Opportunity Zones

Local governments that undertake redevelopment and revitalization efforts in certain older commercial and industrial areas can now qualify those areas for the state’s maximum job tax credit of $3,500 per job. The incentive, which is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs, is a Job Tax Credit that can be taken against the business’s Georgia income tax liability and payroll withholding tax. The credit is available for areas designated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as an Opportunity Zone. DCA will consider designations for areas that are within or adjacent to a census block group with 15 percent or greater poverty where an enterprise zone or urban redevelopment plan exists.

Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Incentives:

• The maximum Job Tax Credit allowed under law – $3,500 per job created for 5 years
• The lowest job creation threshold of any job tax credit program – two jobs
• Use of Job Tax Credits against 100 percent of Georgia income tax liability and withholding tax
• Provides for businesses of any nature to qualify, not just a defined "business enterprise"

Gwinnett County has two county-sponsored Opportunity Zones:

The Gwinnett County OZ is located in the Gateway 85 CID at the intersection of Interstate 85 and Jimmy Carter Boulevard adjacent to the City of Norcross.  For a map of the area, click here.

The Gwinnett Place OZ is located in the Gwinnett Place CID at the intersection of Interstate 85 and Pleasant Hill Road near the City of Duluth.  For a map of the area, click here.

Step 2: Review the Opportunity Zone Program Description to ensure you qualify.

Step 3: Complete Part One of the Opportunity Zone Certification form and return it to Shantell Wilson at 446 West Crogan Street, Suite 250, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-2440. Once the OZ designation is verified, Part Two is completed and forwarded to the DCA for final approval. Questions can be directed to Ms. Wilson at 678.518.6212.

Step 4: Prior to claiming your tax credit, complete and return the Notice of Intention to Claim Withholding Benefit (Form IT-WH).

Step 5: To file your tax credit, complete and return the Georgia Job Tax Credit (Form IT-CA).