Tax Policies for California Competes

Franchise Tax Board Clarification

Tax Policies For California Competes requirements need to be understood by every small business if receiving the California Competes credits.

The Franchise Tax Board of California has just reviewed all businesses in the state and provided a very clear set of guidelines that businesses receiving the credits need to follow when doing their income tax filing.

California introduced the California Competes tax initiative this year. The new initiative is intended to help grow struggling small businesses in the state. According to Governor Brown’s office, the state has allocated $151.1 million for eligible businesses.

While the benefits of the California Competes credits are indisputable, many entrepreneurs have raised questions about receiving them.

Tax Policies For California Competes 

In January, the Sacramento Business Journal reported that the Brown Administration had approved California Competes applications for 51 businesses throughout the state.

However, many potentially eligible businesses are reluctant to file an application, because they don’t understand the legal form requirements.

The Franchise Tax Board is trying to educate people about the new initiative and the eligibility criteria for applying. They have also spent several months reviewing participating businesses to ensure they are in compliance.

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is releasing some of the details about the new policy after finalizing their reviews. Here are some of the questions that they have answered.

Who is eligible for the California Competes tax credits?

The tax credits are available to businesses that plan to stimulate the state economy and benefit local businesses. There are eleven criteria that the governor’s office takes into consideration while reviewing applications:

  •  Job creation
  • Wages paid
  • Duration of the project
  • Potential for future growth
  • Capital invested
  • Unemployment rate in the given area (if the unemployment rate is higher than in many other areas, local businesses may receive higher tax credits)
  •  Other incentives available to the business
  • Incentives offered by other states the business operates in
  • Impact on the California economy
  • Impact on helping the state reach other key goals
  • Net value for the state after the credit is provided

Since there are so many factors involved, businesses should consult with a tax expert before applying. They can help create a strategic plan to ensure they receive the highest possible credit.

How much can a business receive in tax credits?

The state has earmarked slightly over $150 million for businesses. The credits available to different California business structures will increase to $200 million the following year.

The state law allows a single business to receive up to 25% of the available tax credits ().

However, while extensive tax credits are available, businesses will need to demonstrate the cost-benefit impact on the state. Here is the formula that the Brown Administration uses:

Total credit sought / ( (Number of jobs created * average salary per job) + Total capital investment)

Companies that prove that they are providing the highest return for the state are given preference.

You may want to consider requesting a smaller amount of money to fund a more obviously beneficial project if you hope to receive funding.

What California Competes Can Do For You

California Competes is a state program designed to provide businesses with tax credits to support job creation and investment in California. The program aims to attract and retain businesses in the state, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities. Here's a look at what California Competes can do for your business:

  1. Tax Credits: California Competes offers tax credits to eligible businesses. These credits can be applied against state income or franchise taxes. The amount of the credit depends on various factors such as the number of jobs created, wages paid, and the overall economic impact of the business.
  2. Job Creation: The program encourages businesses to expand their workforce and create new jobs in California. By providing tax incentives, California Competes helps offset some of the costs associated with hiring and training employees. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to scale up their operations.
  3. Investment Support: California Competes also recognizes the importance of investment in the state's economy. The program assists businesses in making capital investments, such as purchasing equipment or expanding facilities. By offering tax credits, the program helps reduce the financial burden on businesses and encourages them to invest in California.
  4. Regional Focus: California Competes takes into account the economic conditions of different regions within the state. The program aims to distribute tax credits strategically, considering factors like high unemployment rates and areas in need of economic revitalization. This approach ensures that businesses across various regions can benefit from the program.
  5. Streamlined Application Process: California Competes strives to provide a streamlined application process to make it easier for businesses to participate. The program has specific application periods during which businesses can submit their proposals. The applications are evaluated based on various criteria, including job creation, wages, and economic impact.
  6. Collaboration and Support: California Competes works in collaboration with businesses to understand their needs and provide assistance accordingly. The program offers guidance and resources to help businesses navigate the application process and maximize their chances of receiving tax credits. Additionally, the program provides ongoing support to businesses that are awarded tax credits to ensure compliance with program requirements.

In summary, California Competes can benefit your business by providing tax credits to support job creation, incentivize investment, and boost economic growth. By participating in the program, your business can receive financial support, access valuable resources, and contribute to the development of California's economy.

Tax Policies For California Competes - Consultation

There are a number of factors that businesses need to be aware of while applying for a California Competes tax credit.

You will need to make a good case if you hope to receive the funding that you are looking for.

If you need help applying for Tax Policies for California Competes tax credits, then you should contact me. We offer a number of tax services and look forward to assisting you!

You might like these

More About Income Taxes

Please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Bookkeeping Basics E-zine. It tells you every month about the new information that I have added, including some great tips and advice from myself and other Bookkeeping Basics readers.

Enter Your E-mail Address
Enter Your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Bookkeeping Basics E-Zine.

Like Bookkeeping-Basics.net?


New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.