General guidance for the South Metro Enterprise Zone South Metro Enterprise Zone FAQs
These frequently asked questions provide general guidance on Colorado’s Enterprise Zone program as administered for the South Metro Enterprise Zone. For filing, documentation, and tax treatment questions, consult your tax professional.
Who This Helps
Businesses, taxpayers, contributors, and organizations trying to understand how the SMEZ works.
What It Covers
Eligibility, pre-certification, contribution projects, location questions, documentation, and where to find state guidance.
Important Reminder
The Chamber administers the zone locally, but does not provide tax or legal advice.
Use these pages for detailed program steps
Use the linked pages below for the detailed forms, credit descriptions, goals, and contribution project information that sit behind the FAQ.
Common SMEZ questions
The live FAQ page answers what the SMEZ is, who may be eligible, whether pre-certification is required, how contribution projects work, how to confirm location, what records to keep, and where to find state guidance. [oai_citation:1‡Aurora Chamber of Commerce](https://www.aurorachamber.org/south-metro-enterprise-zone-faq/)
What is the South Metro Enterprise Zone (SMEZ)?
The South Metro Enterprise Zone is part of Colorado’s Enterprise Zone Program, which encourages private investment and job growth in economically distressed areas by offering state income tax credits for eligible business activities and approved community contributions.
Who is eligible to claim Enterprise Zone tax credits?
Eligibility depends on the type of credit, the activity performed, the project location, and completion of required pre-certification and year-end certification steps. In general, eligible participants include for-profit businesses conducting qualifying activities within the SMEZ.
For more detail, see EZ Tax Credits Available.
Do I need to pre-certify before claiming a tax credit?
Yes. Most Enterprise Zone credits require pre-certification prior to beginning the activity that will generate the credit.
See Pre-Certification & Certification for guidance and links to relevant state resources.
Does the Aurora Chamber of Commerce provide tax or legal advice?
No. The Aurora Chamber of Commerce administers the Enterprise Zone locally but does not provide tax or legal advice. Businesses and taxpayers should consult a qualified tax professional regarding eligibility, documentation, and filing requirements.
How do Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects work?
Colorado taxpayers may earn a state income tax credit by contributing to approved Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects that support economic development goals within the zone. Only contributions to approved projects qualify.
Learn more on the Contribution Projects page.
Are there currently approved South Metro EZ Contribution Projects?
Approved SMEZ Contribution Projects will be listed on the Chamber’s website once designations are finalized. If you are a nonprofit or public entity interested in designation, contact the Chamber for current guidance and next steps.
How do I know if my business or project is located in the SMEZ?
Enterprise Zone eligibility is location-specific. Zone boundaries are determined by the State of Colorado. If you are unsure whether an address is in the SMEZ, contact the Chamber for guidance and be prepared to provide the full address.
What documentation should I keep?
Documentation requirements vary by credit and by taxpayer situation. In general, you should retain records that support eligibility, qualified expenditures, payroll and training costs if applicable, and proof of location.
Refer to EZ Tax Credits Available and consult your tax professional for filing-specific requirements.
Where can I find the State’s Enterprise Zone guidance?
The State maintains official information and program guidance through OEDIT and the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Helpful starting points include: OEDIT Enterprise Zone Program and the Enterprise Zone Tax Guide (CDOR).
Still have a question?
Contact Naomi Colwell, President & CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, at ncolwell@aurorachamber.org. The FAQ page provides general guidance only. For filing, documentation, and tax treatment questions, consult your tax professional.
Use the FAQ page as your starting point
Begin here, then move into the detailed pages for pre-certification, tax credits, contribution projects, and SMEZ goals so you can take the right next step with the right documentation.