Tax credit opportunities for eligible activitySouth Metro Enterprise Zone
Colorado’s Enterprise Zone program encourages private investment and job growth in economically distressed areas by offering state income tax credits for eligible business activities and certain community contributions.
Program Purpose
Encourages investment, business activity, and job growth in qualifying areas.
Important Process
Eligibility and credit claims depend on program requirements plus pre-certification and year-end certification steps.
Start Here
Use the flyer, applications, tax credit pages, program overview, and FAQs to understand the process.
Designed to encourage investment and growth.
The Enterprise Zone program can offer meaningful state income tax credits for eligible business activities, employee-related costs, training, research, rehabilitation, and qualified contributions.
What the South Metro Enterprise Zone is for
The page is intended to explain Colorado’s Enterprise Zone program at a practical level and help businesses, contributors, and advisors understand where to start.
It also emphasizes that eligibility and credit claims depend on meeting program requirements, maintaining documentation, and completing the required pre-certification and certification steps.
Enterprise Zone Income Tax Credits & Additional Incentives
The South Metro Enterprise Zone supports a range of qualifying credits and related incentives.
3% Investment Tax Credit
Credit tied to qualifying investment activity within the Enterprise Zone.
1.5% Commercial Vehicle Tax Credit
Available for qualifying commercial vehicle activity under program rules.
12% Job Training Tax Credit
Supports qualifying job training investments for employees.
$1,100 New Employee Tax Credit
Available for qualifying new employee hires under Enterprise Zone criteria.
$500 Agricultural Processor New Employee Tax Credit
Applies if the agricultural processor credit is relevant to the business.
$1,000 Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Tax Credit
Employer-sponsored health insurance credit for qualifying situations.
3% Research & Development Tax Credit
Supports qualifying research and development activity.
25% Vacant Commercial Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit
For eligible rehabilitation of qualifying vacant commercial buildings.
Expanded Manufacturing & Mining Sales & Use Exemption
Sales and use exemption applicable to qualifying manufacturing and mining activity.
Contribution Tax Credit
Additional credit opportunities for qualifying contributions to approved projects.
Start with the right tools
Use the linked pages below to move into the detailed requirements, boundaries, and filing steps.
EZ Pre-Certification and Certification
Start here for required pre-certification and end-of-year certification guidance.
Open Resource →EZ Tax Credits Available
Review each available credit, what qualifies, and key documentation reminders.
Open Resource →OEDIT Overview & Mapping
Use Colorado’s Enterprise Zone program page for overview information and mapping access.
Open Resource →South Metro EZ Goals
Review the economic development goals that guide project priorities and zone administration.
Open Resource →EZ Contribution Projects
Learn how approved contribution projects work and how qualifying contributions may be credited.
Open Resource →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, timelines, and practical guidance for businesses and contributors.
Open Resource →Helpful reference points
In addition to the Chamber pages, use the flyer, state tax guide, and OEDIT overview page for reference.
Program Flyer
Tax Guide
OEDIT Program Overview
Questions about eligibility or filing?
Contact Naomi Colwell, President & CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, at ncolwell@aurorachamber.org. For time-sensitive questions about eligibility, documentation, or filing, please consult your tax professional. This page provides general information and is not tax or legal advice.
Explore the program before you file
Review the available credits, confirm location eligibility, open the right application resources, and work with your tax advisor to make sure you meet current program requirements.