Subchapter U—Designation and Treatment of Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Rural Development Investment Areas
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior subchapter U consisted of sections 1391 to 1397, prior to repeal by
Amendments
1997—
PART I—DESIGNATION
§1391. Designation procedure
(a) In general
From among the areas nominated for designation under this section, the appropriate Secretaries may designate empowerment zones and enterprise communities.
(b) Number of designations
(1) Enterprise communities
The appropriate Secretaries may designate in the aggregate 95 nominated areas as enterprise communities under this section, subject to the availability of eligible nominated areas. Of that number, not more than 65 may be designated in urban areas and not more than 30 may be designated in rural areas.
(2) Empowerment zones
The appropriate Secretaries may designate in the aggregate 11 nominated areas as empowerment zones under this section, subject to the availability of eligible nominated areas. Of that number, not more than 8 may be designated in urban areas and not more than 3 may be designated in rural areas. If 8 empowerment zones are designated in urban areas, no less than 1 shall be designated in an urban area the most populous city of which has a population of 500,000 or less and no less than 1 shall be a nominated area which includes areas in 2 States and which has a population of 50,000 or less. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall designate empowerment zones located in urban areas in such a manner that the aggregate population of all such zones does not exceed 1,000,000.
(c) Period designations may be made
A designation may be made under subsection (a) only after 1993 and before 1996.
(d) Period for which designation is in effect
(1) In general
Any designation under this section shall remain in effect during the period beginning on the date of the designation and ending on the earliest of—
(A)(i) in the case of an empowerment zone, December 31, 2025, or
(ii) in the case of an enterprise community, the close of the 10th calendar year beginning on or after such date of designation,
(B) the termination date designated by the State and local governments as provided for in their nomination, or
(C) the date the appropriate Secretary revokes the designation.
(2) Revocation of designation
The appropriate Secretary may revoke the designation under this section of an area if such Secretary determines that the local government or the State in which it is located—
(A) has modified the boundaries of the area, or
(B) is not complying substantially with, or fails to make progress in achieving the benchmarks set forth in, the strategic plan under subsection (f)(2).
(e) Limitations on designations
No area may be designated under this section unless—
(1) the area is nominated by 1 or more local governments and the State or States in which it is located for designation under this section,
(2) such State or States and the local governments have the authority—
(A) to nominate the area for designation under this section, and
(B) to provide the assurances described in paragraph (3),
(3) such State or States and the local governments provide written assurances satisfactory to the appropriate Secretary that the strategic plan described in the application under subsection (f)(2) for such area will be implemented,
(4) the appropriate Secretary determines that any information furnished is reasonably accurate, and
(5) such State or States and local governments certify that no portion of the area nominated is already included in an empowerment zone or in an enterprise community or in an area otherwise nominated to be designated under this section.
(f) Application
No area may be designated under this section unless the application for such designation—
(1) demonstrates that the nominated area satisfies the eligibility criteria described in section 1392,
(2) includes a strategic plan for accomplishing the purposes of this subchapter that—
(A) describes the coordinated economic, human, community, and physical development plan and related activities proposed for the nominated area,
(B) describes the process by which the affected community is a full partner in the process of developing and implementing the plan and the extent to which local institutions and organizations have contributed to the planning process,
(C) identifies the amount of State, local, and private resources that will be available in the nominated area and the private/public partnerships to be used, which may include participation by, and cooperation with, universities, medical centers, and other private and public entities,
(D) identifies the funding requested under any Federal program in support of the proposed economic, human, community, and physical development and related activities,
(E) identifies baselines, methods, and benchmarks for measuring the success of carrying out the strategic plan, including the extent to which poor persons and families will be empowered to become economically self-sufficient, and
(F) does not include any action to assist any establishment in relocating from one area outside the nominated area to the nominated area, except that assistance for the expansion of an existing business entity through the establishment of a new branch, affiliate, or subsidiary is permitted if—
(i) the establishment of the new branch, affiliate, or subsidiary will not result in a decrease in employment in the area of original location or in any other area where the existing business entity conducts business operations, and
(ii) there is no reason to believe that the new branch, affiliate, or subsidiary is being established with the intention of closing down the operations of the existing business entity in the area of its original location or in any other area where the existing business entity conducts business operation, and
(3) includes such other information as may be required by the appropriate Secretary.
(g) Additional designations permitted
(1) In general
In addition to the areas designated under subsection (a), the appropriate Secretaries may designate in the aggregate an additional 20 nominated areas as empowerment zones under this section, subject to the availability of eligible nominated areas. Of that number, not more than 15 may be designated in urban areas and not more than 5 may be designated in rural areas.
(2) Period designations may be made and take effect
A designation may be made under this subsection after the date of the enactment of this subsection and before January 1, 1999.
(3) Modifications to eligibility criteria, etc.
(A) Poverty rate requirement
(i) In general
A nominated area shall be eligible for designation under this subsection only if the poverty rate for each population census tract within the nominated area is not less than 20 percent and the poverty rate for at least 90 percent of the population census tracts within the nominated area is not less than 25 percent.
(ii) Treatment of census tracts with small populations
A population census tract with a population of less than 2,000 shall be treated as having a poverty rate of not less than 25 percent if—
(I) more than 75 percent of such tract is zoned for commercial or industrial use, and
(II) such tract is contiguous to 1 or more other population census tracts which have a poverty rate of not less than 25 percent (determined without regard to this clause).
(iii) Exception for developable sites
Clause (i) shall not apply to up to 3 noncontiguous parcels in a nominated area which may be developed for commercial or industrial purposes. The aggregate area of noncontiguous parcels to which the preceding sentence applies with respect to any nominated area shall not exceed 2,000 acres.
(iv) Certain provisions not to apply
Section 1392(a)(4) (and so much of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1392(b) as relate to section 1392(a)(4)) shall not apply to an area nominated for designation under this subsection.
(v) Special rule for rural empowerment zone
The Secretary of Agriculture may designate not more than 1 empowerment zone in a rural area without regard to clause (i) if such area satisfies emigration criteria specified by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(B) Size limitation
(i) In general
The parcels described in subparagraph (A)(iii) shall not be taken into account in determining whether the requirement of subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 1392(a)(3) is met.
(ii) Special rule for rural areas
If a population census tract (or equivalent division under section 1392(b)(4)) in a rural area exceeds 1,000 square miles or includes a substantial amount of land owned by the Federal, State, or local government, the nominated area may exclude such excess square mileage or governmentally owned land and the exclusion of that area will not be treated as violating the continuous boundary requirement of section 1392(a)(3)(B).
(C) Aggregate population limitation
The aggregate population limitation under the last sentence of subsection (b)(2) shall not apply to a designation under paragraph (1).
(D) Previously designated enterprise communities may be included
Subsection (e)(5) shall not apply to any enterprise community designated under subsection (a) that is also nominated for designation under this subsection.
(E) Indian reservations may be nominated
(i) In general
Section 1393(a)(4) shall not apply to an area nominated for designation under this subsection.
(ii) Special rule
An area in an Indian reservation shall be treated as nominated by a State and a local government if it is nominated by the reservation governing body (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior).
(h) Additional designations permitted
(1) In general
In addition to the areas designated under subsections (a) and (g), the appropriate Secretaries may designate in the aggregate an additional 9 nominated areas as empowerment zones under this section, subject to the availability of eligible nominated areas. Of that number, not more than seven may be designated in urban areas and not more than 2 may be designated in rural areas.
(2) Period designations may be made and take effect
A designation may be made under this subsection after the date of the enactment of this subsection and before January 1, 2002.
(3) Modifications to eligibility criteria, etc.
The rules of subsection (g)(3) shall apply to designations under this subsection.
(4) Empowerment zones which become renewal communities
The number of areas which may be designated as empowerment zones under this subsection shall be increased by 1 for each area which ceases to be an empowerment zone by reason of section 1400E(e).1 Each additional area designated by reason of the preceding sentence shall have the same urban or rural character as the area it is replacing.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), is the date of enactment of
The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (h)(2), is the date of enactment of
Section 1400E(e), referred to in subsec. (h)(4), was repealed by
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1391, added
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
2019—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
2018—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
Subsec. (g)(3)(E)(ii).
2015—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
2014—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
2013—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
2010—Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i).
Subsec. (h)(2).
2000—Subsec. (d)(1)(A).
Subsec. (g)(3)(C).
Subsec. (h).
1997—Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (c).
Subsecs. (e), (f).
Subsec. (g).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Treatment of Certain Termination Dates Specified in Nominations
1 See References in Text note below.
§1392. Eligibility criteria
(a) In general
A nominated area shall be eligible for designation under section 1391 only if it meets the following criteria:
(1) Population
The nominated area has a maximum population of—
(A) in the case of an urban area, the lesser of—
(i) 200,000, or
(ii) the greater of 50,000 or 10 percent of the population of the most populous city located within the nominated area, and
(B) in the case of a rural area, 30,000.
(2) Distress
The nominated area is one of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.
(3) Size
The nominated area—
(A) does not exceed 20 square miles if an urban area or 1,000 square miles if a rural area,
(B) has a boundary which is continuous, or, except in the case of a rural area located in more than 1 State, consists of not more than 3 noncontiguous parcels,
(C)(i) in the case of an urban area, is located entirely within no more than 2 contiguous States, and
(ii) in the case of a rural area, is located entirely within no more than 3 contiguous States, and
(D) does not include any portion of a central business district (as such term is used for purposes of the most recent Census of Retail Trade) unless the poverty rate for each population census tract in such district is not less than 35 percent (30 percent in the case of an enterprise community).
(4) Poverty rate
The poverty rate—
(A) for each population census tract within the nominated area is not less than 20 percent,
(B) for at least 90 percent of the population census tracts within the nominated area is not less than 25 percent, and
(C) for at least 50 percent of the population census tracts within the nominated area is not less than 35 percent.
(b) Special rules relating to determination of poverty rate
For purposes of subsection (a)(4)—
(1) Treatment of census tracts with small populations
(A) Tracts with no population
In the case of a population census tract with no population—
(i) such tract shall be treated as having a poverty rate which meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(4), but
(ii) such tract shall be treated as having a zero poverty rate for purposes of applying subparagraph (C) thereof.
(B) Tracts with populations of less than 2,000
A population census tract with a population of less than 2,000 shall be treated as having a poverty rate which meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(4) if more than 75 percent of such tract is zoned for commercial or industrial use.
(2) Discretion to adjust requirements for enterprise communities
In determining whether a nominated area is eligible for designation as an enterprise community, the appropriate Secretary may, where necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, reduce by 5 percentage points one of the following thresholds for not more than 10 percent of the population census tracts (or, if fewer, 5 population census tracts) in the nominated area:
(A) The 20 percent threshold in subsection (a)(4)(A).
(B) The 25 percent threshold in subsection (a)(4)(B).
(C) The 35 percent threshold in subsection (a)(4)(C).
If the appropriate Secretary elects to reduce the threshold under subparagraph (C), such Secretary may (in lieu of applying the preceding sentence) reduce by 10 percentage points the threshold under subparagraph (C) for 3 population census tracts.
(3) Each noncontiguous area must satisfy poverty rate rule
A nominated area may not include a noncontiguous parcel unless such parcel separately meets (subject to paragraphs (1) and (2)) the criteria set forth in subsection (a)(4).
(4) Areas not within census tracts
In the case of an area which is not tracted for population census tracts, the equivalent county divisions (as defined by the Bureau of the Census for purposes of defining poverty areas) shall be used for purposes of determining poverty rates.
(c) Factors to consider
From among the nominated areas eligible for designation under section 1391 by the appropriate Secretary, such appropriate Secretary shall make designations of empowerment zones and enterprise communities on the basis of—
(1) the effectiveness of the strategic plan submitted pursuant to section 1391(f)(2) and the assurances made pursuant to section 1391(e)(3), and
(2) criteria specified by the appropriate Secretary.
(d) Special eligibility for nominated areas located in Alaska or Hawaii
A nominated area in Alaska or Hawaii shall be treated as meeting the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a) if for each census tract or block group within such area 20 percent or more of the families have income which is 50 percent or less of the statewide median family income (as determined under section 143).
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1392, added
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (d).
§1393. Definitions and special rules
(a) In general
For purposes of this subchapter—
(1) Appropriate Secretary
The term "appropriate Secretary" means—
(A) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the case of any nominated area which is located in an urban area, and
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture in the case of any nominated area which is located in a rural area.
(2) Rural area
The term "rural area" means any area which is—
(A) outside of a metropolitan statistical area (within the meaning of section 143(k)(2)(B)), or
(B) determined by the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to be a rural area.
(3) Urban area
The term "urban area" means an area which is not a rural area.
(4) Special rules for Indian reservations
(A) In general
No empowerment zone or enterprise community may include any area within an Indian reservation.
(B) Indian reservation defined
The term "Indian reservation" has the meaning given such term by section 168(j)(6).
(5) Local government
The term "local government" means—
(A) any county, city, town, township, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State, and
(B) any combination of political subdivisions described in subparagraph (A) recognized by the appropriate Secretary.
(6) Nominated area
The term "nominated area" means an area which is nominated by 1 or more local governments and the State or States in which it is located for designation under section 1391.
(7) Governments
If more than 1 State or local government seeks to nominate an area under this part, any reference to, or requirement of, this subchapter shall apply to all such governments.
(8) Special rule
An area shall be treated as nominated by a State and a local government if it is nominated by an economic development corporation chartered by the State.
(9) Use of census data
Population and poverty rate shall be determined by the most recent decennial census data available.
(b) Empowerment zone; enterprise community
For purposes of this title, the terms "empowerment zone" and "enterprise community" mean areas designated as such under section 1391.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1393, added
PART II—TAX-EXEMPT FACILITY BONDS FOR EMPOWERMENT ZONES AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES
§1394. Tax-exempt enterprise zone facility bonds
(a) In general
For purposes of part IV of subchapter B of this chapter (relating to tax exemption requirements for State and local bonds), the term "exempt facility bond" includes any bond issued as part of an issue 95 percent or more of the net proceeds (as defined in section 150(a)(3)) of which are to be used to provide any enterprise zone facility.
(b) Enterprise zone facility
For purposes of this section—
(1) In general
The term "enterprise zone facility" means any qualified zone property the principal user of which is an enterprise zone business, and any land which is functionally related and subordinate to such property.
(2) Qualified zone property
The term "qualified zone property" has the meaning given such term by section 1397D; except that—
(A) the references to empowerment zones shall be treated as including references to enterprise communities, and
(B) section 1397D(a)(2) shall be applied by substituting "an amount equal to 15 percent of the adjusted basis" for "an amount equal to the adjusted basis".
(3) Enterprise zone business
(A) In general
Except as modified in this paragraph, the term "enterprise zone business" has the meaning given such term by section 1397C.
(B) Modifications
In applying section 1397C for purposes of this section—
(i) Businesses in enterprise communities eligible
(I) In general
Except as provided in subclause (II), references in section 1397C to empowerment zones shall be treated as including references to enterprise communities.
(II) Special rule for employee residence test
For purposes of subsections (b)(6) and (c)(5) of section 1397C, an employee shall be treated as a resident of an empowerment zone if such employee is a resident of an empowerment zone, an enterprise community, or a qualified low-income community within an applicable nominating jurisdiction.
(ii) Waiver of requirements during startup period
A business shall not fail to be treated as an enterprise zone business during the startup period if—
(I) as of the beginning of the startup period, it is reasonably expected that such business will be an enterprise zone business (as defined in section 1397C as modified by this paragraph) at the end of such period, and
(II) such business makes bona fide efforts to be such a business.
(iii) Reduced requirements after testing period
A business shall not fail to be treated as an enterprise zone business for any taxable year beginning after the testing period by reason of failing to meet any requirement of subsection (b) or (c) of section 1397C if at least 35 percent of the employees of such business for such year are residents of an empowerment zone, an enterprise community, or a qualified low-income community within an applicable nominating jurisdiction. The preceding sentence shall not apply to any business which is not a qualified business by reason of paragraph (1), (4), or (5) of section 1397C(d).
(C) Qualified low-income community
For purposes of subparagraph (B)—
(i) In general
The term "qualified low-income community" means any population census tract if—
(I) the poverty rate for such tract is at least 20 percent, or
(II) the median family income for such tract does not exceed 80 percent of statewide median family income (or, in the case of a tract located within a metropolitan area, metropolitan area median family income if greater).
Subclause (II) shall be applied using possessionwide median family income in the case of census tracts located within a possession of the United States.
(ii) Targeted populations
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations under which 1 or more targeted populations (within the meaning of section 103(20) of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994) may be treated as qualified low-income communities.
(iii) Areas not within census tracts
In the case of an area which is not tracted for population census tracts, the equivalent county divisions (as defined by the Bureau of the Census for purposes of defining poverty areas) shall be used for purposes of determining poverty rates and median family income.
(iv) Modification of income requirement for census tracts within high migration rural counties
(I) In general
In the case of a population census tract located within a high migration rural county, clause (i)(II) shall be applied to areas not located within a metropolitan area by substituting "85 percent" for "80 percent".
(II) High migration rural county
For purposes of this clause, the term "high migration rural county" means any county which, during the 20-year period ending with the year in which the most recent census was conducted, has a net out-migration of inhabitants from the county of at least 10 percent of the population of the county at the beginning of such period.
(D) Other definitions relating to subparagraph (B)
For purposes of subparagraph (B)—
(i) Startup period
The term "startup period" means, with respect to any property being provided for any business, the period before the first taxable year beginning more than 2 years after the later of—
(I) the date of issuance of the issue providing such property, or
(II) the date such property is first placed in service after such issuance (or, if earlier, the date which is 3 years after the date described in subclause (I)).
(ii) Testing period
The term "testing period" means the first 3 taxable years beginning after the startup period.
(iii) Applicable nominating jurisdiction
The term "applicable nominating jurisdiction" means, with respect to any empowerment zone or enterprise community, any local government that nominated such community for designation under section 1391.
(E) Portions of business may be enterprise zone business
The term "enterprise zone business" includes any trades or businesses which would qualify as an enterprise zone business (determined after the modifications of subparagraph (B)) if such trades or businesses were separately incorporated.
(c) Limitation on amount of bonds
(1) In general
Subsection (a) shall not apply to any issue if the aggregate amount of outstanding enterprise zone facility bonds allocable to any person (taking into account such issue) exceeds—
(A) $3,000,000 with respect to any 1 empowerment zone or enterprise community, or
(B) $20,000,000 with respect to all empowerment zones and enterprise communities.
(2) Aggregate enterprise zone facility bond benefit
For purposes of paragraph (1), the aggregate amount of outstanding enterprise zone facility bonds allocable to any person shall be determined under rules similar to the rules of section 144(a)(10), taking into account only bonds to which subsection (a) applies.
(d) Acquisition of land and existing property permitted
The requirements of sections 147(c)(1)(A) and 147(d) shall not apply to any bond described in subsection (a).
(e) Penalty for ceasing to meet requirements
(1) Failures corrected
An issue which fails to meet 1 or more of the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) shall be treated as meeting such requirements if—
(A) the issuer and any principal user in good faith attempted to meet such requirements, and
(B) any failure to meet such requirements is corrected within a reasonable period after such failure is first discovered.
(2) Loss of deductions where facility ceases to be qualified
No deduction shall be allowed under this chapter for interest on any financing provided from any bond to which subsection (a) applies with respect to any facility to the extent such interest accrues during the period beginning on the first day of the calendar year which includes the date on which—
(A) substantially all of the facility with respect to which the financing was provided ceases to be used in an empowerment zone or enterprise community, or
(B) the principal user of such facility ceases to be an enterprise zone business (as defined in subsection (b)).
(3) Exception if zone ceases
Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply solely by reason of the termination or revocation of a designation as an empowerment zone or an enterprise community.
(4) Exception for bankruptcy
Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to any cessation resulting from bankruptcy.
(f) Bonds for empowerment zones
(1) In general
In the case of an empowerment zone facility bond—
(A) such bond shall not be treated as a private activity bond for purposes of section 146, and
(B) subsection (c) of this section shall not apply.
(2) Limitation on amount of bonds
(A) In general
Paragraph (1) shall apply to an empowerment zone facility bond only if such bond is designated for purposes of this subsection by the local government which nominated the area to which such bond relates.
(B) Limitation on bonds designated
The aggregate face amount of bonds which may be designated under subparagraph (A) with respect to any empowerment zone shall not exceed—
(i) $60,000,000 if such zone is in a rural area,
(ii) $130,000,000 if such zone is in an urban area and the zone has a population of less than 100,000, and
(iii) $230,000,000 if such zone is in an urban area and the zone has a population of at least 100,000.
(C) Special rules
(i) Coordination with limitation in subsection (c)
Bonds to which paragraph (1) applies shall not be taken into account in applying the limitation of subsection (c) to other bonds.
(ii) Current refunding not taken into account
In the case of a refunding (or series of refundings) of a bond designated under this paragraph, the refunding obligation shall be treated as designated under this paragraph (and shall not be taken into account in applying subparagraph (B)) if—
(I) the amount of the refunding bond does not exceed the outstanding amount of the refunded bond, and
(II) the refunded bond is redeemed not later than 90 days after the date of issuance of the refunding bond.
(3) Empowerment zone facility bond
For purposes of this subsection, the term "empowerment zone facility bond" means any bond which would be described in subsection (a) if—
(A) in the case of obligations issued before January 1, 2002, only empowerment zones designated under section 1391(g) were taken into account under sections 1397C and 1397D, and
(B) in the case of obligations issued after December 31, 2001, all empowerment zones (other than the District of Columbia Enterprise Zone) were taken into account under sections 1397C and 1397D.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 103(20) of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii), is classified to
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1394, added
A prior section 1395, added
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i)(II).
2015—Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i).
Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iii).
Subsec. (b)(3)(C).
Subsec. (b)(3)(D).
Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(iii).
Subsec. (b)(3)(E).
2014—Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (f)(1), (2)(A).
2002—Subsec. (c)(2).
2000—Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (b)(2)(B).
Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iii).
Subsec. (f)(3).
1997—Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (b)(3).
"(A) references to empowerment zones shall be treated as including references to enterprise communities, and
"(B) such term includes any trades or businesses which would qualify as an enterprise zone business (determined after the modification of subparagraph (A)) if such trades or businesses were separately incorporated."
Subsec. (f).
1996—Subsec. (e)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Amendment by section 1(a)(7) [title I, §116(b)(3), (4)] of
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by
PART III—ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR EMPOWERMENT ZONES
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2000—
Subpart A—Empowerment Zone Employment Credit
§1396. Empowerment zone employment credit
(a) Amount of credit
For purposes of section 38, the amount of the empowerment zone employment credit determined under this section with respect to any employer for any taxable year is the applicable percentage of the qualified zone wages paid or incurred during the calendar year which ends with or within such taxable year.
(b) Applicable percentage
For purposes of this section, the applicable percentage is 20 percent.
(c) Qualified zone wages
(1) In general
For purposes of this section, the term "qualified zone wages" means any wages paid or incurred by an employer for services performed by an employee while such employee is a qualified zone employee.
(2) Only first $15,000 of wages per year taken into account
With respect to each qualified zone employee, the amount of qualified zone wages which may be taken into account for a calendar year shall not exceed $15,000.
(3) Coordination with work opportunity credit
(A) In general
The term "qualified zone wages" shall not include wages taken into account in determining the credit under section 51.
(B) Coordination with paragraph (2)
The $15,000 amount in paragraph (2) shall be reduced for any calendar year by the amount of wages paid or incurred during such year which are taken into account in determining the credit under section 51.
(d) Qualified zone employee
For purposes of this section—
(1) In general
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the term "qualified zone employee" means, with respect to any period, any employee of an employer if—
(A) substantially all of the services performed during such period by such employee for such employer are performed within an empowerment zone in a trade or business of the employer, and
(B) the principal place of abode of such employee while performing such services is within such empowerment zone.
(2) Certain individuals not eligible
The term "qualified zone employee" shall not include—
(A) any individual described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 51(i)(1),
(B) any 5-percent owner (as defined in section 416(i)(1)(B)),
(C) any individual employed by the employer for less than 90 days,
(D) any individual employed by the employer at any facility described in section 144(c)(6)(B), and
(E) any individual employed by the employer in a trade or business the principal activity of which is farming (within the meaning of subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 2032A(e)(5)), but only if, as of the close of the taxable year, the sum of—
(i) the aggregate unadjusted bases (or, if greater, the fair market value) of the assets owned by the employer which are used in such a trade or business, and
(ii) the aggregate value of assets leased by the employer which are used in such a trade or business (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary),
exceeds $500,000.
(3) Special rules related to termination of employment
(A) In general
Paragraph (2)(C) shall not apply to—
(i) a termination of employment of an individual who before the close of the period referred to in paragraph (2)(C) becomes disabled to perform the services of such employment unless such disability is removed before the close of such period and the taxpayer fails to offer reemployment to such individual, or
(ii) a termination of employment of an individual if it is determined under the applicable State unemployment compensation law that the termination was due to the misconduct of such individual.
(B) Changes in form of business
For purposes of paragraph (2)(C), the employment relationship between the taxpayer and an employee shall not be treated as terminated—
(i) by a transaction to which section 381(a) applies if the employee continues to be employed by the acquiring corporation, or
(ii) by reason of a mere change in the form of conducting the trade or business of the taxpayer if the employee continues to be employed in such trade or business and the taxpayer retains a substantial interest in such trade or business.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1396, added
Amendments
2000—Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (e).
1997—Subsec. (b).
"(1)
for "For purposes of this section, the term 'applicable percentage' means the percentage determined in accordance with the following table:" and added par. (2).
Subsec. (e).
1996—Subsec. (c)(3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by section 951(b) of
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by
§1397. Other definitions and special rules
(a) Wages
For purposes of this subpart—
(1) In general
The term "wages" has the same meaning as when used in section 51.
(2) Certain training and educational benefits
(A) In general
The following amounts shall be treated as wages paid to an employee:
(i) Any amount paid or incurred by an employer which is excludable from the gross income of an employee under section 127, but only to the extent paid or incurred to a person not related to the employer.
(ii) In the case of an employee who has not attained the age of 19, any amount paid or incurred by an employer for any youth training program operated by such employer in conjunction with local education officials.
(B) Related person
A person is related to any other person if the person bears a relationship to such other person specified in section 267(b) or 707(b)(1), or such person and such other person are engaged in trades or businesses under common control (within the meaning of subsections (a) and (b) of section 52). For purposes of the preceding sentence, in applying section 267(b) or 707(b)(1), "10 percent" shall be substituted for "50 percent".
(b) Controlled groups
For purposes of this subpart—
(1) all employers treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be treated as a single employer for purposes of this subpart, and
(2) the credit (if any) determined under section 1396 with respect to each such employer shall be its proportionate share of the wages giving rise to such credit.
(c) Certain other rules made applicable
For purposes of this subpart, rules similar to the rules of section 51(k) and subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 52 shall apply.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1397, added
Subpart B—Additional Expensing
§1397A. Increase in expensing under section 179
(a) General rule
In the case of an enterprise zone business, for purposes of section 179—
(1) the limitation under section 179(b)(1) shall be increased by the lesser of—
(A) $35,000, or
(B) the cost of section 179 property which is qualified zone property placed in service during the taxable year, and
(2) the amount taken into account under section 179(b)(2) with respect to any section 179 property which is qualified zone property shall be 50 percent of the cost thereof.
(b) Recapture
Rules similar to the rules under section 179(d)(10) shall apply with respect to any qualified zone property which ceases to be used in an empowerment zone by an enterprise zone business.
(c) Termination
This section shall not apply to any property placed in service in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (c).
2000—Subsec. (a)(1)(A).
Subsec. (c).
1997—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date 2020 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Subpart C—Nonrecognition of Gain on Rollover of Empowerment Zone Investments
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2000—
§1397B. Nonrecognition of gain on rollover of empowerment zone investments
(a) Nonrecognition of gain
In the case of any sale of a qualified empowerment zone asset held by the taxpayer for more than 1 year and with respect to which such taxpayer elects the application of this section, gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the amount realized on such sale exceeds—
(1) the cost of any qualified empowerment zone asset (with respect to the same zone as the asset sold) purchased by the taxpayer during the 60-day period beginning on the date of such sale, reduced by
(2) any portion of such cost previously taken into account under this section.
(b) Definitions and special rules
For purposes of this section—
(1) Qualified empowerment zone asset
(A) In general
The term "qualified empowerment zone asset" means any property which would be a qualified community asset (as defined in section 1400F) 1 if in section 1400F 1—
(i) references to empowerment zones were substituted for references to renewal communities,
(ii) references to enterprise zone businesses (as defined in section 1397C) were substituted for references to renewal community businesses,
(iii) the date of the enactment of this paragraph were substituted for "December 31, 2001" each place it appears, and
(iv) the day after the date set forth in section 1391(d)(1)(A)(i) were substituted for "January 1, 2010" each place it appears.
(B) References
Any reference in this paragraph to section 1400F shall be treated as reference to such section before its repeal.
(2) Certain gain not eligible for rollover
This section shall not apply to—
(A) any gain which is treated as ordinary income for purposes of this subtitle, and
(B) any gain which is attributable to real property, or an intangible asset, which is not an integral part of an enterprise zone business.
(3) Purchase
A taxpayer shall be treated as having purchased any property if, but for paragraph (4), the unadjusted basis of such property in the hands of the taxpayer would be its cost (within the meaning of section 1012).
(4) Basis adjustments
If gain from any sale is not recognized by reason of subsection (a), such gain shall be applied to reduce (in the order acquired) the basis for determining gain or loss of any qualified empowerment zone asset which is purchased by the taxpayer during the 60-day period described in subsection (a). This paragraph shall not apply for purposes of section 1202.
(5) Holding period
For purposes of determining whether the nonrecognition of gain under subsection (a) applies to any qualified empowerment zone asset which is sold, the taxpayer's holding period for such asset and the asset referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall be determined without regard to section 1223.
(c) Termination
This section shall not apply to sales in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The date of the enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iii), is the date of enactment of
Section 1400F, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was repealed by
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1397B was renumbered
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (c).
2018—Subsec. (b)(1)(B).
Subsec. (b)(5).
"(A) the taxpayer's holding period for such asset and the asset referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall be determined without regard to section 1223, and
"(B) only the first year of the taxpayer's holding period for the asset referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall be taken into account for purposes of paragraphs (2)(A)(iii), (3)(C), and (4)(A)(iii) of section 1400F(b)."
2014—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iv).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section applicable to qualified empowerment zone assets acquired after Dec. 21, 2000, see section 1(a)(7) [title I, §116(c)] of
Savings Provision
Amendment by section 401(d)(4)(B)(vii) of
Amendment by section 401(d)(5)(B)(iv), (v) of
For provisions that nothing in amendment by
1 See References in Text note below.
Subpart D—General Provisions
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2000—
§1397C. Enterprise zone business defined
(a) In general
For purposes of this part, the term "enterprise zone business" means—
(1) any qualified business entity, and
(2) any qualified proprietorship.
(b) Qualified business entity
For purposes of this section, the term "qualified business entity" means, with respect to any taxable year, any corporation or partnership if for such year—
(1) every trade or business of such entity is the active conduct of a qualified business within an empowerment zone,
(2) at least 50 percent of the total gross income of such entity is derived from the active conduct of such business,
(3) a substantial portion of the use of the tangible property of such entity (whether owned or leased) is within an empowerment zone,
(4) a substantial portion of the intangible property of such entity is used in the active conduct of any such business,
(5) a substantial portion of the services performed for such entity by its employees are performed in an empowerment zone,
(6) at least 35 percent of its employees are residents of an empowerment zone,
(7) less than 5 percent of the average of the aggregate unadjusted bases of the property of such entity is attributable to collectibles (as defined in section 408(m)(2)) other than collectibles that are held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of such business, and
(8) less than 5 percent of the average of the aggregate unadjusted bases of the property of such entity is attributable to nonqualified financial property.
(c) Qualified proprietorship
For purposes of this section, the term "qualified proprietorship" means, with respect to any taxable year, any qualified business carried on by an individual as a proprietorship if for such year—
(1) at least 50 percent of the total gross income of such individual from such business is derived from the active conduct of such business in an empowerment zone,
(2) a substantial portion of the use of the tangible property of such individual in such business (whether owned or leased) is within an empowerment zone,
(3) a substantial portion of the intangible property of such business is used in the active conduct of such business,
(4) a substantial portion of the services performed for such individual in such business by employees of such business are performed in an empowerment zone,
(5) at least 35 percent of such employees are residents of an empowerment zone,
(6) less than 5 percent of the average of the aggregate unadjusted bases of the property of such individual which is used in such business is attributable to collectibles (as defined in section 408(m)(2)) other than collectibles that are held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of such business, and
(7) less than 5 percent of the average of the aggregate unadjusted bases of the property of such individual which is used in such business is attributable to nonqualified financial property.
For purposes of this subsection, the term "employee" includes the proprietor.
(d) Qualified business
For purposes of this section—
(1) In general
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the term "qualified business" means any trade or business.
(2) Rental of real property
The rental to others of real property located in an empowerment zone shall be treated as a qualified business if and only if—
(A) the property is not residential rental property (as defined in section 168(e)(2)), and
(B) at least 50 percent of the gross rental income from the real property is from enterprise zone businesses.
For purposes of subparagraph (B), the lessor of the property may rely on a lessee's certification that such lessee is an enterprise zone business.
(3) Rental of tangible personal property
The rental to others of tangible personal property shall be treated as a qualified business if and only if at least 50 percent of the rental of such property is by enterprise zone businesses or by residents of an empowerment zone.
(4) Treatment of business holding intangibles
The term "qualified business" shall not include any trade or business consisting predominantly of the development or holding of intangibles for sale or license.
(5) Certain businesses excluded
The term "qualified business" shall not include—
(A) any trade or business consisting of the operation of any facility described in section 144(c)(6)(B), and
(B) any trade or business the principal activity of which is farming (within the meaning of subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 2032A(e)(5)), but only if, as of the close of the taxable year, the sum of—
(i) the aggregate unadjusted bases (or, if greater, the fair market value) of the assets owned by the taxpayer which are used in such a trade or business, and
(ii) the aggregate value of assets leased by the taxpayer which are used in such a trade or business,
exceeds $500,000.
For purposes of subparagraph (B), rules similar to the rules of section 1397(b) shall apply.
(e) Nonqualified financial property
For purposes of this section, the term "nonqualified financial property" means debt, stock, partnership interests, options, futures contracts, forward contracts, warrants, notional principal contracts, annuities, and other similar property specified in regulations; except that such term shall not include—
(1) reasonable amounts of working capital held in cash, cash equivalents, or debt instruments with a term of 18 months or less, or
(2) debt instruments described in section 1221(a)(4).
(f) Treatment of businesses straddling census tract lines
For purposes of this section, if—
(1) a business entity or proprietorship uses real property located within an empowerment zone,
(2) the business entity or proprietorship also uses real property located outside the empowerment zone,
(3) the amount of real property described in paragraph (1) is substantial compared to the amount of real property described in paragraph (2), and
(4) the real property described in paragraph (2) is contiguous to part or all of the real property described in paragraph (1),
then all the services performed by employees, all business activities, all tangible property, and all intangible property of the business entity or proprietorship that occur in or is located on the real property described in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be treated as occurring or situated in an empowerment zone.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1397C was renumbered
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (d)(5)(B).
2000—
1999—Subsec. (e)(2).
1997—Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (b)(4).
Subsec. (b)(5).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (c)(3).
Subsec. (c)(4).
Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsec. (d)(3).
Subsec. (f).
1996—Subsec. (d)(5)(B).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by
§1397D. Qualified zone property defined
(a) General rule
For purposes of this part—
(1) In general
The term "qualified zone property" means any property to which section 168 applies (or would apply but for section 179) if—
(A) such property was acquired by the taxpayer by purchase (as defined in section 179(d)(2)) after the date on which the designation of the empowerment zone took effect,
(B) the original use of which in an empowerment zone commences with the taxpayer, and
(C) substantially all of the use of which is in an empowerment zone and is in the active conduct of a qualified business by the taxpayer in such zone.
(2) Special rule for substantial renovations
In the case of any property which is substantially renovated by the taxpayer, the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) shall be treated as satisfied. For purposes of the preceding sentence, property shall be treated as substantially renovated by the taxpayer if, during any 24-month period beginning after the date on which the designation of the empowerment zone took effect, additions to basis with respect to such property in the hands of the taxpayer exceed the greater of (i) an amount equal to the adjusted basis at the beginning of such 24-month period in the hands of the taxpayer, or (ii) $5,000.
(b) Special rules for sale-leasebacks
For purposes of subsection (a)(1)(B), if property is sold and leased back by the taxpayer within 3 months after the date such property was originally placed in service, such property shall be treated as originally placed in service not earlier than the date on which such property is used under the leaseback.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1397D was renumbered
Amendments
2000—
PART IV—INCENTIVES FOR EDUCATION ZONES
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—
1997—
[§1397E. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13404(c)(1), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2138 ]
Section, added
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal applicable to bonds issued after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 13404(d) of
PART V—REGULATIONS
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—
§1397F. Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of parts II and III, including—
(1) regulations limiting the benefit of parts II and III in circumstances where such benefits, in combination with benefits provided under other Federal programs, would result in an activity being 100 percent or more subsidized by the Federal Government,
(2) regulations preventing abuse of the provisions of parts II and III, and
(3) regulations dealing with inadvertent failures of entities to be enterprise zone businesses.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1998—
1997—