Cherrytree Group LLC Blog

...by Warren Kirshenbaum

The Community Renewal Tax Relief Act was passed in 2000. Part of that act is the New Markets Tax Credit, the purpose of which is to spur approximately $15 billion in investments into privately managed investment institutions (CDE) who in turn will make loans and capital investments to businesses in low-income communities.

The New Markets Tax Credit is one of several key business tax breaks that are set to expire at year end unless Congress acts. Businesses should be aware of the expiring tax provision. Businesses interested in investigating or applying for the New Markets Tax Credit should consult with a commercial real estate tax lawyer to determine whether they should take advantage of this tax break  and/or if they need to plan for the expiration of other tax credits which they have previously taken advantage of.

What is New Markets Tax Credit ("NMTC")? A taxpayer who holds a qualified equity investment in a qualified community development entity ("CDE") may be entitled to a NMTC of 39% of the qualified equity investment during a seven-year credit period. Under current law, the last NMTC dollar limitation is for 2011.

...by Warren Kirshenbaum

A New York City budget watchdog says up to $2.9 billion in tax credits intended to boost the local economy after the Sept. 11 attacks have gone unclaimed.

The Independent Budget Office says it is difficult to track how many companies took advantage of the federal tax credits aimed at spurring hiring and business investment. Local elected officials have not succeeded in persuading the federal government to convert the tax breaks to cash.

But the report released Wednesday finds that most of the rest of New York City's $20.5 billion federal aid package has been spent or will be spent on redevelopment in lower Manhattan.

The biggest chunk of money, $4.6 billion, is being spent on transportation projects including a new World Trade Center transportation hub.

Original article Wall Street Journal