Job Creation Tax Credits for Growing, Expanding or Moving Businesses
Offered in conjunction with the State of Ohio, Job Creation Tax Credits are non-refundable income tax credits against the municipal earnings tax. To receive the credit an employer must create at least 25 net, new jobs in the City of Cincinnati, and commit to keeping those jobs in Cincinnati for twice the term of the incentive.
The local JCTC is a credit against a company's net profits tax obligation. The state JCTC provides a credit against a company's Ohio corporate franchise tax, commercial activity tax, or an individual's personal income tax. The tax credit is based on the state income tax withheld from the new, eligible full-time employees.
How does the credit work?
Suppose a company creates 100 new jobs averaging $20 per hour and the City of Cincinnati offers a 50% JCTC for 5 years:
| 100 jobs @ $20/hour | $4.16 million payroll |
| $4.16M x 2.1% earnings tax | $87,360 |
| 50% credit | $43,680 |
| Total City incentive | $218,400 |
Which projects are eligible?
- At least 25 new, full time jobs must be created by the company within 3 years of initial operations and maintained for twice the term of the credit. In some circumstances, projects creating as few as 10 new, full-time, high-salary jobs may also be eligible.
- The average wage rate of the new, full-time jobs must be at least 150% of federal minimum wage.
- If the project involves an expansion or consolidation of an existing facility, the company must commit to retaining the current number of employees.
- The project must involve a substantial fixed-asset investment.
- The company must demonstrate that it is economically sound and financially viable.
- The project must not have started prior to approval by the City and the State.
- Significant portions of the sales or revenues attributable to service projects must be generated from outside the state.
- Existing jobs for intrastate relocation projects are ineligible. New retail projects and lower-paying service projects are also ineligible.
- The company must demonstrate that the tax credit is a major factor in its decision to expand or locate in Cincinnati.
- The company must maintain its operations at the site for at least twice the term of the credit.
How do I learn more?
Contact the City of Cincinnati's Economic Development Division at (513) 352-2499 or edinfo@cincinnati-oh.gov
To learn more about the Ohio program, contact the Ohio Department of Development at (513) 852-2826.