Incentives & Programs

Starting? Expanding? Relocating?
Louisiana’s tax credits and incentive programs can give your company a competitive edge.

Incentive Evaluator

Below is a description of Louisiana’s most popular incentives and rebates, a description of their benefit and basics about eligibility. Still confused? Fill out a few questions using the state’s Incentive Evaluator.

Advanced Notification

Once you are ready to apply for a state incentive program it is critically important that you file and Advance Notification to notify the administration of your interest. You can register, apply and pay online via FastLane. Create an account today!

Enterprise Zone

Benefit
  • a one-time $2,500 tax credit per certified net new job and
  • a 4% sales/use tax rebate on capital expenditures
  • or an investment tax credit equal to 15% of qualifying expenses
Eligibility
  • Must increase employment within specified time frame
  • No part time employees are eligible for job tax credits
  • Must hire 50% of new workers from one of four targeted groups
  • If NAICS is 44 or 45 and have 100+ employees nationwide, including affiliates, you are not eligible unless you are a grocery store or a pharmacy and located in an EZ

LED FastStart

Benefit
  • Workforce recruitment, screening and training to new and expanding Louisiana companies at no cost
  • The LED team will provide the following services:
    • Every aspect of a company’s proposed operation is analyzed.
    • FastStart sets forth to find the best potential talent.
    • Pre-hire evaluations mean the best candidates are selected.
    • Customized and comprehensive training delivers a strong workforce.
Eligibility
  • Any manufacturing or warehouse and distribution centers must commit to creating at least 15 jobs
  • Service providers: digital media, corporate headquarters, research and development or other inbound call center facilities must commit to creating at least 50 jobs

Industrial Property Tax Exemption

Benefit
  • 100% property tax abatement for up to 10 years on manufacturer’s qualifying capital investments
Eligibility
  • Applies only to capital investments by Louisiana manufacturers
  • Property must remain on the site at all times

Restoration Tax Abatement

Benefit
  • five-year 100% abatement for the rehabilitation of an existing structure based on assessed valuation of property prior to beginning of improvements
Eligibility
  • Must be located in a qualifying district and approved by local governing authority
  • Does not exempt the acquisition cost of the structure

Research & Development Tax Credit

 

Benefit
  • up to a 40% tax credit for Louisiana businesses (based on employment) that conduct research and development activities in Louisiana
Eligibility
  • Must have incurred federal research and development expenses and/or received SBIR/STTR grant(s)

Quality Jobs

 

Benefit
  • 5% or 6% cash rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and
  • a 4% sales/use tax rebate on capital expenditures or
  • an investment tax credit equal to 15% of qualifying expenses
Eligibility
  • Must fall within one of the state’s target industries or
  • Have total annual out-of-state sales of at least 50%

Revolving Loan Program

 

Benefit
  • U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) federal grant dollars fill the gaps in financing not provided by conventional means
  • a fixed rate substantially lower than available commercial rates (4% usually)
  • offers lending amounts between $25,000 and $250,000
Eligibility
  • Must be for profit, a corporation, partnership, or proprietorship.
  • Primarily for existing businesses, but will consider new businesses, being started by proven entrepreneurs, with significant job creation potential
  • Loans are available for:
    • Take out financing for loans for plant construction, conversion, or expansion
    • Acquisition of land and/or buildings
    • Equipment and machinery repair and/or purchase
    • Furniture or fixtures purchase
    • Working capital
    • Starting fees and deposits
    • Inventory