New York small businesses: Apply quickly for COVID-19 Capital Costs tax credit

New York State’s 2022-2023 budget included up to $250 million for a COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program, intended to provide financial assistance to qualifying small businesses in the state that incurred expenses while complying with COVID-related public health and emergency orders and regulations.

With applications officially open as of Oct. 25, interested taxpayers should move quickly: Credit will be allocated to qualifying taxpayers based on the date their completed application was submitted, and with the application period now well underway, those who have not yet started theirs should do so as soon as practical. (The final application deadline is March 31, 2023.)  

Taxpayers that qualify for the credit are those that meet the following criteria:

1. Be a small business, defined as “one which is resident in [New York state], independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field and employs 100 or less persons”;
2. Have $2,500,000 or less of gross receipts in the taxable year that includes Dec. 31, 2021;
3. Operate a business location in New York state;
4. Have at least $2,000 in qualifying COVID-19 capital costs; and
5. Be in compliance with any public health or other relevant emergency orders or regulations, and not owe past due state taxes or local property taxes, unless the taxpayer has entered into (and is in compliance with) a binding payment agreement related to the owed tax.

Each qualified taxpayer will be eligible to receive refundable credit for 50% of their qualifying costs, up to $25,000 of credit. Expenses that qualify must be incurred from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2022. As listed in the governor’s release, qualifying expenses include, but are not limited to, the following; see the regulation for a more complete list.

• Supplies to disinfect or protect against COVID-19 transmission
• Costs associated with expanding, or defining space to accommodate social distancing
• HVAC equipment
• Expenses related to increased outdoor activity and outdoor space expansions
• Machinery and equipment to facilitate contactless sales

Interested small businesses should complete the pre-screening process to determine if they are eligible for the credit.

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