168.00.07 Ark. Code R. 006

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
Rule 168.00.07-006 - Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 Rules
I.Introduction

Act 182 of 2003 consolidates six previously existing incentives into one incentive package. The consolidated incentives include:

* Enterprise Zone (Advantage Arkansas);

* Economic Investment Tax Credit (InvestArk);

* Economic Development Incentive Act (Create Rebate);

* Arkansas Economic Development Act (AEDA);

* Emerging Technology Development Act; and

* Biotechnology Training and Development Act.

The Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 also provides incentives for targeted businesses that allow earned income tax credits to be sold which will allow these targeted businesses to realize the benefits of the incentive earlier. In addition, it expands the opportunities for qualified businesses to earn income tax credits based on research and development expenditures.

Other benefits of consolidating incentives include the uniformity of definitions and administration of the various incentives.

A financial incentive agreement will be signed with each eligible business that qualifies for an incentive under this act and is approved by the Commission. The financial incentive agreement will be the primary document outlining the benefits to be received and the start and end date of the project. It will also serve as the primary source document when the Department of Finance and Administration audits the business to verify compliance.

The financial incentive agreement shall:

*Specify the effective date of the agreement;

*Specify the term of the agreement, which shall be calculated from the date the agreement is signed by the business and the Commission;

*Specify the incentive the business is to receive;

*Specify the investment and/or payroll threshold requirements necessary to qualify for eligibility.

*Specify the eligible businesses' responsibilities for certifying eligibility requirements; and

*Specify the approved businesses' responsibilities for failure to meet or maintain eligibility requirements.

II.Definitions
1. "Applied research" means any activity that seeks to utilize, synthesize, or apply existing knowledge, information, or resources to the resolution of a specific problem, question, or issue;
2. "The Authority" means the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.
3. "Average hourly wage" means the weekly earnings, excluding overtime, bonuses, and company paid benefits, of all new full-time permanent employees hired after the date of the signed financial incentive agreement, divided by the number of new full-time permanent employees, divided by forty (40);
4. "Basic research" means any original investigation for the advancement of scientific or technological knowledge;
5. "Business component" means any product, process, computer software, technique, formula or invention held for sale, lease or license or used in trade or business of the taxpayer;
6. "Contractual employee" means an employee who:
A. May be included in the payroll calculations of a business qualifying for benefits under this act and is under the direct supervision of the business receiving benefits under this act, but is an employee of a business other than the one receiving benefits under this act;
B. Otherwise meets the requirements of a new full-time permanent employee of the business receiving benefits under this act; and
C. Receives a benefits package comparable to direct employees of the business receiving benefits under this act;
7. "Corporate headquarters" means:
A. The facility or portion of a facility where corporate staff employees are physically employed, and where the majority of the company's financial, personnel, legal, planning, information technology, or other headquarters related functions are handled either on a regional basis or national basis. These facilities include establishments primarily engaged in administering, overseeing, and managing other establishments of the company or enterprise as classified in sector 551114 of the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) effective January 1, 2007;
B. A corporate headquarters must be a regional corporate headquarters or a national corporate headquarters;
8. "County or state average hourly wage" means
A. The weighted average weekly earnings for Arkansans in all industries, both statewide and county wide, as calculated by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services in their most recent Annual

Covered Employment and Earnings publication, divided by forty (40).

B. The average hourly wage threshold determined at the signing of the financial incentive agreement shall be the threshold for the term of the agreement;
9. "Commission" means the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
10. "Director" means the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
11. "Distribution center" means a facility for the reception, storage, and shipping of:
A. A business' own products or products that the business wholesales to retail businesses or ships to its own retail outlets if seventy-five percent (75%) of the sales revenues are from out of state customers;
B. Products owned by other companies with which the business has contracts for storage and shipping if seventy-five percent (75%) of the sales revenues of the product owner are from out-of-state customers; or
C. Products for sale to the general public if seventy-five percent (75%) of the sales revenues are from out-of-state customers;
12. "Eligible businesses" means non-retail businesses engaged in commerce for profit that meet the eligibility requirements for the applicable incentive offered by this subchapter, and fall into one (1) or more of the following categories:
A.
(i) Manufacturers classified in sectors 31-33 in the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), as in effect January 1, 2007.
(ii) Manufacturers classified in sectors 20-39 according to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) standards but which are classified under NAICS in another sector;
B.
(i) Businesses primarily engaged in the design and development of prepackaged software, digital content production and preservation, computer processing and data preparation services, or information retrieval services.
(ii) All businesses in this group shall derive at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their sales revenue from out of state;
C.
(i) Businesses primarily engaged in motion picture productions.
(ii) All businesses in this group shall derive at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their sales revenue from out of state;
D. A distribution center or intermodal facility;
E. An office sector business;
F. A national or regional corporate headquarters, North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code 551114, as in effect January 1, 2007;
G. Firms primarily engaged in commercial, physical and biological research as classified in the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 541710, as in effect January 1, 2007;
H.
(i) Scientific and technical services business.
(ii)
(a) All businesses in this group shall derive at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their sales revenue from out of state; and
(b)
(1) The average hourly wages paid by businesses in this group shall exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the county or state average hourly wage, whichever is less.
(2) The average hourly wage threshold determined at the signing of the financial incentive agreement shall be the threshold for the term of the agreement; and
I. The Director may classify a non-retail business as an eligible business if the following conditions exist:
(i) The business must derive at least seventy-five percent (75%) of its sales revenue from out of state; and
(ii) The business proposes to pay wages in excess of one hundred ten percent (110%) of the county or state average wage, whichever is less.
13. "Endorsement resolution" means a resolution approved by the governing body of the municipality or county within whose jurisdiction the project facility is located which:
1. Approves the specific entity's participation in the program; and
2. Specifies that the municipality or county authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to refund local sales and use taxes to the approved business. A municipality or county can authorize the refund of a tax levied by it but may not authorize a refund of any tax not levied by it.
14. "Equity investment" means capital invested in common or preferred stock, royalty or intellectual property rights, limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests, and any other securities or rights that evidence ownership in private businesses, including a federal agency's award of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant. For the purposes of this act, subordinated debt may also be considered an equity investment;
15. "Existing employees" means:
A. Those employees hired by the business before the date the financial incentive agreement was signed.
B.
(i) Existing employees may be considered new full-time permanent employees only if:
(ii)
(a) The position or job filled by the existing employee was created in accordance with the signed financial incentive agreement; and
(b) The position vacated by the existing employee was either filled by a subsequent employee or no subsequent employee will be hired because the business no longer conducts the particular business activity requiring that classification;
C. If the Director of the Economic Development Commission and the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration find that a significant impairment of job opportunities for existing employees will otherwise occur, they may jointly authorize existing employees to qualify as new full-time permanent employees;
16. "Facility" means a single physical location at which the eligible business is conducting its operations. A physical location may consist of more than one facility of the eligible business located on non-contiguous property within the same incorporated city that is conducting similar or complimentary activity.
17. "Financial incentive agreement" means an agreement entered into by an eligible business and the Commission to provide the business an incentive to locate a new business or expand an existing business in Arkansas;
18. "Fund" means the Arkansas Economic Development Incentive Fund;
19. "Governing authority" means the quorum court of a county or the governing body of a municipality;
20. "In-house research" means:
A.
(i) Applied research supported by the business through the purchase of supplies for research activities and payment of wages and usual fringe benefits for employees of the business who conduct research activities in research facilities:
(a) Dedicated to the conduct of research activities;
(b) Operated by the business; and
(c) Performed primarily under laboratory, clinical, or field experimental conditions for the purpose of reducing a concept or idea to practice, or to advance a concept or idea, or improvement thereon, to the point of practical application.
(ii) "In-house research" includes experimental or laboratory activity to develop new products, improve existing products, or develop new uses of products, but only to the extent that activity is conducted in Arkansas.
B. "In-house research" does not include tests or inspection of materials or products for quality control, efficiency surveys, management studies, other market research, or any other ordinary and necessary expenses of conducting business;
21. "Intellectual property" means an invention, discovery, or new idea that the legal entity responsible for commercialization has decided to legally protect for possible commercial gain, based on the disclosure of the creator;
22. "Intermodal facility" means a facility with more than one (1) mode of interconnected movement of freight, commerce, or passengers;
23. "Investment threshold" means the minimum amount of investment in project cost that must be incurred in order to qualify for eligibility;
24. "Invest" or "Investment" means money expended by or on behalf of an approved eligible business that seeks to begin or expand operations in Arkansas and, without the infusion of capital, the location or expansion may not occur.
25. "Lease" means a right to possession of real property for a specific term in return for consideration, as determined in a lease agreement by both parties.
26. "Modernization" means:
A. An increase in efficiency or productivity of a business through investment in machinery, equipment, or both.
B. "Modernization" does not include costs for routine maintenance or the installation of equipment that does not improve efficiency or productivity, except for expenditures for pollution control equipment mandated by state or federal laws or regulations;
27. "National corporate headquarters" means the sole corporate headquarters in the nation that handles headquarters related functions on a national basis;
28. "New full-time permanent employee" means:
A.
(i) A position or job that was created pursuant to the signed financial incentive agreement and that is filled by one (1) or more employees or contractual employees working at the facility identified in the financial incentive agreement who were Arkansas taxpayers during the year in which the tax credits or incentives were earned. Existing employees may not be considered New full-time permanent employees unless certain conditions are met as defined herein.
(ii) The position or job held by the employee or employees shall have been filled for at least twenty-six (26) consecutive weeks with an average of at least thirty (30) hours per week.
B. However, to qualify under this act, a contractual employee shall be offered a benefits package comparable to a direct employee of the business seeking incentives under this act;
29. "Non-retail business" means a business that derives less than ten percent (10%) of its total Arkansas revenue from sales to the general public;
30. "Office sector business" means:
A. Business operations that support primary business needs, including, but not limited to, customer service, credit accounting, telemarketing, claims processing, and other administrative functions;
B. All businesses in this group must be non-retail businesses and derive at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their sales revenue from out of state;
31. "Payroll" means the total taxable wages, including overtime and bonuses, paid during the preceding tax year of the eligible business to new full-time permanent employees hired after the date of the signed financial incentive agreement;
32. "Person" means:
A. An individual, trust, estate, fiduciary, firm, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.
B. "Person" includes:
(i) The directors, officers, agents, and employees of any person;
(ii) Beneficiaries, members, managers, and partners; and
(iii) Any county or municipal subdivision of the state;
33. "Preconstruction costs" means the cost of eligible items incurred before the start of construction, including;
(A) Project planning costs;
(B) Architectural and engineering fees;
(C) Right-of-way purchases;
(D) Utility extensions;
(E) Site preparations;
(F) Purchase of mineral rights;
(G) Building demolition;
(H) Builder's risk insurance;
(I) Capitalized start-up costs;
(J) Deposits and process payments on eligible machinery and equipment; and
(K) Other costs necessary to prepare for the start of construction;
34. "Project" means costs associated with the:
A.
(i) Construction of a new plant or facility;
(ii) Expansion of an established plant or facility by adding to the building, production equipment, or support infrastructure; or
(iii) Modernization of an established plant or facility through the replacement of production or processing equipment or support infrastructure that improves efficiency or productivity.
B. "Project" does not include:
(i) Expenditures for routine repair and maintenance that do not result in new construction, expansion or modernization;
(ii) Routine operating expenditures;
(iii) Expenditures incurred at multiple facilities; or
(iv) The purchase or acquisition of an existing business unless:
(a) There is sufficient documentation that the existing business was closed; and
(b) The purchase of the existing business will result in the retention of the jobs that would have been lost due to the closure.
C. Eligible project costs must be incurred within four (4) years from the date the financial incentive agreement was signed by the Commission;
35. "Project plan" means a plan:
A. Submitted to the Commission containing such information as may be required by the director to determine eligibility for benefits; and
B. That, if approved, is a supplement to the financial incentive agreement;
36. "Qualified business" means an eligible business that:
A. Has met the qualifications for one (1) or more economic development incentives authorized by this act; and
B.
(i) Has signed a financial incentive agreement with the Commission; or
(ii) Is involved in a research and development program administered by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority;
37. "Qualified research expenditures" means the sum of any amounts which are paid or incurred by an Arkansas taxpayer during the taxable year in funding a qualified research program which has been approved for tax credit treatment under rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission;
38. "Region" or "regional" means a geographic area comprised of two (2) or more states, including this state;
39. "Regional corporate headquarters" means a site that:
A. Is the sole corporate headquarters within the region; and
B. Handles headquarters related functions on a regional basis;
40. "Research and development programs of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority" means statutory programs operated by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority under §§ 15-3-101 to 15-3-135;
41. "Research area of strategic value" means research in fields having long-term economic or commercial value to the state, and that have been identified in the research and development plan approved from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority;
42. "Scientific and technical services business" means a business:
A. Primarily engaged in performing scientific and technical activities for others, including:
(i) Architectural and engineering design; or
(ii) Computer programming and computer systems design; or
B. Selling expertise; or
C. Having production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills; and
D. Deriving at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their sales revenue from out of state; and
E. Paying average hourly wages that exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the county or state average hourly wage, whichever is less;
43. "Start of construction" means any activity that causes a physical change to the building, property, or both, identified as the site of the approved project, but excluding engineering surveys, soil tests, land clearing, and extension of roads and utilities to the project site;
44. "Strategic research" means research that has strategic economic or long-term commercial value to the state and that is identified in the research and development plan approved from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority;
45. "Support infrastructure" means physical assets necessary for the business to operate, including, but not limited to, water systems, wastewater systems, gas and electric utilities, roads, bridges, parking lots and communication infrastructure;
46. "Targeted businesses" means:
A. A grouping of growing business sectors, the businesses of which:
(i) Have been operating in the state for less than five (5) years. For purposes of determining this criteria, the targeted business is considered operating in Arkansas when the minimum annual payroll threshold is met and the minimum equity investment has been constructively received. Once these thresholds are met, the business has five (5) years in which it is eligible to apply as targeted business;
(ii) Pay at least one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the lesser of the county or state average wage; and
(iii) That have been selected to receive special benefits.
B. Those groupings, not to exceed six (6), include the following:
(i) Advanced materials and manufacturing systems;
(ii) Agriculture, food and environmental sciences;
(iii) Biotechnology, bioengineering and life sciences;
(iv) Information technology;
(v) Transportation logistics;
(vi) Bio-based products;
47. "Technological information" means information derived from basic or applied research that provides an improved practical understanding of the business component; and
48. "Tiers" means the ranking of the seventy-five (75) counties of Arkansas into four (4) divisions that delineate the economic prosperity of the counties and allow for different levels of benefits.
III.Tiers

Except for the retention investment credits (InvestArk) in 15-4-2706(c), the research and development credits in 15-4-2708, and the payroll income tax credit for targeted businesses in 15-4-2709; all benefits provided in this act are determined in relation to the tier of the county in which the project is located. The state's 75 counties are divided into four tiers, with Tier 1 counties being the most prosperous counties and Tier 4 counties being the least prosperous counties. Tiers are determined annually by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by ranking four variables: poverty rate, population growth, per capita income and unemployment rate. A county ranking is determined for each of these variables using a consistent source and the four rankings are totaled and divided by four to obtain an overall ranking. It is the intention of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to place 15 counties in Tier 1 and 20 counties in Tiers 2, 3 and 4. If there is a tie between two or more counties for overall rankings at the break point for tiers, the counties with a tie score will be placed in the higher tier.

A county's tier might be moved to one higher tier if the county has experienced a sudden and severe period of economic distress, as indicated by a loss of more than five percent of the employed labor force. The most recent Labor Market Information publication, published by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, is used as the reference to determine a loss of five percent of the employed labor force. The movement to a higher tier is authorized by action of the Arkansas Economic Development Council after having received a request from a county official from within the county in question. A business that had signed a financial incentive agreement with the Commission prior to the action of the Council to move a county to a higher tier, shall receive the benefit assigned to it at the time of the signing of the financial incentive agreement for the duration of the agreement, regardless of any subsequent change of a county's tier assignment.

IV.Powers and Duties of the Economic Development Commission

The Commission shall administer the provisions of the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 and shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those mentioned in other laws of the state:

1. To promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., necessary to carry out the provisions of the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003;
2. To provide the Department of Finance and Administration with a copy of each financial incentive agreement entered into by the Commission with each qualifying business;
3. To assist the governing authority in obtaining assistance from any other department of state government, including assistance to new businesses and industries;
4. To assist any employer or prospective employer with a qualifying project in obtaining the benefits of any incentive or inducement program authorized by state law;
5. To act as a liaison between other state agencies and businesses and industries to assure that both the spirit and intent of this act are met;
6. To make disbursements from the Economic Development Incentive Fund to qualified businesses as authorized in § 15-4-2707 of the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003; and
7. The Director of the Commission is authorized to negotiate proposals on behalf of the state with prospective businesses which are considering locating a new facility or expanding an existing facility that would seek the benefits of §§ 15-4-2706(b), 15-4-2706(e), 15-4-2707, 15-4-2708(c) or 15-4-2709.
V.Administration
1.
A. If the annual payroll threshold of the business applying for benefits under this act is not met within twenty-four (24) months after the signing of the financial incentive agreement, the business may request, in writing for an extension of time to reach the required payroll threshold.
B.
(i) If the Director of the Commission and the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration find that the approved business has presented compelling reasons for an extension of time, the Director of the Commission may grant an extension of time not to exceed forty-eight (48) months.
(ii) However, the extension on projects applying for benefits under § 15-4-2705 are limited to a twenty-four (24) month extension.
C.
(i) If a business fails to reach the annual payroll threshold before the expiration of the twenty-four (24) months, or the time period established by a subsequent extension of time, that business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits previously received by the business.
(ii)
(a) After a business has failed to reach the annual payroll threshold in a timely manner, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two (2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(b)
(1) If the annual payroll of a business receiving benefits under this act falls below the payroll threshold for qualification in a year subsequent to the one in which it initially qualified for the incentive, the benefits outlined in the financial incentive agreement will be terminated unless the business files a written application for an extension of benefits with the Commission explaining why the payroll has fallen below the level required for qualification.
(2) The Director of the Commission and the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration may approve the request for extension of time, not to exceed twenty-four (24) months, for the business to bring the payroll back up to the requisite threshold amount and may approve the continuation of benefits during the period the extension is granted.
(3) If the business fails to reach the payroll threshold before the expiration of the time period established by a subsequent extension of time, the business shall be liable for the repayment of all benefits paid to the business after it no longer qualified for the benefits.
(c)
(1) If a business fails to reach the investment threshold before the expiration of the four (4) year time limit, that business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits previously received by the business.
(2) After a business has failed to reach the investment threshold of this act in a timely manner, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two (2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(d)
(1) If a business fails to reach the average hourly wage requirement for benefits under this act, the business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits previously received by the business.
(2) After a business has failed to meet the hourly wage requirements, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two (2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(e)
(1) If a business fails to meet the non-retail business requirements of this act, the business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits previously received by the business.
(2) After a business has failed to meet the non-retail business requirements, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two (2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(f)
(1) Eligible businesses whose qualification depends on deriving seventy-five percent (75%) of their sales from out-of-state customers shall meet this requirement within three (3) years from the date of their financial incentive agreement.
(2)
(A) If the requirement is not met within three (3) years of the signed financial incentive agreement, the business may request, in writing, an extension of time to reach the required sales threshold.
(B) If the Director of the Commission finds that the business has presented compelling reasons for an extension of time, the director may grant an extension of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.
(g)
(1) If a business fails to timely meet the out-of-state sales requirements of this act, the business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits previously received by the business.
(2) After a business has failed to meet the out-of-state sales requirements, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two (2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(h)
(1) If a business fails to notify the Department of Finance and Administration that the annual payroll of the business has fallen below the threshold for qualification for and retention of any incentive authorized by this act, that business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits which were paid to the business after it no longer qualified for the benefits.
(2) After a business has failed to notify the Department of Finance and Administration that the business has fallen below the payroll threshold, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two (2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(3) Interest shall also be due at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
(i) The Department of Finance and Administration may obtain whatever information is necessary from a participating business and from the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services to verify that a business that has entered into financial incentive agreements with the Commission is complying with the terms of the financial incentive agreements and reporting accurate information concerning investments, payrolls, and out-of-state revenues to the Department of Finance and Administration.
(j) The Department of Finance and Administration may file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Pulaski County, or the circuit court in any county where a program participant is located, to enforce the repayment provisions of this act.
(k)
(1) If a business fails to satisfy or maintain any other requirement or threshold of this act, that business will be liable for the repayment of all benefits received after it no longer qualified.
(2) After a business has failed to comply with the requirements or thresholds of this act, the Department of Finance and Administration shall have two(2) years to collect benefits previously received by the business or file a lawsuit to enforce the repayment provisions.
(l) If a repayment is required as a result of not complying with the requirements or thresholds of this act, interest shall be due at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
VI.Coordination with other economic development incentives

To provide an orderly transition between the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 and the six incentive programs it incorporates from previous legislative actions, Section 15-4-2714 specifies that any eligible business that signs a financial incentive agreement with the Commission prior to the effective date of the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 (March 3, 2003) shall be provided only the benefits authorized under one of the following six existing incentives:

1. Biotechnology Training and Development Act, §§ 2-8-101 to 2-8-109;
2. Economic Development Incentive Act of 1993 (Create Rebate), §§ 15-4-1601 to 15-4-1609;
3. Arkansas Enterprise Zone Act of 1993, §§ 15-4-1701 to 15-4-1709;
4. Arkansas Economic Development Act of 1995, §§ 15-4-1901 to 15-4-1908;
5. Economic Investment Tax Credit Act, §§ 26-52-701 to 26-52-706; and
6. Arkansas Emerging Technology Development Act of 1999, §§ 15-4-2101 to 15-4-2107.

Eligible businesses signing an agreement after the effective date of the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 (March 3, 2003) shall receive only the benefits for which they qualify, or are approved for, under the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003. Benefits for the same project cannot be obtained under the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 and any of the incentives, enumerated above, which it replaced.

In the section that follows, each incentive program will be addressed individually and restrictions on the use of that incentive with other incentives will be noted.

VII.Incentive programs contained within the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003

The incentive programs below require that a potentially eligible business submit an application and a project plan to the Commission prior to incurring project costs and hiring new employees associated with the project. In some cases, once an application is processed and signed by the Commission, the application with supporting information becomes a financial incentive agreement.

The date an application is received by the Commission is the earliest date benefits may be accrued. An application should be submitted prior to incurring any project cost or hiring new employees associated with the project.

A. Job Creation Income Tax Credit (Advantage Arkansas) - Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2705.

The Advantage Arkansas program provides an Arkansas income tax credit based upon a percentage of the annual payroll paid to the new full-time permanent employees hired as a result of an approved project. The tier in which the project is located determines the qualifying payroll threshold as well as the income tax benefit calculation.

The date of the financial incentive agreement is the beginning date in determining when the payroll threshold must be met. Only those employees hired after the date of the financial incentive agreement are eligible for the income tax credits (except as provided in Section II (15)).

The income tax credit earned cannot be used to offset more than 50% of a business' income tax liability in any one tax year. Any unused credits can be carried forward for nine (9) years beyond the year in which they were earned or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Income tax credits are earned in the tax year in which the new full-time permanent employees qualify after the financial incentive agreement was signed with the Commission. At the end of each tax year, during the term of the agreement, it is the responsibility of the qualified business to file the Advantage Arkansas Program Employee Payroll Certification Audit Request with the Department of Finance and Administration (DF&A) . This certification provides the number of new permanent employees and their payroll during the preceding tax year and is the mechanism to initiate the verification audit. Therefore, the company must certify annually at the end each tax year to DF & A.

The Company shall be entitled to receive income tax credits for which it has remained eligible under the Act and for which has provided timely certification in support thereof, for each subsequent tax year during the term of the agreement. The term of the financial incentive agreement shall be for a period of sixty (60) months, beginning on the date of the approved financial incentive agreement.

The income tax credit for the tax year in which new employees qualify will be based on the payroll paid to each new full-time permanent employee from their hire date to the end of the tax year. In order to be counted as a new full-time permanent employee during any tax year, the employee must have worked a minimum of twenty-six (26) consecutive weeks with an average of at least thirty (30) hours per week. The payroll threshold of the new full-time permanent employees must be met by the business within twenty-four (24) months following the date the financial incentive agreement was signed (except as provided in Section V (1).

The threshold for qualifying for the Advantage Arkansas job creation tax credit and the benefit received is dependent upon the tier in which the project is located:

1.Tier 1 Counties - An eligible business must have a payroll of new full-time permanent employees in excess of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) in order to qualify. The benefit is a tax credit equal to one percent (1%) of the payroll paid to the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement;
2.Tier 2 Counties - An eligible business must have a payroll of new full-time permanent employees in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in order to qualify. The benefit is a tax credit equal to two percent (2%) of the payroll paid to the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement;
3.Tier 3 Counties - An eligible business must have a payroll of new full-time permanent employees in excess of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) in order to qualify. The benefit is a tax credit equal to three percent (3%) of the payroll paid to the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement; and
4.Tier 4 Counties - An eligible business must have a payroll of new full-time permanent employees in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in order to qualify. The benefit is a tax credit equal to four percent (4%) of the payroll paid to the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement.

Example: An eligible business intends to expand its operation in a Tier 3 county and will be adding 25 new full-time permanent employees earning $15 per hour. In a Tier 3 county, a payroll threshold of $75,000 must be met in order to qualify for the job creation tax credit equal to three percent of payroll. ($15 per hour X 2080 hours = $31,200 per employee X 25 jobs = $780,000 annual payroll X 3% = $23,400 income tax credit earned for each of the next five years.) This example assumes that all 25 new full-time permanent employees were hired at the beginning of the first year and worked forty (40) hours per week.

Notes: Benefit calculations could change given the following circumstances:

* The number of jobs is increased or decreased;

* If all of the new jobs are not filled at the beginning of the first year;

* The pay level is decreased or increased; and

* If the payroll falls below the $75,000 required for qualification in a Tier 3 county, the business may request an extension of up to 24 months to regain the minimum payroll threshold. If the business fails to regain the threshold amount, the business shall be liable for repayment of any benefits received after it no longer qualified.

Combination with other incentives: The job creation income tax credit (Advantage Arkansas) authorized in 15-4-2705 may be combined with:

* The payroll rebate (Create Rebate) authorized in 15-4-2707, if approved by the Director;

* The research and development income tax credit for university based research authorized by 15-4-2708(a);

* The research and development income tax credit for in-house research authorized by 15-4-2708(b); and

* Either the retention investment incentive (InvestArk) authorized in 15-4-2706(c); or

* The sales and use tax refund investment incentive (Tax Back) authorized by 15-4-2706(d).

B. Payroll Rebate - Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2707.

The payroll rebate incentive, also known as "Create Rebate", is offered only at the discretion of the Director. Like the Advantage Arkansas job creation income tax credit, the payroll rebate is based on the payroll of new full-time permanent employees.

The date of the financial incentive agreement is the beginning date in determining when the payroll threshold must be met. Only the payroll of those employees hired after the date of the financial incentive agreement is eligible for the rebate (except as provided in Section II (15)). A minimum payroll of two million dollars ($2 million), (payroll threshold) for new full-time permanent employees is required in order to qualify for this incentive.

The payroll rebate for the tax year in which new employees qualify will be based on the payroll paid to each new full-time permanent employee from their hire date to the end of the tax year. In order to be counted as a new full-time permanent employee during any tax year, the employee must have worked a minimum of twenty-six (26) consecutive weeks with an average of at least thirty (30) hours per week. The payroll threshold of the new full-time permanent employees must be met by the business within twenty-four (24) months following the date the financial incentive agreement was signed (except as provided in Section V (1).

It is the responsibility of the qualified business to file the Create Rebate Program New Full Time Permanent Employee Payroll Certification with the Department of Finance and Administration (DF&A) when the requisite $2,000,000 payroll threshold has been attained. This certification provides the number of new full-time permanent employees hired, together with the dollar amount of their payroll. Thereafter, the Company shall recertify the number of new full-time permanent employees and payroll amounts annually at the end of each tax year. The certification to DF& A is the mechanism to initiate the verification audit. Therefore, the company must certify annually at the end each tax year to DF&A. Failure of the company to certify payroll amounts annually to the Department of Finance and Administration may result in a denial in payment of benefits or a delay in the payment of benefits. The offering of this incentive is intended to provide benefits to companies locating or expanding in Arkansas. In the event the approved company ceases the operations of the facility for which the incentives are offered, the incentive agreement will be terminated and any benefits accrued and not claimed as of the date of closure will be forfeited.

The payroll rebate (Create Rebate) benefit can only be authorized at the discretion of the Director in the form of a written proposal and may be offered for up to ten (10) years. The term of the agreement depends on the benefit to the state as determined by a cost-benefit analysis performed by the Commission. If the proposal is accepted by the company, a financial incentive agreement is signed by the Commission and the company. With the exception of targeted businesses, the benefit allowed is dependent upon the tier in which the business locates as follows:

(1)Tier 1 Counties - A incentive payment equal to 3.9% of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement;
(2)Tier 2 Counties - A incentive payment equal to 4.25% of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement;
(3)Tier 3 Counties - A incentive payment equal to 4.5% of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement; and
(4)Tier 4 Counties - A incentive payment equal to 5.0% of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees for the term of the agreement.

At the discretion of the Director, an eligible business located in a tier 1, 2 or 3 county may be authorized to receive an increased benefit, up to 5.0%, of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees if the following conditions are met:

(i) The business is considering a location in another state;
(ii) The business derives at least 75% of its sales from out of state; and
(iii) The business proposes to pay wages in excess of 100% of the county average wage of the county in which it locates.

Payroll Rebate for Targeted Businesses:

The payroll rebate incentive payment for targeted businesses is equal to five percent (5%) of the payroll of the new full time permanent employees for a period not to exceed ten (10) years provided that the following conditions are met:

(i) The average hourly wage of the new full-time permanent employees must be at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the state or county average hourly wage, whichever is less, and
(ii) The payroll of the new full-time permanent employees exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).

The payroll rebate for targeted businesses may not be used in conjunction with the income tax credit provided in Section D of these rules and regulations.

Example: An eligible business plans on locating in a Tier 2 county and plans to hire 65 employees at an average wage of $19 per hour. In Tier 2 a payroll rebate of 4.25% of payroll of new full-time permanent employees may be granted. A minimum annual payroll of $2 million is required to qualify for this incentive. In this example, the Director agrees to award the payroll rebate for a period of three (3) years. ($19 per hour X 2080 = $39,520 per employee X 65 jobs = $2,568,800 annual payroll X 4.25% = $109,174 payroll rebate for each of the next three years.) This example assumes that all 65 new full-time permanent employees were hired at the beginning of the first year and worked forty (40) hours per week.

Notes: Benefit calculations could change given any of the following circumstances:

* The business decided to locate in another tier;

* The Director awards a shorter or longer term for the benefit;

* The payroll increases due to either raises being given or new employees added to the payroll;

* The payroll decreases (if the payroll falls below the $2 million threshold for qualification, the business may request an extension of up to 24 months to regain the threshold payroll); and

* If the business fails to regain the payroll threshold amount, the business shall be liable for repayment of all benefits previously received.

Combination with other incentives: The payroll rebate (Create Rebate) incentive authorized in 15-4-2707, if offered by the Director, may be combined with:

* The job creation income tax credit (Advantage Arkansas) authorized by 15-4-2705;

* Either the retention investment incentive (InvestArk) authorized by 15-4-2706(c)or the sales and use tax refund incentive (Tax Back) authorized by 15-4-2706(d), the approved business would choose between these two, but cannot take both;

* If the business is also offered the ArkPlus investment incentive authorized by 15-4-2706(b), the business will also be eligible to receive the sales and use tax refund (Tax Back) authorized by 15-4-2706(d) but will not be eligible for the retention sales and use tax credit (InvestArk) authorized by 15-4-2706(c) or for the job creation income tax credit (Advantage Arkansas) authorized by 15-4-2705;

* The research and development income tax incentive for university based research authorized by 15-4-2708(a); and

* The research and development income tax incentive for in-house research authorized by 15-4-2708(b).

C. Investment Incentives
1. Retention Sales and Use Tax Credit (InvestArk) - Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2706(c).

The qualifications and benefits for this incentive are the same in all four tiers. In order to qualify, a business must:

1) Have been in continuous operation in the state for at least two (2) years;
2) Invest a minimum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in a project (including land, buildings and equipment); and
3) Hold a direct-pay sales and use tax permit from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

In order to obtain benefits under the InvestArk program, a business must apply to the Commission, using forms provided by the Commission, and be approved based on the qualifications submitted in the application and the accompanying project plan. With the exception of preconstruction costs, only those costs incurred after the Commission's approval are eligible in calculating the benefit of this program.

The project plan shall clearly identify the scope of the project, the time frame in which the project is to be started and completed and a complete listing of estimated project expenditures. All project costs must be incurred within four (4) years from the date the project is approved by the Commission however a qualified business that enters into a lease for building or equipment for a period in excess of five (5) years may count the lease payments for the first five (5) years of the lease agreement as qualifying expenditures. The first five (5) years of qualified lease payments should be claimed in the expenditure year in which the lease is signed.

The project plan may be revised by written amendment filed with the Commission. The Commission's approval of an amendment will not extend the time period in which project costs may be incurred. Amendments that exceed 25% of the original project plan's estimated cost will not be considered and shall be submitted as a new project.

The benefit of the InvestArk program is a sales and use tax credit based on a percentage of qualified expenditures. The percentage used to determine the amount of sales and use tax credits earned is one-half of one percent (0.5%) above the state sales and use tax rate in effect at the time the financial incentive agreement is signed with the Commission.

The credit may be applied against the business' direct-pay state sales and use tax liability in the year following the year of expenditure. Any unused credits may be carried forward for a period of up to five (5) years. In any year, tax credits taken under this program cannot exceed 50% of the business' sales and use tax liability on taxable purchases.

Once a business has qualified for the benefits of the InvestArk incentive, the Commission will notify the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration that the project has been approved and will transmit the documents upon which the qualification was based.

The Commission's approval of any application is for content only. It does not constitute approval of all items listed on the application or the project plan. These items will be reviewed and either approved or ruled ineligible by an audit by the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration (DF&A).

DF& A is authorized to conduct an audit to determine eligibility of reported project expenditures. The audit may be conducted after credits have been issued and used. If expenditures upon which credits have been issued are determined to be ineligible, the amount of credit will be adjusted, which may result in the repayment of all taxes.

It is the responsibility of the qualified business to file a Annual Project Expenditure Report (Form InvestArk 2000) annually at the end of each calendar year with the Department of Finance and Administration to report the eligible project expenditures incurred during the preceding calendar year. Upon determining the amount of credit earned during that calendar year, the Department of Finance and Administration shall issue a memorandum of credit to the qualified business. The issuance of the credit does not imply the eligibility of the expenditures, which are subject to audit at a later date.

Example: A manufacturing firm is adding a new product line and will require additional space as well as new processing equipment. The total cost of the project, with land, building and equipment, totals $7,754,000. The business has been in operation for over 15 years in Arkansas, meeting the two-year residency requirement of this incentive. After being approved by and signing a financial incentive agreement with the Commission, the manufacturing firm is eligible for a sales and use tax credit of 6.5% (one-half a percent over the rate of 6.0% as of July 1, 2007). At the end of each calendar year, until project completion, the business shall certify to the Department of Finance and Administration the amount of project expenditures incurred during the previous calendar year and shall be granted a sales and use tax credit. If the business had spent $7,754,000 in eligible expenditures in the previous calendar year, the total sales and use tax credit based upon a sales tax rate of 6.0% ($7,754,000 X 6.5%) would be $504,010, which could be used the following year and any unused credit could be carried forward for an additional five years. In any year, the amount of the sales and use tax credit used cannot exceed 50% of the business' sales and use tax liability on taxable purchases.

Notes: The benefit calculations above could change given any of the following circumstances:

* The sales tax rate was increased or decreased prior to the signing of a financial incentive agreement with the Commission. Once a business has signed a financial incentive agreement with the Commission, the sales tax rate and benefit will be "locked in" regardless of any subsequent change to the sales tax rate during the term of the project.

* The project fails to reach the minimum investment threshold of $5 million. Should benefits be received for project expenditures and the threshold expenditure of $5 million not be met, the recapture provisions of Section V of these regulations may be invoked by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Combination with other incentives: The retention tax credit (InvestArk) authorized in 15-4-2706(c) may be combined with:

* The job creation tax credit (Advantage Arkansas) as authorized in 15-4-2705;

* The payroll rebate (Create Rebate), if offered by the Director, as authorized in 15-4-2707;

* The research and development income tax incentive for university based research authorized by 15-4-2708(a); and

* The research and development income tax incentive for in-house research authorized by 15-4-2708(b).

2. Investment Income Tax Credit (ArkPlus)- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2706(b).

This incentive is awarded only at the discretion of the Director. In order to qualify, the business must apply to the Commission and be approved by the Director and meet both the investment and payroll thresholds for the tier in which it locates.

The benefit is an income tax credit equal to ten percent (10%) of the investment in land, buildings, equipment and costs relating to licensing and protecting intellectual property (which would include license fees, patent fees and attorney fees to maintain or enhance the patent's or trademark's application). The benefit is the same regardless of the tier in which the business locates.

The business must reach the investment threshold for the tier in which it is located within four (4) years from the date of the signing of the financial incentive agreement. All project costs must be incurred within four (4) years from the date the project is approved by the Commission however a qualified business that enters into a lease for building or equipment for a period in excess of five (5) years may count the lease payments for the first five (5) years of the lease agreement as qualifying expenditures. The first five (5) years of qualified lease payments should be claimed in the expenditure year in which the lease is signed.

It is the responsibility of the qualified business to file a ArkPlus Program Annual Incentive Plan Expenditure Report (Form ArkPlus 2000) and a ArkPlus Program New Full Time Permanent Employee Payroll Certification with the Department of Finance and Administration (DF&

A) when the investment threshold is met. This certification provides the amount of eligible project cost incurred in the previous tax year as well as the number of new full-time permanent employees hired, together with the dollar amount of their payroll. Thereafter, the Company shall recertify eligible project cost and the number of new full-time permanent employees and payroll amounts annually at the end of each tax year. The certification to DF& A is the mechanism to initiate the verification audit.

The income tax credit earned cannot be used to offset more than 50% of the business' income tax liability in any one tax year. Any unused credits can be carried forward for nine (9) years beyond the year in which they were earned or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.

In order to qualify for this incentive, the business must meet the investment and payroll threshold for the tier in which the business locates or expands:

(1)Tier 1 - The business must invest at least five million dollars ($5,000,000) and have an annual payroll of new full-time permanent employees of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000);
(2)Tier 2 - The business must invest at least three million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($3,750,000) and have an annual payroll of new full-time permanent employees of at least one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000);
(3)Tier 3 - The business must invest at least three million dollars ($3,000,000) and have an annual payroll of new full-time permanent employees of at least one million two hundred thousand dollars ($1,200,000); or
(4)Tier 4 - The business must invest at least two million dollars ($2,000,000) and have an annual payroll of new full-time permanent employees of at least eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000).

Example: A new eligible business plans to begin operations in a Tier 4 county. It plans on hiring 50 new full-time permanent employees at an average wage of $15 per hour. ($15/hr. X 2080 hours = $31,200 avg. annual salary X 50 employees = $1,560,000 annual payroll) It will invest $3,500,000 in land, buildings and equipment for the new operation. The $1,560,000 annual payroll exceeds the $800,000 payroll threshold for a Tier 4 county and the capital investment of $3.5

million exceeds the $2 million investment threshold allowing the business to meet minimum qualifications for the incentive. Should the Director approve the business' application for this incentive program, and should the business spend precisely $3.5 million, it would earn an income tax credit of $350,000 that could be carried forward for nine years beyond the year it was first earned. This example assumes all new full-time permanent employees were hired at the beginning of the first year and work forty (40) hours per week.

Notes: The benefit calculation noted above could change given any of the following circumstances:

* The business fails to reach either the investment or payroll threshold required to receive the benefit of this incentive program.

* Failure to meet investment or payroll requirements could necessitate the implementation of recapture provisions provided for in Section V of these regulations.

Combination with other incentives: The investment income tax credit authorized by 15-4-2706(b), if approved by the Director, may be combined with:

* The payroll rebate (Create Rebate) authorized by 15-4-2707, if approved by the Director;

* The sales and use tax refund for new and expanding eligible business (Tax Back) as authorized by 15-4-2706(d);

* The research and development income tax incentive for university based research authorized by 15-4-2708(a); and

* The research and development income tax incentive for in-house research authorized by 15-4-2708(b).

2A. Technology-based enterprises Investment Income Tax and Sales and Use Tax Credit ( Targeted ArkPlus) - Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2706(b)

At the discretion of the Director, a targeted business may earn an income tax credit or a sales and use tax credit based upon new investment. The targeted business must:

A. Invest a minimum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) within four (4) years of the effective date of the financial incentive agreement;
B. Create a new payroll of at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); and
C. Pay wages that are at least one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the state or county average hourly wage, whichever is less.

The credit earned by the targeted business shall be based upon a percentage of the investment as follows:

1. The credit amount shall be two percent (2%) of investments from two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000);
2. The credit amount shall be two percent (2%) of the investment up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) plus four percent (4%) of the investment in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) up to one million dollars ($1,000,000);
3. The credit amount shall be two percent (2%) of the investment up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) plus four percent (4%) of the investment in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) plus six percent (6%) of the investment in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) up to two million dollars ($2,000,000) and
4. The credit amount shall be two percent (2%) of the investment up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) plus four percent (4%) of the investment in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) plus six percent (6%) of the investment in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) up to two million dollars ($2,000,000) plus eight percent (8%) of the investment in excess of two million dollars ($2,000,000).

Prior to the execution of the financial incentive agreement, the targeted business must elect to receive the tax credits as sales and use tax credits or income tax credits.

The percentage of the targeted business' tax liability that may be offset is determined by the average hourly wage paid to the new full time permanent employees as follows:

A. A targeted business that pays at least one-hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the state or county average hourly wage, whichever is less, may offset fifty percent (50%) of it's tax liability.
B. A targeted business that pays at least two hundred percent (200%) of the state or county average hourly wage, whichever is less, may offset seventy-five percent (75%) of it's tax liability.
C. A targeted business that pays at least two hundred twenty-five percent (225%) of the state or county average hourly wage, whichever is less, may offset one hundred percent (100%) of it's tax liability.

The approved targeted business must certify eligible project expenditures annually with the Department of Finance and Administration. Upon verification of eligibility, the Department of Finance and Administration shall issue the credit according to the tax type specified in the financial incentive agreement.

The income tax credit may be applied against the approved company's Arkansas income tax liability. Any unused credit may be carried forward for a period not to exceed nine (9) tax years after the tax year in which it was first earned.

The sales and use tax credit may be applied against the company's State sales and use tax liability as reported on its monthly sales and use tax report in the calendar year following the calendar year of expenditure.

The tax liability reported on the company's monthly sales and use tax that may be offset by the credit may be derived from:

a. Sales made by the approved company and collected from the customer;
b. Use taxes accrued by the company for out-of state purchases;
c. Sales and Use taxes accrued and reported on the company's monthly direct-pay report.

The credit may not be applied against any taxes collected from the company by the seller.

Any unused credit may be carried forward for a period not to exceed nine (9) calendar years after the calendar year in which it was first earned.

3. Sales and Use Tax Refund for New and Expanding Eligible Businesses (Tax Back) - Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2706(d).

This incentive program is available to all eligible businesses that meet the qualifications for investment and payroll thresholds for the tier in which it locates or expands and are approved for benefits by the Commission. The Commission's approval is contingent upon receipt of a completed application and a local endorsement resolution from the city, county or both which authorizes the refund of its local taxes to the eligible company.

To qualify, the eligible business must invest in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and meet the eligibility criteria of the Advantage Arkansas (15-4-2705), Create Rebate (15-4-2707) or ArkPlus (15-4-2706 (b)) job creation incentive programs.

The financial incentive agreement for the job creation tax credit (Advantage Arkansas) or payroll rebate (Create Rebate) must be signed within 24 months of signing a financial incentive agreement for a sales and use tax refund.

An application, accompanied by local endorsement resolution must be filed with the Commission. The application should clearly identify the intent of the project, the expenditures planned, the start and end date of the project and an estimate of total project costs. The local endorsement resolution from the governing authority (city council, quorum court or both) in which the project is located must authorize the refund of its local sales and use taxes.

The purpose of the resolution is to:

A) approve the specific entity's participation in the program; and
B) specify that the municipality or county authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to refund all or part of any sales and use tax levied at the local level. The municipality or county in which the eligible business is located may authorize the refund of any sales or use tax levied by it but may not authorize the refund of any sales and use tax not levied by it.

This incentive program grants a refund of state and local sales and use taxes paid on the purchases of the material used in the construction of a building or buildings or any addition, modernization or improvement to a new or expanding eligible business. A sales and use tax refund is also allowed for the purchases of taxable machinery or equipment associated with the building or project.

A refund shall not be authorized for:

A) routine operating expenditures;
B) the purchase of replacements of items previously purchased as part of a project unless the items previously purchased will not enable the project to function as originally intended;
C) licensed motor vehicles; or
D) expenditures for routine repair and maintenance that do not result in new construction or expansion.

For projects approved on or after July 1, 2005 the refund of state sales and use taxes shall not include the refund of taxes dedicated to the Educational Adequacy Fund provided in § 19-5-1227 or the taxes dedicated to the Conservation Tax Fund provided in § 19-6-484.

All project costs must be incurred within four (4) years from the date the project is approved by the Commission. The project plan may be revised by written amendment filed with the Commission. The Commission's approval of an amendment will not extend the time period in which project costs may be incurred. Amendments that exceed 25% of the original project plan's estimated cost will not be considered and shall be submitted as a new project.

It is the responsibility of the qualified business to file a Tax Back Program Annual Sales and Use Tax Refund Request (Form TaxBack 1000) annually at the end of each calendar year with the Department of Finance and Administration to request a refund of sales and use taxes paid on eligible project expenditures incurred during the preceding calendar year. Upon determining the amount of the eligible refund, the Department of Finance and Administration shall issue a refund to the qualified business.

All claims for sales and use tax refunds under this incentive program must be filed within three (3) years from the date of the qualified purchase or purchases or those claims will be denied.

Example: A relatively new eligible business is planning to expand its operations in a Tier 3 county. The business plans to hire seven new full-time permanent employees at $12 per hour. ($12/hr. X 2080 hours = $24,960 average annual wage X 7 new employees = $174,720 annual payroll). The business would meet the payroll threshold for a Tier 3 county. The business will renovate an existing building in the community and will spend approximately $125,000 in renovation costs. This investment is above the threshold required. The sales tax paid on all renovation costs subject to the sales tax is eligible to be refunded at the sales or use tax rate in effect at the time of the purchase, excluding the taxes dedicated to the Educational Adequacy Fund and the Conservation Tax Fund. The eligible business must file for the sales or use tax refund within three years of purchase or the claim will be denied. This example assumes all new full-time permanent employees are hired at the beginning of the first year and work forty (40) hours per week.

Notes: The refund of sales and use tax for eligible businesses is dependent upon the following conditions:

* The refund is made contingent upon the signing of a financial incentive agreement for a jobs creation incentive (Advantage Arkansas, ArkPlus or Create Rebate) within 24 months of signing an financial incentive agreement for a sales and use tax refund for new and expanding eligible businesses;

* The items purchased being subject to the sales or use tax;

* The payroll threshold under the Advantage Arkansas, Create Rebate or ArkPlus job creation financial incentive agreements being met within twenty-four (24) months of the signing of the financial incentive agreement; and

* The documentation of the minimum investment ($100,000) needed to qualify for the sales and use tax refund.

Combination with other incentives: The sales and use tax refund for new and expanding eligible businesses, authorized by 15-4-2706(d), may be combined with:

* Advantage Arkansas as authorized by 15-4-2705 and/or Create Rebate as authorized by 15-4-2707, if approved by the Director; and

* The investment income tax credit (ArkPlus) as authorized by 15-4-2706(b), however, ArkPlus may not be used in combination with Advantage Arkansas (15-4-2705).

* The research and development income tax credit for university based research authorized by 15-4-2708(a); and

* The research and development income tax incentive for in-house research authorized by 15-4-2708(b).

4.Sales and Use Tax Refund for Targeted Businesses- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2706(e)(1)

This incentive program extends the benefits of the Tax Back sales and use tax refund program to a category of new and expanding eligible businesses referred to as "targeted businesses". This incentive is a discretionary incentive and is offered only at the discretion of the Director. Targeted businesses are found within six growing business sectors that include:

(i) Advanced materials and manufacturing systems, with emphases on the following:
(a) Photonics;
(b) Nanotechnology;
(c) Electronics manufacturing; and
(d) Environmental issues related to material and manufacturing.
(ii) Agriculture, food and environmental sciences, with emphases on the following:
(a) Rice;
(b) Poultry;
(c) Aquaculture;
(d) Toxicology;
(e) Agricultural medicine;
(f) Forestry;
(g) Nutrition;
(h) Waste minimization;
(i) Energy reduction;
(j) Distributed energy generation; and
(k) Spatial technology.
(iii) Biotechnology, bioengineering and life sciences, with emphases on the following:
(a) Genetics;
(b) Oncology;
(c) Geriatrics;
(d) Neuroscience;
(e) Medical devices;
(f) Rehabilitation;
(g) Biopharmaceuticals and drug discovery;
(h) Protein structure and function;
(i) Cell molecular biology; and
(j) Sensor technology.
(iv)
(a) Information technology, with emphases on the following:
(b) Knowledge and data engineering;
(c) Database systems;
(d) Distributed systems;
(e) Wireless systems;
(f) Software development; and
(g) State of the art applications of information technology to :
(1) Bioinformatics, and
(2) Healthcare.
(v) Transportation logistics, with emphases on the following:
(a) Intelligent material handling;
(b) Automated systems; and
(c) Transportation management systems.
(vi) Bio-based products, with emphases on the following:
(a) Biodiesel;
(b) Ethanol;
(c) Methanol;
(d) Synthetic crude oil;
(e) Adhesives;
(f) Polymers;
(g) Automotive components; and
(h) Engineered products from non-traditional biomass sources.

To qualify as a targeted business, the Commission must determine that the business falls within one of the six categories noted above, the business must have been in operation for five years or less and must pay, at minimum, 150% of the lesser of the state or county average wage. In addition, the targeted business must have an annual payroll of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and demonstrate evidence of an equity investment in the targeted business of at least four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000). A targeted business with an annual payroll in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) will not qualify for the targeted business sales and use tax refund, but may be eligible for other incentives offered through the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 (Act 182 of 2003).

In addition to meeting the targeted business eligibility requirements, the business must invest in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and meet the eligibility criteria of the Targeted Business payroll income tax credit incentive program (15-4-2709). A signed financial incentive agreement for targeted payroll income tax credits must be signed within 24 months of signing a financial incentive agreement for a sales and use tax refund.

An application accompanied by a local endorsement resolution must be filed with the Commission. The application should clearly identify the intent of the project, the expenditures planned, the start and end date of the project and an estimate of the total project costs. The local endorsement resolution from the governing authority (city council, quorum court or both) in which the project is located must authorize the refund of its local sales and use taxes.

The purpose of the resolution is to:

A) approve the specific entity's participation in the program; and
B) specify that the municipality or county authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to refund of all or part of any sales and use tax levied at the local level. The municipality or county in which the eligible business is located may authorize the refund of any sales or use tax levied by it but may not authorize the refund of any sales and use taxes not levied by it.

This incentive program grants a refund of state and local sales and use taxes paid on the purchases of the material used in the construction of a building or buildings or any addition, modernization or improvement to a new or expanding eligible business. A sales and use tax refund is also allowed for the purchases of taxable machinery or equipment associated with the building or project.

A refund shall not be authorized for:

A) routine operating expenditures;
B) the purchase of replacements of items previously purchased as part of a project unless the items previously purchased will not enable the project to function as originally intended;
C) licensed motor vehicles; or
D) expenditures for routine repair and maintenance that do not result in new construction or expansion.

For projects approved on or after July 1, 2005 the refund of state sales and use taxes shall not include the refund of taxes dedicated to the Educational Adequacy Fund provided in § 19-5-1227 or the taxes dedicated to the Conservation Tax Fund provided in § 19-6-484.

All project costs must be incurred within four (4) years from the date the project is approved by the Commission. The project plan may be revised by written amendment filed with the Commission. The Commission's approval of an amendment will not extend the time period in which project costs may be incurred. Amendments that exceed 25% of the original project plan's estimated cost will not be considered and shall be submitted as a new project.

It is the responsibility of the qualified targeted business to file a Targeted Business Tax Back Program Annual Sales and Use Tax Refund Request (Form Target 1000) annually at the end of each calendar year to the Department of Finance and Administration to request a refund of sales and use taxes paid on eligible project expenditures incurred during the preceding calendar year. Upon determining the amount of the eligible refund, the Department of Finance and Administration shall issue a refund to the qualified business.

All claims for sales and use tax refunds under this incentive program must be filed within three (3) years from the date of the qualified purchase or purchases or those claims will be denied.

Example: A new start-up computer software design firm is beginning business. It has received an equity investment from a venture capital firm in the amount of $750,000 to help it get started. It plans on hiring six new full-time permanent employees at an average hourly wage of $28 per hour. The average hourly wage for the tier 1 county in which the business plans to locate is $15 per hour. ($15/hr. X 150% = $22.50 per hour) The business' average hourly wage of $28 per hour is above the threshold wage to qualify in this tier 1 county. ($28/hr. X 2080 hrs. = $58,290 average annual salary X 6 employees = $349,440 annual payroll). The business' annual payroll exceeds the threshold of $100,000 so the business meets the payroll, investment and average wage requirements necessary to qualify for the sales and use tax refund. Eligibility is also dependent upon being approved by the Director of the Commission. All eligible expenditures subject to the sales or use tax may be refunded under this incentive. The eligible targeted business must file for the sales or use tax refund within three years of purchase or the claim will be denied. This example assumes all new full-time permanent employees are hired at the beginning of the first year and work forty (40) hours per week.

Notes: The refund of sales and use tax for eligible targeted businesses is dependent upon the following conditions:

* The refund is made contingent upon the signing of a financial incentive agreement for a targeted payroll income tax credit for targeted businesses incentive within 24 months of signing a financial incentive agreement for a sales and use tax refund for a targeted business;

* The items purchased being subject to the sales or use tax;

* The business meeting the average wage requirement;

* The payroll threshold being met within twenty-four (24) months of the signing of the financial incentive agreement; and

* The documentation that the targeted business has received an equity investment in excess of $400,000.

Combination with other incentives: The sales and use tax refund for targeted businesses authorized by 15-4-2706(d) may be combined with, if approved by the Director:

* The targeted job creation income tax credit as authorized by 15-4-2709; and

* The targeted research and development tax credit authorized by 15-4-2708(c).

D. Payroll income tax credit for targeted businesses - Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2709

The payroll income tax credit for targeted businesses is offered to assist with the start-up of businesses in targeted sectors that pay significantly more than the state or county average wage of the county in which the business locates. This incentive is offered only at the discretion of the Director. In order to qualify for this incentive, the business must be included in one of six targeted business sectors that include:

(i) Advanced materials and manufacturing systems, with emphases on the following:
(a) Photonics;
(b) Nanotechnology;
(c) Electronics manufacturing; and
(d) Environmental issues related to material and manufacturing.
(ii) Agriculture, food and environmental sciences, with emphases on the following:
(a) Rice;
(b) Poultry;
(c) Aquaculture;
(d) Toxicology;
(e) Agricultural medicine;
(f) Forestry;
(g) Nutrition;
(h) Waste minimization;
(i) Energy reduction;
(j) Distributed energy generation; and
(k) Spatial technology.
(iii) Biotechnology, bioengineering and life sciences, with emphases on the following:
(a) Genetics;
(b) Oncology;
(c) Geriatrics;
(d) Neuroscience;
(e) Medical devices;
(f) Rehabilitation;
(g) Biopharmaceuticals and drug discovery;
(h) Protein structure and function;
(i) Cell molecular biology; and
(j) Sensor technology.
(iv) Information technology, with emphases on the following:
(a) Knowledge and data engineering;
(b) Database systems;
(c) Distributed systems;
(d) Wireless systems;
(e) Software development; and
(f) State of the art applications of information technology to:
(1) Bioinformatics, and
(2) Healthcare.
(v) Transportation logistics, with emphases on the following:
(a) Intelligent material handling;
(b) Automated systems; and
(c) Transportation management systems.
(vi) Bio-based products, with emphases on the following:
(a) Biodiesel;
(b) Ethanol;
(c) Methanol;
(d) Synthetic crude oil;
(e) Adhesives;
(f) Polymers;
(g) Automotive components; and
(h) Engineered products from non-traditional biomass sources.

The business must also have an annual payroll of not less than one hundred thousand ($100,000) or more than one million dollars ($1,000,000), show proof of an equity investment of at least four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) and pay average hourly wages in excess of 150% of the county or state average hourly wage, whichever is less.

The benefit for a targeted business is a income tax credit based on 10% of its annual payroll, with a cap of $100,000 per year in earned income tax credits for a business that qualifies and is approved for this incentive. Any unused credits can be carried forward for nine (9) years beyond the year in which they were earned or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.

The incentive may be offered for a period not to exceed five (5) years. The five-year period begins on January 1st of the year in which the financial incentive agreement is signed and may not extend beyond 60 months from that date. Unlike the other incentives, the calculation of this income tax credit may include existing employees in the calculation of payroll to qualify for this benefit. In order to claim these benefits, the targeted business must sign a financial incentive agreement with the Commission.

Income tax credits are earned in the tax year in which the new full-time permanent employees qualify after the financial incentive agreement was signed with the Commission. At the end of each tax year, during the term of the agreement, it is the responsibility of the qualified targeted business to file the Targeted Business Payroll Tax Credit Employee Annual Payroll Certification with the Department of Finance and Administration (DF&A). This certification provides the number of new permanent employees and their payroll during the preceding tax year and is the mechanism to initiate the verification audit. Therefore, the company must certify annually at the end each tax year to DF& A.

A unique feature of this incentive is the ability of the business that earns the targeted business income tax credit to sell the credits. The business must make application to the Commission for the sale of credits. Upon approval by the Commission, the business may sell earned income tax credits and the credits may only be sold one time. The Commission may assist the business in finding a buyer for the tax credits. Any sale of tax credits through this incentive will be fully documented by the

Commission and that information will be transmitted to the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration.

The buyer of the tax credit shall be subject to the same provisions for carry forward of the tax credits as the business that originally earned the credits. Since one of the allowable costs under the research and development tax credits is the salary of a person performing research, a business earning payroll income tax credits for targeted businesses is prohibited from earning research and development tax credits, as authorized by 15-4-2708 or by 26-51-1102(b) for the same expenditure.

Example: A new biotechnology firm, which is a client of the Bio Ventures Incubator, is leaving the incubator to expand its business. It has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of $700,000 to continue its efforts with assistance from the National Institutes of Health. Currently, the business has one employee, a former UAMS research scientist who holds the patent on the biomedical device that is to be the company's first product. The business plans on hiring four new full-time permanent employees for a total of five new full-time permanent employees. The average hourly wage of the five employees will be $45 per hour. ($45/hr. X 2080 = $93,600 avg. annual salary X 5 employees = $468,000 annual payroll) The SBIR grant allows the new company to meet the equity investment threshold and the annual payroll is well above the $200,000 minimum to qualify. The $45 per hour wage is more than the 150% requirement. The new targeted business would earn a tax credit of $46,800 which may be sold to a willing buyer. If this business were granted the payroll income tax credit for the maximum time allowable (5 years) the credit in subsequent years would be based on 10% of the annual payroll in years two through five. This example assumes all new full-time permanent employees are hired at the beginning of the first year and work forty (40) hours per week.

Notes: The calculation of the benefit for an income tax credit for new targeted businesses is dependent upon the following conditions:

* A minimum payroll of $100,000 being maintained during the term of the agreement;

* The business operations must continue in one of the six targeted areas;

* The average hourly wage threshold being maintained; and

* The business continues to operate in accordance with the qualification requirements throughout the term of the financial incentive agreement.

Combination with other incentives: The payroll income tax credit for targeted businesses authorized by 15-4-2709 may be combined with, if approved by the Director:

* The sales and use tax refund for targeted businesses as authorized by 15-4-2706(e); and

* The research and development income tax credit for targeted businesses as authorized by 15-4-2708(c).

E. Research and development income tax credits

Section E deals with incentives for research and development. The different tax credits are intended to provide incentives for university-based research, in-house research of several kinds, and research and development in start-up, technology-based enterprises. It is important for the applicant to understand the different incentives and to select the most appropriate for the eligible research and development activity. In summary:

1. The incentive for research and development with universities is intended for firms of virtually every size and stage of development, may complement in-house research, and may be combined with in-house research incentives;
2. The incentives for in-house research are intended for (a) the on-going in-house research programs of mature firms, (b) younger, "targeted" firms engaged in in-house research over limited five-year periods, and (c) emerging firms engaged in strategic research and development over limited five-year periods; generally these incentives may not be combined with one another (i.e., with other in-house research incentives), but may be combined with incentives for research with universities;
3. The incentive for research and development under programs of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority is intended for companies in the earliest stages of development and for knowledge-based companies that require a continuing research and development program to remain competitive; generally, this incentive may not be combined with other research and development incentives.

It is the responsibility of the company to apply for research and development income tax credits offered by Act 182 of 2003 (Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003). Unless otherwise specified, the application and research and development project plan shall be the basis for the Commission's decision to approve tax credit treatment for research and development expenditures. It is the responsibility of the company to claim any research and development income tax credits that may have been earned under authority granted by Act 182 of 2003. At the discretion of the Commission, an approved application and project plan may serve as the financial incentive agreement. Claims for research and development tax credits may require the company to file with its tax return a Certificate of Tax Credit issued by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.

The specific requirements to qualify for research and development incentives follow.

1.Research and development with universities- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2708(a)

An eligible business that contracts with one or more Arkansas colleges or universities in performing research may qualify for a 33% income tax credit as authorized in 26-51-1102(b) for qualified research expenditures. The income tax credit may be carried forward for nine years beyond the year in which the credit was earned.

In order to qualify for the income tax credit for research and development with universities, an eligible business must submit an application and project plan to the Commission. The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority will review the applications and project plans so submitted and advise the Commission on (1) the eligibility of the project plan and (2) approval of the financial incentive agreement.

To claim a credit earned through this incentive, the business shall file with its income tax return the Certificate of Tax Credit issued by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.

If approved, the 33% income tax credit for research and development expenditures with an Arkansas college or university will be granted regardless of the business location or other qualifications.

Example: An Arkansas seed company contracts with the Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas to engineer a new drought resistant soybean seed. The seed company spends $1 million with the University of Arkansas to research and develop a soybean seed with the characteristics desired by the seed company. This expenditure for this project could result in an earned income tax credit of $330,000 that could be taken over a four-year period (the year in which it was earned, plus nine years of carry forward).

Notes: It is suggested that any business wishing to take advantage of this income tax credit first visit with the Authority's staff (501-683-4400) to help insure the success of the research and development effort. It should also be noted that this incentive is subject to the limitations established in 26-51-1103:

* Amount of credit which may be claimed in any year is limited to 100% of tax liability;

* The credits may be used in the year earned, plus a nine-year carry forward period; and

* This incentive cannot be used with other income tax benefits for the same expenditure.

This incentive must also adhere to the documentation requirements of 26-51-1104:

* Must demonstrate proof of approval by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority as a qualified research project;

* Must document expenditures with the university or college; and

* Must file copies of the two above-mentioned documents with the Department of Finance and Administration when claiming the credit.

Combination with other incentives: The income tax credit for research and development with universities authorized by 15-4-2708(a) may be used with:

* The in-house research and development incentive as authorized by 15-4-2708(b), (c), and (d)(1)(A); but

* May not be used with any other incentive authorized in Act 182 of 2003 (Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003) for the same expenditures.

2. In-house research- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2708(b)(1)
A.New In-House Research and Development facilities:

A new eligible business that conducts "in-house" research within a research facility that is operated by the eligible business that qualifies for federal research and development tax credits may qualify for in-house research income tax credits. The eligible business must make an application to the Commission generally describing the research to be undertaken and the estimated expenditures to be made on in-house research. The credit allowed for approved in-house research is twenty percent (20%) of the amount spent on qualified in-house research expenditures that exceeds the base year, for a period of three (3) years and the incremental increase in qualified research expenditures for the succeeding two (2) years.

Example:

For a new in-house research facility, the base year is zero (0). Therefore, in the first three (3) years following the date of the financial incentive agreement, all eligible expenditures will qualify for credit.

The amount of qualified research expenditures incurred in the third year shall be used to calculate the tax credit in the fourth year.

The amount of qualified research expenditures incurred in the fourth year shall be used to calculate the tax credit in the fifth year.

B.Existing In-House Research and Development facilities:

Existing eligible businesses that conduct in-house research in a research facility operated by the business and that qualify for federal research and development tax credits may qualify for an income tax credit equal to twenty percent (20%) of the amount spent on research that exceeds the base year for a period of three (3) years and the incremental increase in qualified research expenditures for the succeeding two (2) years, subject to the limitations under § 26-51-1103.

Example:

For an existing in-house research facility, the base year amount shall be the amount of eligible research expenditures incurred in the year prior to the year in which the financial incentive agreement was signed by the Commission.

The amount of qualified research expenditures incurred in the third year shall be used to calculate the tax credit in the fourth year.

The amount of qualified research expenditures incurred in the fourth year shall be used to calculate the tax credit in the fifth year.

Term of the In-House Research and Development AgreeC. ment:

The term of the financial incentive agreement for in-house research and development shall be for a period not to exceed five (5) years. The financial incentive agreement may be renewed for a period not to exceed five (5) years upon the submittal of a new application and project plan.

The approved business shall certify annually at the end of each tax year to the Commission the amount expended on in-house research.

The income tax credit earned for in-house research and development may be used to offset one hundred percent (100%) of the eligible businesses' state income tax liability.

Any unused credit may be carried forward for a period not to exceed nine (9) years.

To claim the credit earned through this incentive, the business shall file with its return the Certificate of Tax Credit issued by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. The Commission will adhere to some of the federal guidelines for qualifying research for federal tax credits as a guide in determining eligibility for this state income tax credit.

Qualified research expenditures include in-house expenses for taxable wages paid, usual fringe benefits, and supplies used in the conduct of qualified research. Qualified research must satisfy all of the following tests in order to qualify:

* The activity must be undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature;

* The application of technological information must be intended to be useful in a new or improved business component; and

* Substantially all of the activities related to the research effort must constitute elements of a process of experimentation relating to a new or improved function, performance, reliability or quality.

The following activities are specifically excluded from the definition of qualified research:

* Any research conducted after the beginning of commercial production;

* Research adapting an existing product or process to a particular customer's need;

* Duplication of an existing product or process;

* Surveys or studies;

* Research related to certain internal-use computer software;

* Research in the social sciences, arts or humanities;

* Research funded by another person or government entity; and

* Research conducted outside of Arkansas. However, both the Director of the Commission and the President of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority may agree to make an exception for research and development activities occurring outside of Arkansas for an agreed upon transition period if the following conditions exist:

1. The business qualifies as a Targeted Business; and
2. The Commission and the business have entered into a Targeted In-House Research and Development incentive agreement; and
3. The business is located in another state and has decided to relocate it's research and development activities to Arkansas within a specified transition period, not to exceed eighteen (18) months; and
4. The certificate of tax credit will not be issued to an out-of-state business relocating to Arkansas until the business has:
a. Incorporated as a business in the State of Arkansas
b. Physically relocated to Arkansas; and
c. Is conducting research in Arkansas.

Qualified wages are the taxable wages paid to an employee for performing qualified services. Qualified services are services of employees who are:

* Engaging in qualified research, which means the actual conduct of qualified research;

* Engaging in the direct supervision of qualified research, which means the immediate supervision (first-line management) of qualified research; and

* Engaging in the direct support of research activities which constitute qualified research.

The qualified services must be in the direct support of either:

1) persons engaging in the actual conduct of qualified research; or
2) persons who are directly supervising persons engaging in the actual conduct of qualified research.

Direct support of research activities does not include general administrative services or other services only indirectly of benefit to the research activity.

Notes:

* The carry forward for this income tax credit is limited to nine (9) years beyond the year in which the credit was earned.

* Documentation must also be provided that shows that the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority has approved the research expenditures as part of a qualified research program.

* It is the intent of the Commission to adhere to some of the federal guidelines for research conducted within an eligible business.

Combination with other incentives: The in-house research income tax credit may not be combined with:

* Other in-house research and development incentives as authorized by 15-4-2708(c) or 15-4-2708(d)(1)(A); or

* Any other incentive in Act 182 of 2003 (Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003) for the same expenditures.

3. In-house research by a targeted business- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2708(c)

Businesses deemed by the Commission to fit within the six business sectors classified as "targeted businesses" may enter into a financial incentive agreement for income tax credits based on qualified research and development expenditures. A targeted business may be approved for an income tax credit each year equal to 33% of the qualified research and development expenditures incurred each year for the first five (5) years of the financial incentive agreement. This incentive is a discretionary incentive and is offered only at the discretion of the Director. The application for this income tax credit shall include a project plan, which clearly identifies the intent of the project, the expenditures planned, the start and end dates of the project, and an estimate of total project costs. The targeted business applying for in-house research and development income tax credits shall comply with all of the qualifications required of targeted businesses to qualify for a job creation income tax credit:

A. In operation for less than five years,
B. Annual payroll of not less than $100,000 or more than one million ($1,000,000),
C. An equity investment of at least $400,000, and
D. Pay at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the lesser of the county or state average wage.

The Commission will adhere to some of the federal guidelines for qualifying research for federal tax credits as a guide in determining the eligibility for this state income tax credit.

Qualified research expenditures include in-house expenses for taxable wages paid, usual fringe benefits, and supplies used in the conduct of qualified research. Qualified research must satisfy all of the following tests in order to qualify:

* Your activity must be undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature;

* The application of technological information must be intended to be useful in your new or improved business component; and

* Substantially all of the activities related to your research effort must constitute elements of a process of experimentation relating to a new or improved function, performance, reliability or quality.

The following activities are specifically excluded from the definition of qualified research:

* Any research conducted after the beginning of commercial production;

* Research adapting an existing product or process to a particular customer's need;

* Duplication of an existing product or process;

* Surveys or studies;

* Research related to certain internal-use computer software;

* Research in the social sciences, arts or humanities; and

* Research conducted outside of Arkansas. However, both the Director of the Commission and the President of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority may agree to make an exception for research and development activities occurring outside of Arkansas for an agreed upon transition period if the following conditions exist:

1. The business qualifies as a Targeted Business; and
2. The Commission and the business have entered into a Targeted In-House Research and Development incentive agreement; and
3. The business is located in another state and has decided to relocate it's research and development activities to Arkansas within a specified transition period, not to exceed eighteen (18) months; and
4. The certificate of tax credit will not be issued to an out-of-state business relocating to Arkansas until the business has:
a. Incorporated as a business in the State of Arkansas
b. Physically relocated to Arkansas; and
c. Is conducting research in Arkansas.

Qualified wages are taxable wages paid to a full-time permanent employee or "contractual employee", as defined in the Act, for performing qualified services. Qualified services are services of employees who are:

* Engaging in qualified research, which means the actual conduct of qualified research;

* Engaging in the direct supervision of qualified research, which means the immediate supervision (first-line management) of qualified research; and

* Engaging in the direct support of research activities which constitute qualified research.

The qualified services must be in the direct support of either:

1) persons engaging in the actual conduct of qualified research; or
2) persons who are directly supervising persons engaging in the actual conduct of qualified research.

Direct support of research activities does not include general administrative services or other services only indirectly of benefit to the research activity.

As with the payroll income tax credits for targeted businesses, the income tax credit for research and development earned by targeted businesses may be sold. The business must make application to the Commission for the sale of credits earned under this section within one year of issuance. Upon application and approval by the Commission, the business may sell earned income tax credits. The credits may only be sold one time. The Commission may assist the targeted business in finding a buyer for the tax credits. Any sale of tax credits through this incentive will be fully documented by the Commission and that information will be transmitted to the Revenue Division of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The same benefits accrue to a project regardless of the tier in which the business is located.

To claim a credit earned through this incentive, the business shall file with its income tax return the Certificate of Tax Credit issued by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.

The buyer of the tax credit shall be subject to the same provisions for carry forward of the tax credits as the business that originally earned the credits. A targeted business earning research and development tax credits is prohibited from earning job creation tax credits, as authorized by 15-4-2709 or research tax credits as authorized by 15-4-2708(a), for the same expenditure.

Example: A new photonics company that has recently left the Genesis Technology Business Incubator and has applied for and been approved for in-house research income tax credits as a targeted business, is in need of further research to refine a process for using lasers in space applications. It plans to spend $200,000 on an in-house research and development project that has been approved by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority as a qualified research program. The $200,000 expenditure would be eligible for a 33% tax credit, entitling the photonics company to earn $66,000 in income tax credits in the year of the expenditure. The credits may be carried forward nine years. At the discretion of the photonics company and with the approval of the Commission, the credits may be sold within one year to allow the photonics company to realize the benefit of the credit. The purchaser of the credits would be able to carry the credit forward for nine years.

Notes:

* The carry forward for this incentive is nine (9) years beyond the year in which the credit was first earned.

* A buyer of the credit is limited to the same carry forward period. A sale of the tax credit does not alter the time frame for using the credits.

* It is the intent of the Commission to adhere to some of the federal guidelines for research conducted by an eligible targeted business.

Combination with other incentives: The income tax credit for research by a targeted business authorized by 15-4-2708(c) may not be used with:

* Other in-house research and development incentives as authorized by 15-4-2708(b) or 15-4-2708(d)(1)(A); or

* Any other incentive in Act 182 of 2003 (Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003) for the same expenditures.

4.Research area of strategic value- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2708(d)

An income tax equal to 33% of qualified research expenditures may be allowed for an Arkansas taxpayer that invests in:

A. In-house research in an area of strategic value or
B. A project under the research and development programs offered by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority and approved by its Board of Directors.
a. In-house research in an area of strategic value- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2708(d)(1)(A).

The company must apply to the Commission in order to qualify for the income tax credit for research in an area of strategic value. Research area of strategic value means research in fields having long-term economic or commercial value to the state, and that have been identified in the research and development plan approved from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. The tax credit for research in an area of strategic value may be earned for the first five years following the signing of a financial incentive agreement with the Commission. The income tax credit earned cannot offset more than 100% of a business' income tax liability in any one tax year and the benefits can be carried forward for nine (9) years beyond the year in which they were earned or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.

The maximum tax credit that may be claimed by a company under this program is $50,000 per tax year. The application for this income tax credit shall include a project plan, which clearly identifies the intent of the project, the expenditures planned, the start and end dates of the project, and an estimate of total project costs.

To claim a credit earned through this incentive, the company shall file the Certificate of Tax Credit issued by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority with the tax return on which the credit is first claimed.

Qualified research expenditures for research in an area of strategic value include in-house expenses for taxable wages paid (wages subject to withholding) and supplies used in the conduct of qualified research. Qualified research must satisfy all of the following tests in order to qualify:

* Your activity must be undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature;

* The application of technological information must be intended to be useful in your new or improved business component; and

* Substantially all of the activities related to your research effort must constitute elements of a process of experimentation relating to a new or improved function, performance, reliability or quality.

The following activities are specifically excluded from the definition of qualified research:

* Any research conducted after the beginning of commercial production;

* Research adapting an existing product or process to a particular customer's need;

* Duplication of an existing product or process;

* Surveys or studies;

* Research related to certain internal-use computer software;

* Research in the social sciences, arts or humanities; and

* Research conducted outside of Arkansas. However, both the Director of the Commission and the President of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority may agree to make an exception for research and development activities occurring outside of Arkansas for an agreed upon transition period if the following conditions exist:

1. The business qualifies as a Targeted Business; and
2. The Commission and the business have entered into a Targeted In-House Research and Development incentive agreement; and
3. The business is located in another state and has decided to relocate it's research and development activities to Arkansas within a specified transition period, not to exceed eighteen (18) months; and
4. The certificate of tax credit will not be issued to an out-of-state business relocating to Arkansas until the business has:
a. Incorporated as a business in the State of Arkansas
b. Physically relocated to Arkansas; and
c. Is conducting research in Arkansas.

Qualified wages are taxable wages paid to a new full-time permanent employee for performing qualified services. Qualified services are services of employees who are:

* Engaging in qualified research, which means the actual conduct of qualified research;

* Engaging in the direct supervision of qualified research, which means the immediate supervision (first-line management) of qualified research; and

* Engaging in the direct support of research activities which constitute qualified research.

The qualified services must be in the direct support of either:

1) persons engaging in the actual conduct of qualified research; or
2) persons who are directly supervising persons engaging in the actual conduct of qualified research.

Direct support of research activities does not include general administrative services or other services only indirectly of benefit to the research activity.

A company claiming a credit through this incentive shall be prohibited from receiving the research tax credit authorized by 26-51-1102(b) for the same expenditures.

Example: A defense contractor located in Arkansas has decided to conduct research in the state to improve the function of microelectronic components in advanced weapons systems. The company has been approved for this research as being "research in an area of strategic value" by the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. The Authority's Board of Directors envisioned many non-defense applications of the proposed research and felt as though it was very complementary to other work being done in Arkansas in the field of microelectronics. The defense contractor will spend $1 million in qualified research expenditures in Arkansas in conjunction with the Authority approved program of in-house research. Assuming the entire $1 million is expended on qualified items over the five-year period at the rate of $200,000 per year, the defense contractor would generate a potential credit on the qualified annual expenditure of ($200,000 X 33% = $66,000) and earn an actual income tax credit of $50,000 per tax year, due to the limit established. The credits earned in each year may be carried forward for nine (9) years beyond the tax year in which they were first earned.

Notes:

* The carry forward for this incentive is nine (9) years beyond the year in which the credit was first earned.

* The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority must approve any research for which a business is seeking a credit under this incentive.

* It is suggested that any business wishing to take advantage of this income tax credit first visit with the Authority's staff (501-683-4400) to help insure the success of the research and development effort.

Combination with other incentives: The income tax credit for research in an area of strategic value may not be used in combination with:

* Any other research and development incentive as authorized by 15-4-2708; or

* Any other incentive in Act 182 of 2003 (Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003) for the same expenditures.

b.Research under programs of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority- Act 182 of 2003 § 15-4-2708(d)(1)(B).

The company must apply to the Commission in order to qualify for the income tax credit for research under programs of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. The application for this income tax credit shall include a project plan, which clearly identifies the intent of the project, the expenditures planned, the start and end dates of the project, and an estimate of total project costs. The Authority specifies the application format for its programs. The tax credit may be earned for the first five years following the signing of a financial incentive agreement with the Commission. The income tax credit earned cannot offset more than 100% of a business' income tax liability in any one tax year and the benefits can be carried forward for nine (9) years beyond the tax year in which they were earned or until exhausted, whichever occurs first. The maximum tax credit that may be claimed by a company under this program is $50,000 per tax year.

To claim a credit earned through this incentive, the company shall file the Certificate of Tax Credit issued by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority with the tax return on which the credit is first claimed.

Example: A new medical device company had only a few assets and employees and it did not qualify for any of the other research and development incentives. As a start-up company, it had been seeking outside investors in its revolutionary circulatory system implant. The company received a $3,000 technology transfer assistance grant from the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority to help the company prepare its first Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal to a federal agency. As part of its assistance to the company, the Authority's staff encouraged the company to prepare an application and project plan (which was actually the company's commercialization and business plan) for the research and development incentive under programs of the Authority. The application and project plan were approved by the Commission and became the five-year financial incentive agreement with the company. The agreement includes a timetable for commercializing the company's technology that would begin with the notice of the SBIR phase I award.

The financial incentive agreement includes a $20,000 university research project under the Authority's Applied Research Grant Program in support of the phase I SBIR effort, a $50,000 product development project under the Authority's Technology Development Program, $180,000 under the Authority's Applied Research Grant and Technology Development Programs in support of a future SBIR phase II award, and a $300,000 investment under the Authority's Seed Capital Investment Program in support of SBIR phase III. Qualification for tax credit consideration for these R&D activities is contingent on the company's performance under the federal SBIR program and decisions to fund phase I and II projects by the federal agency. It is also dependent on raising risk capital investments from individual investors who must decide that the potential benefit from sales of the implant is worth the risk.

The medical device company has been notified that it has been approved for its first SBIR award of $60,000. A local individual investor has decided, on the strength of the SBIR award and the financial incentive agreement, to become part of the company with a $100,000 investment. In the first year after the SBIR award notice, the investor put $20,000 into university research and $50,000 into product development. The Authority's Board of Directors has approved both projects. The $70,000 qualifies under the financial incentive agreement for a 33% tax credit equal to $23,100, which is under the $50,000 per year cap.

The company submitted an application for a phase II SBIR project to extend its commercialization work. Tax credits in the remaining four years will depend on decisions by the federal agency regarding the phase II application and the investor (or investors) regarding additional investments.

Notes:

* The carry forward for this incentive is nine years beyond the year in which the credit was first earned.

* The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority must approve any research for which a company is seeking a credit under this incentive.

* It is suggested that any company wishing to take advantage of this income tax credit first visit with the Authority's staff (501-683-4400) to help insure the success of the research and development effort.

Combination with other incentives: The income tax credit for research and development under programs of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority may not be used in combination with:

* Any other research and development incentive as authorized by 15-4-2708 or

* Any other incentive in Act 182 of 2003 (Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003) for the same expenditures.

168.00.07 Ark. Code R. 006

8/31/2007