Corporate Excise Tax - All Detail

Fiscal Year 2015 Corporate Excise Tax (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE
FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

FY2015
2.000 - Exclusions from Gross Income 80.1 88.1 85.4 90.0 101.1
2.100 - Deferrals of Gross Income 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
2.200 - Deductions from Gross Income 192.7 200.5 201.4 223.3 217.5
2.300 - Accelerated Deductions from Gross Income 329.2 321.7 304.7 331.0 306.9
2.400 - Adjustments to Apportionment Formula 310.3 323.2 324.6 360.1 350.9
2.500 - Exclusions from Property Component 111.9 183.4 184.2 204.3 199.1
2.600 - Credits Against Tax 423.1 457.0 509.7 583.4 560.8
2.700 - Entity Exempt from Taxation 7.2 10.4 11.3 12.5 12.2

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Exclusions from Gross Income 80.1 88.1 85.4 90.0 101.1

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Exclusions from Gross Income 101.1
2.001 Small Business Corporations
In general, corporations organized under, or subject to, Chapters 156, 156A, 156B, 156C, 156D, or 180 of Massachusetts General Laws
(M.G.L.) or that have privileges, powers, rights or immunities not possessed by individuals or partnerships are subject to corporate excise. Certain corporations with no more than 100 shareholders may elect to be taxed, for both federal and state tax purposes, as "S corporations."

There are two categories of income that are taxable to an S corporation at the entity level: 1) Income that is taxable to the S corporation at the entity level for federal purposes. Generally, S corporations are not subject to an entity-level tax for federal purposes, but some categories of income are taxable. Those amounts are taxable to S corporations in Massachusetts at the regular corporate / financial institution rates; 2) Other income to the corporation is subject to the reduced corporate rates that apply only to S corporations.
         
More details about the tax on the second category of income are following. The earnings of S corporations with total receipts of less than $6 million are not generally subject to taxation at the corporate level. As of 2014, S corporations with total receipts of $6 million or more are subject to a corporate excise: 1.87%(*) for non-financial institutions and 2.53%(*) for financial institutions if receipts are $6 million or more but less than $9 million, and 2.80%(*) for non-financial institutions and 3.80%(*) for financial institutions if receipts are $9 million or more. In addition, S corporation net earnings (and losses) are attributed directly to shareholders (whether or not they are distributed as dividends) and are taxed at the individual shareholder level, generally at the applicable personal income tax rate (5.20% from 2014).

The difference between the manner in which income is taxed to an ordinary business corporation (including its shareholders) and an S corporation and its shareholders constitutes a tax expenditure. Massachusetts first adopted this treatment of corporations in 1986.

(*) See Appendix A for further details on corporate rate change.



















Origin:  IRC, S. 1361-1363, M.G.L. c. 62, S. 17A, c. 63, S.32D, LR 99-17.
Estimate:  $101.1
 
101.1
2.002 Exemption of Income from the Sale, Lease or Transfer of Certain Patents
Income from the sale, lease or other transfer of approved patents for energy conservation, and royalties and income from the sale, lease or other transfer of property subject to such patents are excluded from gross income for a period of five years.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30.3
Estimate:  negligible
 
negligible

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Deferrals of Gross Income 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Deferrals of Gross Income 0.4
2.101 Deferral of Tax on Certain Shipping Companies
Certain companies with merchant marine capital construction funds receive up to a 25-year deferral of tax on that portion of their net income, which is set aside for construction, modernization, and major repair of ships.

Origin:  IRC, S. 7518
Estimate:  $0.4
 
0.4

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Deductions from Gross Income 192.7 200.5 201.4 223.3 217.5

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Deductions from Gross Income 217.5
2.201 Charitable Contributions and Gifts Deduction
In computing net income, corporations may deduct charitable donations up to 10% of taxable incomes computed without the deductions. There is a carryover of excess contributions available for five succeeding taxable years.

Origin:  IRC, S. 170 (b)(2)(A), (d)(2)(A)
Estimate:  $24.3
 
24.3
2.203 Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carry-Forward
There has been a statutory expansion of the general NOL carry-forward period from 5 to 20 years for business corporations, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. There has also been a change to the calculation of an NOL carry-forward for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010; all carry-forward losses of eligible business corporations are to be carried forward on a post-apportioned basis, after applying the apportionment percentages of the corporations for the taxable year in which the losses are sustained. Financial institutions, public utilities, and insurance companies, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are not allowed to deduct NOL.

Origin:  IRC, S. 172; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30.5; TIR 10- 15.
Estimate:  $192.3
 
192.3
2.204 Excess Natural Resource Depletion Allowance
Taxpayers in extractive industries (mining or drilling for natural resources) may deduct a percentage of gross mining income as a depletion allowance ("percentage depletion") even if the cost basis of the property has been reduced to zero. The deduction may not exceed 50% (in some cases, 100%) of net income from the property. In the case of oil and gas, percentage depletion is available only to domestic oil and gas sold by "independent producers" (nonintegrated companies). The excess of the deduction, which is available using the percentage of gross income method of depletion over a depletion deduction based on cost, is a tax expenditure.

Origin:  IRC, S. 613, 613A; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30.3.
Estimate:  $0.9
 
0.9
2.205 Deduction for Certain Dividends of Cooperatives
Farmers' cooperatives and certain corporations acting as cooperatives may deduct patronage dividends and other amounts from gross income. Cooperatives meeting certain requirements may deduct dividends on capital stocks and certain payments to patrons such as investment income. Under generally accepted rules for taxing corporations, the corporation cannot deduct dividends paid to shareholders.

Origin:  IRC, S. 1381-1383
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
2.206 Economic opportunity areas; tax deduction for renovation of abandoned buildings
Businesses renovating eligible buildings in Economic Opportunity Areas may deduct 10% of the costs of renovation from gross incomes. This deduction may be in addition to any other deduction for which the cost of renovation may qualify. To be eligible for this deduction, renovation costs must be related to buildings designated as abandoned by the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S.38O
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Accelerated Deductions from Gross Income 329.2 321.7 304.7 331.0 306.9

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Accelerated Deductions from Gross Income 306.9
2.301 Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System on Rental Housing
Landlords and investors in rental housing may use accelerated methods of depreciation for new and used rental housing. Straight-line depreciation over the property's expected useful life is the generally accepted method for recovering cost, which is close to economic depreciation. However, through the past decades, systems which adopt accelerated depreciation methods have been introduced. The current system is MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System) which was enacted in 1986. This system further accelerated the rate of recovery of depreciation than under ACRS (Accelerated Cost Recovery System) which was enacted in 1981. Differences between MACRS and ACRS are 1) deductions from the 150% declining balance method to 200-percent declining balance; 2) certain assets were reclassified and the number of asset classes (80) was increased; and 3) the recovery period for residential rental property was extended to 27.5 years and for nonresidential real property to 31.5 years. For details, refer to the document, Background and Present Law Relating to Cost Recovery and Domestic Production Activities, which was published by the Joint Committee on Taxation in their homepage on March 6th, 2012.

The excess of allowable depreciation over the generally accepted depreciation constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC S. 168
Estimate:  $3.8
 
3.8
2.303 Expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly
Taxpayers may elect to deduct up to $15,000 of the costs of removing architectural or transportation barriers to the handicapped in the year these costs are incurred. The immediate deduction of these expenditures, which would otherwise have to be capitalized and depreciated over a longer period, constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC, S. 190
Estimate:  $0.3
 
0.3
2.304 Election to Deduct and Amortize Business Start-up Costs
Taxpayers who pay or incur business start-up costs and who subsequently enter the trade or business can elect to expense up to $5,000 of the costs. The $5,000 deduction amount is reduced dollar for dollar when the start-up expenses exceed $50,000. The balance of start-up expenses (if any) is amortized over a period of not less than 180 months, starting with the month in which the business begins. The election must be made no later than the date (including extensions) for filing the return for the tax year in which the business begins or is acquired. A taxpayer is deemed to have made an election to deduct and amortize start-up expenses for the tax year in which the active trade or business to which the expenses relate begins. A taxpayer who does not make the election must capitalize the expenses.

Origin:  IRC, S. 195
Estimate:  $0.6
 
0.6
2.305 Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System for Equipment
For depreciable tangible personal property placed in service after 1980, capital costs may be recovered using the Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS), which applies accelerated methods of depreciation over set recovery periods. For property placed in service after 1987, Massachusetts has adopted the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), which generally uses double declining balance depreciation over specified periods that are substantially shorter than actual useful lives (200% declining balance for 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year recovery property and 150% declining balance for 15- and 20-year property). The excess of accelerated depreciation over economic depreciation constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

For the past decade, the federal government has allowed "bonus depreciation" which further accelerates depreciation for assets placed in service in certain years. However, Massachusetts does not follow it.

Origin:  IRC, S. 168
Estimate:  $199.5
 
199.5
2.306 Deduction for Excess First-Year Depreciation
Taxpayers may elect to expense certain business assets purchased during the taxable year. American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (enacted January 1, 2013) increased the benefits, making changes to IRC sec. 179. For tax year 2012, Massachusetts adopts the increased federal amounts provided by IRC sec. 179. Hence, the total deduction cannot exceed $500,000; for taxpayers whose investment in eligible assets exceeds $2,000,000 in the year, the $500,000 ceiling is reduced by $1 for each dollar of investment above $2,000,000. Any remaining cost may be depreciated according to MACRS as described in item 2.305. The immediate deduction constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC, S. 179
Estimate:  $2.9
 
2.9
2.307 Modified Accelerated Depreciation on Buildings (other than Rental Housing)
Construction may be depreciated under methods which produce faster depreciation than economic depreciation. The precise rules have been changed repeatedly in recent years by revisions of the federal tax code. For structures (other than housing) placed in service after 1986, federal law requires straight-line depreciation over a 31.5 year life. The excess of accelerated depreciation over economic depreciation is a tax expenditure. For a more detailed description of accelerated depreciation, see the description for item 2.301.

Origin:  IRC, S. 168
Estimate:  $1.0
 
1.0
2.308 Expensing Research and Development Expenditures in One Year
Taxpayers may elect to treat research or experimental expenditures incurred in connection with a trade or business as immediately deductible expenses. Under generally accepted accounting principles, at least some of these costs would otherwise be treated as capital expenditures and depreciated or amortized over a period of years. Their immediate deduction constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC, S. 174
Estimate:  $97.4
 
97.4
2.309 Expensing Exploration and Development Costs
Certain capital costs incurred in bringing a known mineral deposit into production are deductible in the year incurred. A portion of domestic mining exploration costs can also be expensed, although they will be recaptured if the mine reaches the production stage. Certain intangible drilling and development costs of domestic oil, gas, and geothermal wells are deductible when made, but to a certain extent may be recaptured upon disposition of oil, gas, or geothermal property to which they are properly chargeable. The immediate expensing of these costs, which would otherwise be capitalized and recovered through depreciation or through depletion as the natural resource is removed from the ground, constitutes a tax expenditure resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC, S. 193, 263(c), 616,
617
; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30.4.
Estimate:  $0.9
 
0.9
2.311 Five-Year Amortization of Pollution Control Facilities
Taxpayers may elect to amortize the cost of a certified pollution control facility over a five-year period, allowing for accelerated recovery of these costs. Accelerated recovery is only available for pollution control facilities subsequently added to plants that were in operation before 1976. The excess of accelerated recovery over depreciation deductions otherwise allowable constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC, S. 169
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
2.312 Expensing of Alternative Energy Units
In determining net income, a corporation may elect to take an immediate deduction for expenditures made for certain solar or wind powered systems or units located in Massachusetts and used exclusively in the business, in lieu of all other deductions and credits including the deduction for depreciation. Without this provision, such expenditures would have to be capitalized and depreciated. The immediate deduction constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38H
Estimate:  $0.4
 
0.4
2.313 Seven-Year Amortization for Reforestation
Taxpayers may elect to amortize reforestation costs for qualified timber property over a seven-year period. In the absence of this special provision, these costs would be capitalized and depreciated over a longer period or recovered when the timber is sold. The accelerated cost recovery constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC, S. 194
Estimate:  $0.2
 
0.2

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Adjustments to Apportionment Formula 310.3 323.2 324.6 360.1 350.9

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Adjustments to Apportionment Formula 350.9
2.401 Unequal Weighting of Sales, Payroll, and Property in the Apportionment Formula
Corporations with a presence in Massachusetts and other states allocate income to the Commonwealth using a three-factor apportionment formula. A corporation's sales, payroll, and property in Massachusetts are compared to those outside Massachusetts.

Exporters benefit from an apportionment formula that weights sales more heavily than the other factors. Effective January 1, 1996, eligible defense corporations are allowed to use a formula that weights sales 100%. For other qualified manufacturers, a 100% sales weight was phased-in over five years, and was fully effective January 1, 2000. All corporations other than mutual fund corporations (see below) will continue to use a formula that weights sales 50%.

Effective January 1, 1997 mutual fund corporations are allowed to attribute mutual fund sales to Massachusetts based on the domicile of shareholders in the mutual funds. Effective July 1, 1997, mutual fund corporations are allowed to apportion their income to Massachusetts based solely on the percentage of sales to Massachusetts residents.

Comment: In listing this item, it is assumed that a standard apportionment formula gives equal weight to sales, property and payroll. The estimate is of the impact of departing from this standard formula.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38 (c), (k), (l), (m)
Estimate:  $350.9
 
350.9

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Exclusions from Property Component 111.9 183.4 184.2 204.3 199.1

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Exclusions from Property Component 199.1
2.501 Nontaxation of Certain Energy Property
Tangible property qualifying for the deduction for expenditures for alternative energy described in item 2.312 is not subject to taxation under the tangible property measure of the corporate excise.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38H(f)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
2.502 Exemption for Property Subject to Local Taxation
In computing the state corporate excise on tangible property, property subject to tax at the local level is exempt. Generally, the state taxes only the machinery of manufacturing corporations and exempts business real estate and tangible personal property.

For purposes of estimating revenue loss from this tax expenditure, the state's rate on property (non-income measure), $2.60 per $1,000, has been applied.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30(7)
Estimate:  $199.1
 
199.1

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Credits Against Tax 423.1 457.0 509.7 583.4 560.8

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Credits Against Tax 560.8
2.602 Investment Tax Credit
Manufacturing corporations and corporations engaged primarily in research and development, agriculture or commercial fishing are allowed to take a credit of 3% of the cost of depreciable real and tangible property. Such property must have a useful life of four years or more. The property must be used and located in Massachusetts on the last day of the taxable year. A corporation cannot take the credit on property which it leases to another. A corporation can take the credit on property which it leases from another (for property leased and placed in service on or after July 1, 1994). Generally, eligible corporate lessees making qualifying leasehold improvements may claim the credit. A corporation may carry over to the next succeeding three years any unused portion of its Investment Tax Credit (ITC), but it is neither transferable nor refundable.

To be consistent with all other estimates in this document, this estimate is based on actual investment tax credit claims of corporations from the most recent Corporate Excise Returns Report, and does not take into account increased tax revenues resulted from greater economic activity induced by the investment tax credit (i.e., the estimate is "static", not "dynamic")

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 31A (i), (j)
Estimate:  $66.1
 
66.1
2.603 Vanpool Credit
Businesses are allowed to take a credit of 30% of the cost incurred during the taxable year for the purchase or lease of company shuttle vans used in the Commonwealth as part of an employer-sponsored ridesharing program. The shuttle vans must be used for transporting employees. This credit is neither transferable nor refundable nor can it be carried forward.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 31E
Estimate:  negligible
 
negligible
2.604 Research Credit
A credit is allowed for corporations which made basic research payments and/or incurred qualified research expenses conducted in Massachusetts during the taxable year. A corporation taking the research credit is limited in the amount that can be taken against the excise in any year. The credit cannot reduce the tax to less than $456. The amount of credit is equal to: 100% of the first $25,000 of excise; and 75% of any amount of excise remaining after the first $25,000. The deduction allowed to a corporation for any research expenses generating a Massachusetts Research Credit must be reduced by the amount of the credit generated. This amount is added back to income. Any corporation which is a member of a combined group may share excess research credits with other members of the combined group. Corporations which are members of a controlled group or which are under common control with any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) are treated as a single taxpayer for purposes of determining the allowable Research Credit. The credit may be carried forward for up to 15 years with certain restrictions, but neither transferable nor refundable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38M
Estimate:  $188.9
 
188.9
2.605 EDIP/Economic Development Incentive Program Credit
Pursuant to G.L. c. 62, S. 6(g) and G.L. c. 63, S. 38N, individuals and entities investing in qualified property for use exclusively in a certified project are entitled to a credit against tax for a percentage of the cost of the property. The credit is a key component of the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) established pursuant to G.L. c. 23A. To be certified, the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) must approve a project. The total dollar amount of the EDIPC that may be used in a calendar year is $25 million. Included in the $25 million annual cap are amounts (up to $5 million) awarded pursuant to the certified housing development program authorized by G.L. 40V.

For projects certified prior to January 1, 2010: The project must be in an economic opportunity area and the credit is 5% of the cost of qualifying property. To qualify for the 5% credit, the property must be used exclusively in a certified project in an Economic Opportunity Area. The credit may be carried forward for up to 10 years with certain restrictions.

For projects certified after January 1, 2010: Sections 21 to 24 and 47 of chapter 166 of the Acts of 2009 made significant changes to EDIP. Under the amended provisions of the EDIP, the EACC may authorize taxpayers participating in certified projects to claim tax credits up to 40% of the cost of qualifying property. The EDIPC for manufacturing retention projects, if authorized by the EACC, may be refundable "at the option of the taxpayer". If the credit balance is refunded to the taxpayer, the carryover provisions shall not apply. This credit is not transferable.

Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38N
Estimate:  $24.0
 
24.0
2.606 Credit for Employing Former Full-Employment Program Participants
Employers who continue to employ former participants of the S.110(1) full employment program in non-subsidized positions are eligible to receive a tax credit equal to $100 per month for each month of non-subsidized employment, up to a maximum of $1,200 per employee, per year. For further discussion, see 830 CMR 118.1.

Origin:  St. 1995, c. 5, S. 110(m)
Estimate:  Not Active
 
Not Active
2.607 Harbor Maintenance Tax Credit
Corporations are allowed to take a credit against the corporate excise for certain harbor maintenance taxes paid to the U.S. Customs Service pursuant to IRC sec. 4461. A corporation is eligible for the credit if the tax paid is attributable to the shipment of break-bulk or containerized cargo by sea and ocean-going vessels through a Massachusetts harbor facility. The credit is not subject to the 50% limitation; however, it may not reduce the tax liability to less than the minimum excise of $456. The credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years, but is neither refundable nor transferable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38P
Estimate:  $1.6
 
1.6
2.608 Brownfields Credit
Taxpayers are allowed to take a credit for amounts expended to rehabilitate contaminated property owned or leased for business purposes and located within an economically distressed area. The eligibility period for the Brownfields Credit has been lengthened.
Recent legislation extends the Brownfields credit to nonprofit organizations, extends the time frame for eligibility for the credit, and permits the credit to be transferred, sold, or assigned. Under prior law, net response and removal costs incurred by a taxpayer between August 1, 1998 and August 5, 2005, were eligible for the credit provided that the environmental response action before August 5, 2005. As a result of the recent legislation, the environmental response action commencement cut-off date is changed from August 5, 2005 to August 5, 2018, and the time for incurring eligible costs that qualify for the credit is extended to January 1, 2019. See TIR 13-15 for more information.

The credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years. The amount of the credit varies according to the extent of the environmental remedy. If the taxpayer's permanent solution or remedy operation status includes an activity and use limitation, then the amount of the credit is 25% of the net response and removal costs incurred by the taxpayer. However, if there is no activity and use limitation, then the amount of the credit is 50% of the net response and removal costs. Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38Q
Estimate:  $41.0
 
41.0
2.609 Low Income Housing Credit
The Low-Income Housing Credit is administered through the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The Low Income Housing Credit is available to taxpayers for the construction or development of low income housing. The amount of credit that a taxpayer may claim for a qualified Massachusetts project is allocated by the DHCD and is based on a total pool of money awarded to the Commonwealth. The LIHC is not subject to the 50% limitation rule for corporate taxpayers. If the taxpayer disposes of the property generating the LIHC, a portion of the credit may be subject to recapture.

Under prior law, the Massachusetts low-income housing tax credits were available only to taxpayers who had been allocated federal low-income housing tax credits. Effective August 1, 2010, the Act allows the Department of Housing and Community Development to grant state low-income housing credits (within the annual cap) to otherwise eligible projects that do not receive a federal low-income housing credit. Note that the annual cap temporarily increases from $50 million per year to $100 million per year for tax years 2013 and 2014, but will return to $50 million per year from 2015.

The credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years and may be transferred or sold to another taxpayer, but it is not refundable. Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 31H
Estimate:  $73.5
 
73.5
2.610 Historic Buildings Rehabilitation Credit
To claim this credit, a historic rehabilitation project must be complete and have been certified by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which determines the amount of qualifying expenditures. Filers may claim up to 20% of their qualified rehabilitation expenditures.

Unused portions of the credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years and transferred or sold to another taxpayer, but are not refundable. The Historic Rehabilitation Credit (HRC) is not subject to the 50% limitation rule for corporate taxpayers. If the taxpayer disposes of the property generating the HRC, a portion of the credit may be subject to recapture.

The expenditure for this item (combined with the Historic Rehabilitation Credit for personal income tax filers, item 1.610) was originally capped at $15 million per year, with a start date for the credit of January 1, 2005 and an end date of December 31, 2009. Chapter 123 of the Acts of 2006 extended the availability of the credit for an additional 2 years, to December 31, 2011. Again, Chapter 131 of the Acts of 2010 extended the availability of the credit for an additional 6 years to December 31, 2017, with an annual cap of $50 million.

Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

For further discussion, see TIR 10-11.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38R
Estimate:  $40.8
 
40.8
2.614 Film (or Motion Picture) Credit
For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2006 and before January 1, 2023, Massachusetts allows two credits for motion picture production companies who meet certain qualification requirements. Production companies who incur at least $50,000 of production costs in Massachusetts are eligible for income and corporate excise tax credits equal to 25% of the total Massachusetts payroll for the production, excluding salaries of $1 million and higher. In addition, production companies whose Massachusetts production expenses exceed 50% of the total production cost receive an income and corporate excise tax credit of 25% of the total Massachusetts production expense. Supporting documentation is available to the Department of Revenue upon request.

This tax credit is refundable at 90% of the approved credit amounts by the written election of the taxpayer or may be carried forward for up to 5 years. In addition, all or any portion of tax credits issued may be transferred, sold or assigned to other taxpayers with tax liabilities under chapter 62 (the individual income tax) or chapter 63 (the corporate or other business excise taxes). For applications submitted prior to January 1, 2007, film tax credits were capped at $7,000,000 for any one motion picture production has; for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2007, there is no cap. Also, the sunset date for the film incentives statute has been extended from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38X
Estimate:  $87.8
 
87.8
2.615 Medical Device User Fee Credit
The Medical Device Credit is equal to 100% of the user fees actually paid to the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) by a medical device company during the taxable year for which the tax is due for pre-market submissions (e.g., applications, supplements, or 510(k) submissions) to market new technologies or upgrades, changes, or enhancements to existing technologies, developed or manufactured in Massachusetts. The credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years. Also the credit may be transferred or sold to another taxpayer, but is not refundable. Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 31L
Estimate:  $0.5
 
0.5
2.616 Devens Refundable Tax Credit
Effective July 21, 2006, the Economic Opportunity Area credit is made refundable for certain projects. Notwithstanding subsections (b) to (d), inclusive, of section 38N of chapter 63 of the General Laws, in the event that a credit allowed under said section 38N of said chapter 63 exceeds the tax otherwise due under said
chapter 63, the balance of that credit shall be refundable to the taxpayer in the taxable year in which qualified property giving rise to that credit is placed in service. This applies to credits for projects in the biotechnology industry, certified on or after June 1, 2006 and before June 1, 2008 by taxpayers who committed to investment of not less than $650 Million over a period of 8 years and the creation of not fewer than 550 new jobs at the project site. "Project" means the design, planning, permitting, site preparation, construction, development, and operation of infrastructure and other improvements, including demolition of existing structures and design and construction of necessary replacement structures on adjacent or proximate land, and upgrades to the existing electric and gas utility systems serving the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone, as established by chapter 498 of the acts of 1993, to support the operation of a large scale biologics pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, or reasonably required to facilitate complete development, construction, and operation of such a facility. (See item 2.605)

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38N, St. 2006, c. 173, S. 3
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
2.617 Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program
On June 16, 2008, "An Act Providing for the Investment in and Expansion of the Life Sciences Industry in the Commonwealth" was passed. The Act established the Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program which initially included, among other things, the following credits: the life sciences research credit, the life sciences refundable research credit, the life sciences refundable investment tax credit, and the life sciences FDA user fees credit; effective from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2018. Effective January 1, 2011, the life sciences refundable jobs credit was added to this program. Since the tax expenditures under this line item will be subject to approval and their composition will differ from year-to-year, it is not known what proportion will be in the form of corporate tax credits as opposed to income tax credits. However, because the Department of Revenue believes that the largest portion of the tax expenditures described in this line item will be in the form of corporate tax credits, it has placed it in this section of the tax expenditure budget. Except for the life sciences research credit, the other incentives are refundable up to 90%, Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6(m), (n), and (r) and c.63, S.38M (j), 38U, 38W and 38CC
Estimate:  $24.5
 
24.5
2.618 Dairy Farmers Credit
The Massachusetts dairy farmer tax credit was established to offset the cyclical downturns in milk prices paid to dairy farmers and is based on the U.S. Federal Milk Marketing Order for the applicable market, such that when the U.S. Federal Milk Marketing Order price drops below a trigger price anytime during the taxable year the taxpayer will be entitled to the tax credit. The total cumulative value of the credits authorized pursuant to this section combined with section 6(o) of chapter 62 of the General Laws shall not exceed $4,000,000 annually.
A taxpayer who holds a certificate of registration as a dairy farmer pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 94, sec. 16A is allowed to take a refundable tax credit based on the amount of milk produced and sold. These credits may not be sold or transferred to another taxpayer, but are refundable at 100% of face value. Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38Z
Estimate:  $0.5
 
0.5
2.619 Conservation Land Credit
A tax credit is allowed for qualified donations of certified land to a public or private conservation agency. The credit is equal to 50% of the fair market value of the qualified donation. The amount of the credit that may be claimed by a taxpayer for each qualified donation cannot exceed $50,000. Approval of the donation is required from the Secretary of the Office of Energy & Environment Affairs. The credits may not be sold or transferred to another taxpayer, but are refundable. The total credits that may be approved are capped at $2.0 million annually for the combined amount from personal income tax filers, chapter 63 taxpayers.

Insurance companies, financial institutions, and public utilities, which do not belong to regular corporate tax types, are also allowed to apply for this credit.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38AA
Estimate:  $0.0
 
$0.0
2.620 Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit
The 2012 Health Care Act established an Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit that is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and is set to expire on December 31, 2017. The Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit was created to provide incentives for business to recognize the benefits of wellness programs with the goal of providing smaller businesses with an expanded opportunity to implement these programs. The credit is available to both chapter 62 and chapter 63 taxpayers (personal income taxpayers and corporate & business excise taxpayers).
The Department of Public Health(DPH) will administer the credit program by: 1) determining standards for an Employer Wellness Program that will qualify for the credit; 2) approving a dollar amount of credit for a qualifying taxpayer and issue a certificate to be filed with the appropriate tax return; 3) by developing regulations and procedures with the Department of Revenue to implement the credit program. A business will apply to the DPH describing the proposed wellness program to be implemented by the business and providing an estimated budget and applicable taxpayer identification number.
The credit is set at 25 percent of the costs associated with implementing a "certified wellness program." The maximum amount of Employer Wellness Program Credits available to a taxpayer is $10,000 in any tax year. The total amount of Employer Wellness Program Credits authorized by the DPH is subject to a $15,000,000 annual cap starting calendar year 2013. The Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit is non-refundable and non-transferrable. However, the portion of the Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit that exceeds the tax for the taxable year may be carried forward and applied against such taxpayer's tax liability in any of the succeeding 5 taxable years. DPH has promulgated a regulation, 105 CMR 216.000, entitled Massachusetts Wellness Tax Credit Incentive, which sets forth criteria for authorizing and certifying the credit.

Origin:  St. 2012, c. 224, S. 41, 41A, 56, 56A, 238, 239, 297, and 298. M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6N; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38FF.
Estimate:  $9.4
 
9.4
2.621 Community Investment Tax Credit
The 2012 Jobs Act provides a Community Investment Tax Credit that is effective January 1, 2014 and is set to expire on December 31, 2019. It was created to enable local residents and stakeholders to work with and through community development corporations to partner with nonprofit, public and private entities to improve economic opportunities for low and moderate income households and other residents in urban, rural and suburban communities across the commonwealth. The credit is available to both chapter 62 and chapter 63 taxpayers (personal income taxpayers and corporate & business excise taxpayers).
The Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the credit program by: 1) issuing a certification to a taxpayer after the taxpayer makes a qualified investment; 2) authorizing a dollar amount of credit for a qualified investment; 3) developing regulations and procedures with the Department of Revenue to implement the Community Investment Credit.
The certification will be acceptable as proof that the expenditures related to such investment constitute qualified investments for purposes of the community investment credit. The Community Investment Credit is set at 50 percent of the total qualified investments made by a taxpayer in a "community partner," i.e., a "community development corporation" or a "community support organization," selected by the Department of Housing and Community Development through a competitive process. A qualified investment must be in the form of a cash contribution of at least $1,000. A taxpayer may invest in more than one community partner, but may not claim more than $1,000,000 of credits in any single taxable year. A taxpayer must claim the credit in the taxable year in which a qualified investment is made. The total amount of Community Investment Credits is subject to a $3,000,000 cap in 2014, and an annual cap of $6,000,000 in 2015 to 2019, inclusive. This credit is non-refundable, but it is transferrable and it could be carried over up to five years.

Origin:  St. 2012, c. 238, S. 29, 30, 35, 36; M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6M; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38EE
Estimate:  $2.3
 
2.3

 

Fiscal Year 2015 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015
Entity Exempt from Taxation 7.2 10.4 11.3 12.5 12.2

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Entity Exempt from Taxation 12.2
2.701 Exemption of Credit Union Income
Credit unions, which are in effect mutual business organizations, are considered tax-exempt organizations for federal income tax purposes and therefore are generally exempt from the corporate excise, except are taxable on unrelated business income.

Comment: The estimate applies to only state-chartered credit unions.

Origin:  IRC, S. 501(c)(14)(A), M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30
Estimate:  $12.2
 
12.2
2.702 Tax-Exempt Organizations
Corporations considered to be tax-exempt under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code (such as religious, scientific and educational organizations) are exempt from tax under the corporate excise. The non-taxation of their net income and property creates a tax expenditure.

Origin:  IRC, S. 501, M.G.L. c. 63, S. 30
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
2.703 Exemption for Regulated Investment Companies
Regulated Investment Companies are exempt from the corporate excise. This item constitutes a tax expenditure in Massachusetts, though it is not considered a tax expenditure at the federal level.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 63, S. 68C(8)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.

Key:

ORIGIN  
IRCFederal Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.)
M.G.L. Massachusetts General Laws
U.S.C United States Code
ESTIMATES All estimates are in $ millions.