State Designated Area Tax Credits

Each year, all 159 Georgia counties are assigned to one of four tiers based on the unemployment rate, per capita income, and poverty rate. Certain areas of the state have special designations that supersede the county tier assignment. Projects in these special zones can create fewer jobs to qualify for JTCs, may earn a higher credit value, and can use the credits in more ways. Additionally, all companies – regardless of industry – that create at least two net new eligible jobs are allowed to claim JTCs if they are located in one of Georgia’s 40 least-developed counties, an Opportunity Zone or a Military Zone. 

Business located in Marietta's Opportunity Zones (OZs) or Military Zones (MZs) may qualify for the state of Georgia's highest job tax credits.   

Military Zones

The Military Zone Job Tax Credit (JTC) Program provides additional benefits to businesses located in specified census tracts or additionally designated areas, which are adjacent to a military base and considered to be "less developed" or have a higher rate of poverty. Businesses located in areas designated as Military Zones may qualify for a maximum $3,500 tax credit per job, per year, for up to 5 years when a minimum of two (2) or more eligible net new jobs are created within a single tax year, as long as the jobs are maintained. This Job Tax Credit can be used against 100% of Georgia’s income tax liability and withholding taxes.

A complete overview of the Military Zone job tax credit, including the steps for filing for the job tax credit can be found in the Military Zone Job Tax Credit Fact Sheet. Please contact one of our staff for additional information. Additionally, you can search by using the City’s Property Search Tool. Further, you can explore the state's Department of Community Affairs interactive map for military zone designations here.

Please note: Businesses within these census tracts, which may be affected by the loss of the Military Zone designation, will benefit by filing a Notice of Intent by March 31 of the year of change to preserve existing benefits for an additional three (3) years.  

State Opportunity Zone

Businesses located in areas designated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as an Opportunity Zone may qualify for a maximum $3,500 tax credit per job, per year, for up to 5 years when a minimum of two (2) or more eligible net new jobs are created within a single tax year. The Opportunity Zone Job Tax Credit can be used against 100% of Georgia’s income tax liability and withholding taxes. The law allows for any lawful business to qualify for the credit, regardless of industry. 

A complete overview of the job tax credit in an Opportunity Zone, including the steps for filing for the job tax credit can be found in the Opportunity Zone Job Tax Credit Fact Sheet. Please contact one of our staff for additional information. Additionally, you can search by using the City’s Property Search Tool. Further, you can explore the state's Department of Community Affairs interactive map here.

Please note: Businesses within these census tracts, which may be affected by the loss of an Opportunity Zone designation, will benefit by filing a Notice of Intent by March 31 of the year of change to preserve existing benefits for an additional three (3) years.

Less Developed Census Tracts (LDCTs)

Less Developed Census Tracts are geographic areas within the state that have been identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as having lower levels of socioeconomic status and a greater need for community development. These areas are typically characterized by high levels of poverty, low levels of educational attainment, limited job opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure and services. 

Census Tracts are designated as eligible by the Governor’s office in a yearly Rankings memo. Specifically, the City of Marietta had 8 Census Tracts designated as Less Developed in 2022, and 0 designated as such in 2023. You can explore designated LDCTs in the state of Georgia here.

Historic Tax Credits

Georgia's State Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property is a tax incentive program designed to encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings throughout the state. The program provides state income tax credits to property owners who undertake qualified rehabilitation projects on historic buildings. To be eligible for the program, the building must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or located within a designated historic district, and must be used for income-producing purposes such as rental property, commercial space, or a bed and breakfast. The rehabilitation work must also meet certain standards for preservation and historic restoration. For more details, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs or contact one of our staff.