Thinking of relocating your business to downtown Douglas? Be sure to move your business to the “Zone.” A portion of Douglas’ downtown has been designated as a R.U.R.A.L. Zone by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. New businesses opening in the R.U.R.A.L. Zone can take advantage of the tax incentive program that was formed to stimulate investment, job creation, and economic development in the historic downtown area.
Businesses that qualify can earn tax credits through the R.U.R.A.L. Zone program. The program offers three tax incentives: the job tax credit, investment credit, and rehabilitation credit. In order to be eligible for the tax incentives, there are guidelines that businesses in the zone must meet.
“We hope this encourages both new purchases and renovations alike,” says Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director. “The Rural Zone incentive is a valuable triple tax credit – businesses can get a tax credit for creating jobs, a tax credit for investing, and a tax credit for redevelopment in the designated area. Hopefully, that will encourage existing businesses, whose properties in the Zone are blighted, to renovate.”
To apply for R.U.R.A.L. Zone tax credits, businesses should file an application with the City of Douglas Community Development Department. After the application has been submitted, local officials will certify the business is located in the R.U.R.A.L. zone and meets all qualifications. Once the business has been certified by the city, the application will be submitted to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for acceptance. Once certified by DCA, a copy is submitted to the applicant, local jurisdiction, and Georgia Department of Revenue. This certification will be attached the business tax return when the credit is claimed.
Douglas’ R.U.R.A.L. Zone designation will last five years. Anyone interested in applying for the R.U.R.A.L. Zone tax credits, please contact Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director, 912-383-0277 or email ghenderson@cityofdouglas.com.