The City of Crisfield leverages a strategic portfolio of tax incentives designed to lower the barrier for local investment and accelerate job creation. From comprehensive Enterprise Zone credits to the specialized benefits of our Arts and Entertainment District, our municipal government provides the fiscal scaffolding necessary for sustainable business success.
FISCAL FRAMEWORK
Tax
Incentives
We offer specialized pathways for development, including Opportunity Zone capital gains deferral, the Job Creation Tax Credit for workforce expansion, and the 'More Jobs for Marylanders' program for high-growth manufacturers. Each initiative is a testament to our commitment to a robust, diverse economic future for all who choose to invest in Crisfield.
INQUIRIES & SUPPORT
For detailed program descriptions, eligibility assessments, or application assistance, please contact City Hall.
Crisfield Tax Incentives
Strategic property and employment tax credits designed to foster growth in the City of Crisfield. Contact staff@crisfieldcityhall.com for more information.
Arts & Entertainment District
Available for manufacturing, commercial, or industrial properties renovated for use by qualified artists or A&E enterprises. Crisfield offers a 100% tax credit on the increased assessment value for 10 years.
Property Tax Incentives
The owner of a manufacturing, commercial, or industrial property is eligible for a local property tax credit based on the difference between the pre- and post renovation assessments of the property when it has been wholly or partially renovated for use by"qualified residing artists" or "arts and entertainment enterprises." In Crisfield, this incentive is the maximum amount, 100% for the increased value in assessment in both City and County property taxes for 10 years. Contact arts@crisfieldcityhall.com or the A&E Districts Program Director with questions about the incentives available in a particular district.
Artist Income Tax Subtraction Modification
A "qualified residing artist" who lives in Maryland and sells "artistic work" in any of the 25 A&E Districts throughout the State is eligible for the income tax subtraction modification on income derived from their in-district sales (for performing artists, this includes income derived from performances in a district; for all "qualified residing artists", this includes internet sales originating in a district.) Eligible artists should submit a form 502AE with their annual state tax filing to claim the modification.
Admissions & Amusement Tax Exemption
Local governments may exempt from the admissions and amusement tax gross receipts from any admissions or amusement charge imposed by an "arts and entertainment enterprise" or a "qualifying residing artist" in an A&E District. Please visit the State Comptroller's Office website or contact the office for additional information, or see CrisfieldArts.org
The EZ program provides real property and state income tax credits for businesses located in a Maryland enterprise zone in return for job creation and investments. Businesses located in Focus Areas may be also qualified for personal property tax credits on new investment in personal property and enhanced income tax credit for creating new jobs.
JCTC provides an income tax credit to eligible businesses that locate or expand in the state and create a minimum number of net new full-time positions. The credit is equal to $3,000 per new job. The credit increases to $5,000 per new job if the business locates or expands in a revitalization area (state enterprise zone, federal empowerment zone, DHCD Sustainable Community, or Tier 1 County). The credit increases if the new full-time position is filled by a qualified veteran employee. The enhanced credit is equal to $4,000 per job that is filled by a qualified veteran employee or $6,000 per job that is filled by a qualified veteran employee in a revitalization area.
JCTC also provides an income tax credit to small businesses that hire at least one qualified veteran employee to fill a net new full-time position. The credit is equal to $2,500 for each qualified veteran employee who has filled the position for at least one year. A small business may not claim the credit for more than five qualified veteran employees in a credit year, or for a qualified veteran employee who is hired to replace a laid-off employee or an employee who is on strike, or for a Qualified Veteran Employee who has filled the position for less than one year. This credit is available starting in tax year 2021. For prior tax years, a small business may be eligible for the Hire Our Veteran Tax Credit.
The Opportunity Zone program is a nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Treasury created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The program provides federal tax incentives for investment in distressed communities over the next 10 years. Areas designated as Opportunity Zones will be able to reap the benefits of new capital investment to help redevelop underserved communities.
The U.S. Treasury has designated the state's 149 Opportunity Zones. The designations will be effective for 10 years. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the program with support from the Maryland Department of Commerce.
In keeping with the goal to make Maryland's Opportunity Zones the most competitive and attractive in the nation, the State of Maryland will support Opportunity Zone investment and projects through a wide variety of programs. These proven and effective resources can assist with all phases of development for a wide variety of projects.
PWQ provides matching training grants and support services targeted to improve the competitive position of small and mid-sized manufacturing and technology companies. Grants are used to increase the skills of existing workers for new technologies and production processes, improve employee productivity and increase employment stability.
CITY OF CRISFIELD • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • TAX INCENTIVES • ENTERPRISE ZONE • OPPORTUNITY ZONE • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT • JOB CREATION • ONE MARYLAND •
Contact the team at the City of Crisfield for more information or to begin your application process.
Reach out directly: staff@crisfieldcityhall.com