State program

Colorado Enterprise Zone Research and Development Increase Tax Credit

A geographically targeted credit for companies that increase research spending inside a designated Colorado Enterprise Zone.

Program overview

Colorado ties its research incentive to its Enterprise Zone program, which directs investment to economically distressed areas. Businesses that increase qualified research expenditures within a zone over the average of the prior two years may claim a credit equal to a percentage of the increase. The credit must be pre-certified with the local Enterprise Zone administrator before the activity begins, and it is claimed over multiple years rather than all at once, so cash-flow planning is part of the analysis.

Eligibility

Businesses conducting qualified research, as defined under IRC Section 41, at a physical location inside a Colorado Enterprise Zone, with annual pre-certification from the zone administrator.

Benefits

Credit against Colorado income tax claimed at 25% of the credit amount per year until fully used.

Find out what your research actually qualifies for

A scoping conversation takes thirty minutes and costs nothing. You leave with a view on eligibility, likely credit range and the documentation you would need.