Washington Enterprise Zone
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The Illinois Enterprise Zone Act took effect in 1983. An Enterprise Zone is a specific area designated by the State of Illinois, in cooperation with a local government, to receive various tax incentives and other benefits to stimulate economic activity and neighborhood revitalization.

Enterprise Zones are administered at the State level by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. In Washington it is administered by the Community Preservation and Development office.

The Washington Enterprise Zone encompasses over 3 square miles and was certified on July 1, 1986. The Zone has placed an emphasis on commercial retention and expansion as well as industrial development.

An Enterprise Zone is a specially designated area in which tax incentives and direct financial assistance can be provided to firms locating or expanding in the Zone. The purpose of the Zone is to encourage economic development and to increase employment opportunities.

The following is a summary of the most often asked questions on incentives offered through the Illinois Enterprise Zone Program in general and the Washington Enterprise Zone Program in particular.

  Washington
Enterprise Zone

…. providing opportunities for local business expansion and development

 -- Zone benefits now available through 2016 --

 BENEFIT SUMMARY

 Local incentives:

·        Sales tax deduction (100%) on building material and equipment purchases associated with a building improvement project.

·        Property tax waiver (100%) on the increased property assessment for five (5) years following the building improvement.

·        Building permit fee reduction (50%) on filing and value fees.

·        Utility connection fee reduction (50%) for new water and sewer service connections.

 State incentives:

·        Investment tax credit (0.5%) against State income tax for the value of investments in qualified property.

·        Job tax credit ($500 per employee) against State income tax for eligible employees hired.

·        Income tax deductions – dividend subtraction and interest deductions.

·        Industrial revenue bond financing option.

·        Participation Loan financing option.

 Project eligibility standards:

·        Property must be located within the Enterprise Zone.

·        Must be commercial or industrial project.

·        Project must be remodeling, rehabilitation, or new construction of the nature and scope for which a building permit is required and obtained.

For more information regarding EZ benefits contact Jon Oliphant at 309.444.1135, (email - joliphant@ci.washington.il.us, or by fax - 309.444.9779.