Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) Tax Credit Program

Overview

An incentive program that provides tax credits to for-profit companies less than eight years old operating within specific targeted industries within the boundaries of a Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ).  With a total pool of up to $15 million in tax credits available to KIZ companies annually, the KIZ tax credit program significantly contributes to the ability of young KIZ companies to transition through the stages of growth.

Applications must be submitted on or before December 1 of each year.

Uses

Tax credits must be applied against the tax liability of a KIZ company for the tax year in which the KIZ Tax Credit was issued. Unused KIZ Tax Credits may be applied against the tax liability of the KIZ company for up to five years from date the KIZ Tax Credit is issued or may be reassigned/sold to another taxpayer.

Eligibility

For-profit business entities 1) located within the geographic boundaries of a particular KIZ, 2) in operation less than 8 years, 3) operating within one of the KIZ targeted industry segments or sectors, 4) and meeting any other requirements as specified by the DCED, may be qualified KIZ Companies and eligible to participate in the KIZ Tax Credit Program. Applications must be submitted on or before December 1 of each year. The KIZ Tax Credits will be awarded on May 1 of the subsequent year.

Funding

A KIZ company may claim a tax credit equal to 50% of the increase in that KIZ Company’s gross revenues in the immediately preceding taxable year attributable to activities in the KIZ, over the KIZ Company’s gross revenues in the second preceding taxable year attributable to its activities in the KIZ. The KIZ Tax Credit is limited to $100,000 annually per KIZ company.

Terms

The KIZ Tax Credit must first be applied against the KIZ company’s own tax liability under Articles III (Personal Income Tax), or IV (Corporate Net Income Tax) of the Pennsylvania Tax Reform Code of 1971. Unused KIZ Tax Credits may applied against the tax liability of the KIZ company for up to five years from date the KIZ Tax Credit is issued or may be reassigned/sold to another taxpayer.

How to Apply

The Single Application must be submitted online at Single Application. For assistance in completing the Single Application, call 1.800.379.7448.

FAQs

For specific questions on this program, contact DCED’s Tax Credit Division at: saraspisho@pa.gov.

Additional Information

Program Case Study

• Soltech Solutions Case Study 2017

KIZ Coordinator Contact Information

• Contact Sheet

Sales Assignment Application Form

• KIZ Tax Credit Sales Assignment Application Form

Please send all KIZ Tax Credit Claim Forms to the following address:

How To Apply For The 2021 Tax Credit

• KIZ Tax Credit Worksheet for 2021 Non-Apportionment – For companies with only one location in Pennsylvania (inside a KIZ).
• KIZ Tax Credit Worksheet for 2021 – For companies with multiple locations within Pennsylvania (inside AND outside a KIZ).
• KIZ Tax Credit Application Presentation 2021 – A helpful walk through explaining the application process.
• KIZ Coordinator Certification Form 2021
• KIZ Tax Credit Sale and Assignment Affidavit 2021
• KIZ Tax Clearance Form 2021
• KIZ Tax Credit Appeal Form

KIZ Tax Credit Annual Reports

• 2020 KIZ Tax Credit Annual Report
• 2019 KIZ Tax Credit Annual Report
• 2018 KIZ Tax Credit Annual Report
• 2017 KIZ Tax Credit Annual Report