Overview || Criteria || Definition ||  || Eligibility ||  Applications

 

Overview

On July 1, 2002, the State of Wisconsin designated the counties of Dane, Jefferson, and Rock, and the City of Whitewater as the Capital Ideas Technology Zone.  Under this designation, the Zone has $5 million in tax credits available to provide to new and expanding high technology businesses in the region.  The credit is taken against Wisconsin income taxes.

Local Criteria

The maximum amount of state tax credits available to any business is $150,000.  The level of credits available to any business will depend on the amount of new investment made by the company and the wage levels paid.  The Zone will also consider the nature of the technology relative to the objectives of the Zone.

What is the definition of a “high-technology” firm?

Technology related businesses are defined as those companies “primarily engaged in the activities of research, development or manufacture of advanced products or materials used in factory automation, biotechnology, chemicals, computer hardware/software, defense, energy, environmental, manufacturing equipment, medical, pharmaceuticals, photonics, subassemblies and components, test/measurement, telecommunications and transportation;” or “… a knowledge-based business that utilizes advanced technology production processes, systems, or equipment.”

Who is eligible for Technology Zone tax credits?

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce will certify businesses for tax credits based on a company’s ability to create jobs and investment and attract related businesses. Criteria include:

  •  The business must be a new or expanding high-technology firm.

  • The technology zone must recommend certification to the Department of Commerce.

  • The certification is for three years, with an option to extend for two additional years.

The Department of Commerce notifies the business, in writing, of its designation as a Wisconsin Technology Zone Business, and provides a “Verification Form” to the business for inclusion with its Wisconsin tax return.

Applications: