County of Lewis
Industrial Development Agency

Local Incentives

Contact the LCIDA for business assistance (315)376-3014
Windmill Farm
This wind farm, called Maple Ridge, is the
largest alternative-energy project east of the Mississippi,

Tax Reduction Credits
Real Property Tax Credits 4% State Sales Tax Exemption
7.75% Sales Tax Exemption
 Real Property Tax Abatement Lower Interest Rates
Mortgage Rec. Tax Exemption Power Rate Reduction
Wage Tax Credits
Investments Tax Credits
 Training Assistance Telephone Rate Reduction
Technical Assistance
Financial Assistance

QEZE - Qualified Empire Zone Enterprises, EZ - Empire Zone,  IDA - Industrial Development Agency
  • Tax Reduction Credits (QEZE) applied against business-related income.  Based on business structure, this credit in computed using job creation factors, company assets, (within and outside the zone), wage compensation ratios & corporate tax structure.  Effective 1/1/01, this credit is available for 15 years - 10 years at 100% decreasing 20% each year thereafter.  The tax reduction credit may reduce the company's tax to zero, thus eliminating the alternative minimum tax and the fixed-dollar minimum.  There is a $10,000 cap/job.  There maybe other restrictions; check with the local EZ Coordinator.
  • Real Property Tax Credits (QEZE) applied against state business-related taxes.  This credit is computed using job creation factors & real property taxes.  Effective 1/1/01, this credit is available for 15 years - 10 years at 100%, decreasing 20% each year thereafter.  Real property tax credits may reduce the company's tax liability below the alternative minimun tax or the fixed-dollar minimum. Unused credits may be obtained as a cash refund in the year which they were earned. There is a $10,000 cap/job.  There maybe other restrictions; check with the local EZ Coordinator.
  • Exemption from the 4% State Sales & Use taxes (QEZE) - This applies to all tangible personal property & services predominately used (50% or more) for a qualifying company.  This is valid for qualified company up to 10 years.
  • Power Rate Reduction (EZ) - Qualifying businesses may be able to get an average of 50% – 75% reduction in electrical rates.
  • Wage Tax Credits (EZ) – Qualifying companies can receive credit equals $1,500 for non-targeted jobs created and $3,000 for targeted jobs created.  Credits may be taken for up to 5 consecutive years.
  • Investments Tax Credits (EZ) – Qualifying businesses can receive an 8 – 10% credit for any investment costs, such as: construction, renovation, or purchase of buildings or equipment for a production business.
  • Telephone Rate Reduction (EZ) - Qualifying businesses may qualify for a 5% rate reduction on telephone costs.
  • Lower Interest Rates for Debt Incurred (IDA)- (2 – 3% lower than the conventional cost of borrowing).   Taxable or tax exempt bonds cans be issued for qualified companies, subject to the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.  This also gives them access to the public financial markets (i.e. GE Credit, Mutual Funds, & Investment Houses).  Linked-Deposit loans are also available.
  • Real Property Tax Abatements (IDA) - Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Agreements can exempt a qualified company from normal real property taxes, including school taxes.  The PILOT will usually require the applicant to pay a portion of what it would normally pay in real property taxes, especially in the earlier years of the project.  This can act as a safety net for real property tax credits in case the company no longer qualifies for those credits.
  • Sales & Use Tax Exemption (IDA) - The Sales & Use Tax in Lewis County is 7.75%.  A qualified company can purchase the equipment, materials & services needed to acquire, construct, reconstruct &/or equip the project without having to pay sales & use taxes.
  • Mortgage Recording Tax Exemption (IDA) - In New York State, mortgagor must pay a  1.00% mortgage recording tax – a significant expense.  A qualifying company can receive this benefit.
  • County Employment & Training – On-the-job training contracts.  A qualified company may be reimbursed 50% of a new employees wages for a specified period of time.  Employees must be Workforce Investment Act eligible.
  • Technical Assistance (EZ & IDA) –  Site Selection/Start Ups, Business Planning/Analysis, Assistance with Local, State, & Federal programs.
  • Financial (Loan & Grant) Assistance(EZ & IDA) – available from Local, State & Federal Sources.
Please contact the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency, PO Box 106, Lowville, N.Y. 13367 (315) 376- 3014) for a complete summary on doing business in our county. If you like, this information can include detailed information about your specific type of business and a custom designed incentive program.         

Note: In order to obtain the above incentives the company must be qualified.  Qualifying depends on job creation, company location, company type and regulatory requirements.   The above is subject to change.
County of Lewis Industrial Development Agency (LCIDA),
 P.O. Box 106, Lowville, NY 13367  (315) 376-3014 lcida@lcida.org  
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