business is ready for the long haul. There is a delicate balance between your costs and what your customer is willing to pay for your product or service. Once you set a price – adjusting it can be even trickier. Take the time to understand your market and your costs and think about trends affecting both.
- Don’t forget about the indirect costs – in addition to whatever it costs you to manufacture your widget or provide your service, there are going to be indirect costs. Indirect costs include items such as attorney and accounting fees, insurance costs, advertising, state imposed fees and taxes, etc.. While indirect costs may be a smaller part of your budget, failure to include them could have a significant impact on your start-up.
- Fixed and variable costs – it’s really important to understand the difference between fixed and variable costs. In short, variable costs change with your level of production (think materials cost for any given product – the more you make the more material you need) whereas fixed costs are the same regardless of how much activity your business had during any given period (think rent – your landlord doesn’t care how many widgets you made last month). The key is to not over-commit on the fixed costs side and know exactly how to adjust your variable costs as your business needs change. For example, as your starting out, it may make sense to hire an outside bookkeeper vs. a full-time employee as the long term commitment is less and you can keep this cost out of your “fixed” bucket.
- Raising funds – there are various ways to obtain capital for your start-up. For purposes of this post, we’ll focus briefly on debt vs. equity. Debt is generally more readily available as most banks offer some sort of small business loan package. Equity typically starts out with a “friends and family” round and progresses once proof-of-concept takes place. The biggest difference between the two – control. Banks are looking to ensure they make their money back at the market interest rate. They want to make sure their funds are collateralized and secured but they won’t tell you how to run your business. Equity investors feel they are taking a bigger risk and generally are looking for a bigger rate of return (if they wanted the going interest rate they would stick their money in the bank). Depending on the level of investment, an equity investor may have a say in important company decisions and may even look to have a seat on your board. There are risks and rewards to both funding mechanisms and the key is to understand and be comfortable with what you’re sacrificing for that upfront cash influx.
Wondering what to look for in a CPA for your new business?
From the get go you should look for someone who is willing to invest their time in your idea. Accounting is more than just putting numbers on a page. Find someone who is reputable and listens closely to understand your needs. Have lunch with them before committing and make sure you actually enjoy having a conversation with that person. With the right fit, they will bring valuable information to the table with all of your biggest business decisions. The fact is you don’t need a CPA to handle your books or even your tax return but you do want one. Quite frankly the upfront cost savings of going with the lowest bid tax prep shop can result in big headaches and potentially big money losses as your business matures.
Hungry for more?
Through our volunteer work with local organizations that cater to start-ups and our experience assisting clients to navigate through this endeavor, we’ve made a lot of contacts. We’d be happy to connect you with some additional resources to ensure you give yourself the best chance for success with your new business.
Are you currently operating a business in Rhode Island and looking to expand? Perhaps you have a business outside of RI that you’re looking to relocate. Rhode Island, in an effort to attract and retain new and existing businesses, enacted the New Qualified Jobs Incentive Act in 2015 and has already awarded several job creators significant annual, redeemable tax credits that have allowed them to make expanding or relocating to RI more financially feasible. Here are some quick Q&A’s to learn more about the Qualified Jobs Incentive Act to see if it could potentially benefit your business!
Is the Credit Available for My Industry?
While there aren’t any limits on industries that can apply for the credit, RI Commerce provides a list of “Target Industries”, at the top of which is IT/Software, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Data Analytics. They are particularly interested in supporting the efficiency, presence, and output of these businesses in the state. The job creation requirements can vary by industry and company size, and target industries benefit from reduced requirements.
How Much of a Tax Credit Could We Expect to Receive?
The amount of tax credit received by an applicant will always be on a per new full-time job basis. Until the credit has been awarded to a cumulative 500 jobs, the tax credit could be up to $7,500 (the maximum credit) per new full-time job. Once this cumulative job threshold has been exceeded, the tax credit granted will be limited by factors including the number of new jobs created, wages paid, industry, and location.
What is Involved in the Initial Application and Reapplication Processes?
For businesses interested in this credit, a good first step would be to visit the RI Commerce’s website page for the Qualified Jobs Incentive Tax Credit (see link below). This is where you can find the actual initial application required. Generally, it requires basic business and job creation information, a project summary, details on operations, and other criteria related to eligibility. After a company has been approved for the first year, there are annual requirements to maintain this credit. This includes a “Statutory Report”, “Annual Report”, and “Base Number Employment Report”. These communicate to the state whether or not the requirements of new jobs have been met, and determine how much of a credit your company is eligible for in the following year. These reports do require verification from a CPA licensed in Rhode Island.
How Will this Credit Affect my Tax Return?
The credit received by applicants is a state credit that will reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar on your Rhode Island state tax return for both businesses and individuals through pass-through entities. Credits that exceed an applicant’s tax liability may be carried forward for up to four years. As an added bonus to this incentive, the State of Rhode Island included in the regulations that these credits may be redeemed directly with the State in whole or in part for 90% of the value of the tax credit. This means you don’t even need a tax liability to obtain value from this incentive.
What is a “Hope Community”?
In Rhode Island, certain municipalities are deemed a Hope community when the percentage of families below the poverty level is greater than that of the state as a whole. Currently, the Hope communities in Rhode Island include Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick, and Woonsocket. Jobs created in a Hope community increase the amount of tax credit per job by $1,000 (not to exceed the maximum credit of $7,500). The base credit for employers begins at $2,500 and this is one of a few factors that can help employers qualify for an increased credit.
For More Information
If you’re looking for some more detailed information, RI Commerce provides links to The Qualified Jobs Incentive Act, its regulations, and application review and evaluation principles for your reference.
http://commerceri.com/finance-business/taxes-incentives/qualified-jobs-incentive/