Assisting business expansion and relocation in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Enterprise Zone Tax Credits are available to assist Wisconsin businesses that have significant expansion projects or are relocating major business operations from other states to Wisconsin. Refundable tax credits can be earned through job creation, job retention, capital investment, employee training, and supply chain purchases from Wisconsin vendors.
How It Works
Businesses that wish to apply for Enterprise Zone Tax Credits must submit an application for certification to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Subject to review by the Joint Committee on Finance, WEDC may designate any number of Enterprise Zones in Wisconsin. A business will be required to enter into a contract with WEDC for the tax credits prior to any certification or verification of tax credits by WEDC.
Ineligible Businesses
The following businesses are ineligible for Enterprise Zone Tax Credits, unless extraordinary circumstances exist, including but not limited to a serious threat of a business leaving the state, significant job creation or retention, or significant capital investment, subject to approval:
- Payday loan and title companies
- Telemarketing, other than inbound call centers
- Pawn shops
- Media outlets
- Retail
- Farms
- Primary care medical facilities
- Financial institutions
- The hospitality industry
Eligibility Factors
WEDC will evaluate Enterprise Zone Tax Credit applications based on factors including:
- Whether the project might not occur without allocation of tax credits
- The extent to which the project will increase employment in this state
- The extent to which the project will contribute to the economic growth of this state
- The financial soundness of the business
- Whether the business offers health, retirement and other benefits
- Any previous financial assistance received from the Department of Commerce or WEDC
- The extent to which the project will increase geographic diversity of available tax credits throughout the state
