If you are relocating within or to New York City, you may be eligible for some of the following programs:

Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturers

Business Incentive Rate (BIR)
What it is: Additional reduction on regulated electric costs by 30%-35% for a term of five years
When to apply: Within 30 days of receiving a matching benefit
Who is eligible: Businesses that take space in previously vacant commercial or industrial buildings, move into newly constructed buildings, or meet other economic development criteria
Which agency: Administered jointly by EDC and Con Edison
Apply here!

Commercial Expansion Program (CEP)
What it is: Rent abatement up to $2.50 per square foot
When to apply: Within 180 days of lease commencement
Who is eligible: Commercial, industrial and manufacturing businesses. Retail businesses are ineligible
Which agency: NYC Department of Finance (DOF)
Apply here!

Con Edison Central Air-Conditioning Program
What it is: A free high-tech programmable thermostat that will allow temperature adjustment manually or remotely via the internet to efficiently manage energy usage. Con Edison will also communicate with the thermostat to reduce demand on the electric system
When to apply: Prior to increase in electric demand for air-conditioning to save money on energy costs
Who is eligible: Con Edison customers with peak demand less that 100kW using air-conditioning
Which agency: Con Edison
To apply: Complete Business Application

Con Edison Demand Response Programs
What it is: Con Ed offers financial incentives and technology to help manage energy usage by administering electric load-reduction programs during peak demand times
When to apply: Prior to increase in electric demand to save money on energy costs
Who is eligible: Con Edison customers who agree to participate in one of the programs
Which agency: Con Edison
To apply: Complete Demand Response Programs Application

Con Edison Small Business Direct Installation Program
What it is: Con Ed will provide a free energy survey to identify how your business could save money on lighting and energy for cooling the business and heating water. Con Ed will install free energy efficiency measures such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and more. Con Ed will also provide financial rebates and savings up to 70% when you install high efficiency measures
When to apply: Prior to beginning a renovation project to save money on energy costs
Who is eligible: Con Edison business customers with a monthly electric demand up to 100kW
Which agency: Con Edison
To apply: Complete Business Inquiry Form

Empire Zone Benefits
What it is: A variety of tax incentives for certified businesses relocating or expanding within the zone, which include the following:
Empire Zone Capital Credits
Empire Zone Employment Incentive Credit
Empire Zone Investment Tax Credit
Empire Zone QEZE Tax Credits
Empire Zone Sales Tax Refund
Empire Zone Wage Tax Credit
When to apply: Apply for "Certification" through Zone Coordinator
Who is eligible: New and expanding retail, commercial and industrial businesses in zone
Which agency: Empire State Development
Apply here: All applications must be made through local Zone Administrative Offices. Click here to locate the office nearest you

Empowerment Zone Benefits
What it is: Package of tax credits, accelerated depreciation, wage tax credit and various loan and work opportunity programs for businesses located within the zone, which include the following:
South Bronx Empowerment Zone Facilities Bond Program and Section 179 Deduction Benefit
South Bronx Empowerment Zone Wage Tax Credit
Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Facilities Bond Program and Section 179 Deduction Benefit
Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Wage Tax Credit
When to apply: Generally within tax year
Who is eligible: Retail, commercial and industrial businesses located in zone
Which agency: Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) or Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC)
For additional information: If you are located in Upper Manhattan, please contact the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Office
If you are located in the Bronx, please contact the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP)
What it is: Up to 45% or 35% savings on regulated electric and natural gas costs respectively. Also, a combined heat and power (CHP) credit up to 4.44 cents for each kilowatt-hour generated for cogeneration systems that meet the "clean cogen" emissions standard of 0.3 lbs NOx per MWh
When to apply: If relocating: prior to signing lease/contract of sale; or within 120 days of moving into a Special Eligible Premises
If renovating: generally prior to issuance of building permit
Who is eligible: Industrial/manufacturing businesses, excluding retail and hotels
Which agency: NYC Dept. of Small Business Services (SBS)
Apply here!
Related Programs: BIR, Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturers, Green Building Tax Credit
Access NYSERDA for a broader portfolio of benefits

Film Tax Credit
What it is: A New York State 30% refundable tax credit and a New York City 5% refundable tax credit on production costs for quality feature films, episodic television, pilots, and television movies/miniseries. There is also a "Made in NY" Marketing Credit
When to apply: Applications must be submitted prior to the start of principal and ongoing photography, but not more than 180 days prior to the start of principal and ongoing photography
Who is eligible: Productions that complete at least 75% of their stage work on a qualified stage in New York City or an eligible combination of stage and location work
Which agencies: The Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting; New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development
To apply
Click here for additional NYS incentives

Foreign Trade Zones
What it is: A government-designated, restricted-access site that allows foreign and domestic merchandise to be admitted for storage, assembly, processing and manufacture, while reducing or eliminating duty on imports, exports, damaged goods and scraps
When to apply: Generally application must be approved prior to entering zone
Who is eligible: Companies importing/exporting merchandise
Which agency: New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
For additional information: NYC Foreign Trade Bulletin
To apply: Contact Patricia Ornst, (212) 312-3600 or patricia.ornst@nycedc.com

Greenpoint-Williamsburg Relocation Grant Program
What it is: This program is to assist eligible businesses that were impacted by the recent rezoning in Community Board 1 in Brooklyn to offset relocation costs
When to apply: First come, first served basis and depending on available funding
Who is eligible: Industrial/manufacturing businesses that are involved in the manufacturing or fabrication of a product for sale. Please call (212) 513-6345 to prescreen eligibility
Which agency: Mayor's Office of Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses
Apply here!

IDA Commercial Tax Incentives
What it is: Certain IDA tax benefits may be available to induce commercial companies to undertake major capital investments that result in the creation, relocation and retention of significant levels of jobs within New York City. The terms and conditions pursuant to which these benefits are provided will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and tailored to meet the needs of both the City and the recipient
When to apply: Contact New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) staff to determine filing schedule
Who is eligible: Commercial businesses
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
Apply here!

IDA Empowerment Zone Facilities Bond Program
What it is: Triple tax-exempt bonds issued for businesses planning major capital investments within the Empowerment Zone
When to apply: Generally prior to entering into facility lease, acquisition, or renovation contract
Who is eligible: Qualified New York City businesses within Zone including developers of commercial, industrial or retail facilities
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
For additional information: If you are located in Upper Manhattan, please contact the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Office
If you are located in the Bronx, please contact the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

IDA Exempt Facilities Bond Program
What it is: Assistance for companies developing facilities on publicly-owned docks and wharves or solid waste recycling facilities to use triple tax-exempt bonds to finance construction, renovation, and equipping the project
When to apply: Generally prior to entering into facility lease, acquisition, or renovation contract unless contingent upon NYCIDA assistance
Who is eligible: Private companies and recycling companies must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
To apply

IDA Hudson Yards Program
What it is: Financial assistance for a Hudson Yards Commercial Project in the Hudson Yards Uniform Tax Exemption Policy area
When to apply: Generally prior to entering into a contract for work or purchase agreement
Who is eligible: Commercial and retail companies
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
To apply: Hudson Yards Commercial Construction Project Program Application

IDA Industrial Incentive Program for Developers
What it is: Assistance for developers seeking to acquire, construct or renovate facilities located within Empire Zones or Empowerment Zones that will be leased by manufacturing, industrial, and warehouse/distribution businesses
When to apply: Generally prior to entering into facility lease or renovation contract unless contingent upon NYCIDA assistance
Who is eligible: Manufacturing, industrial, and warehouse/distribution businesses
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
To apply

IDA Manufacturing Facilities Bond Program
What it is: Assistance for manufacturers seeking to acquire, construct, renovate or equip facilities
When to apply: Generally prior to entering into a contract for work or purchase agreement
Who is eligible: Manufacturing, industrial and warehouse/distribution businesses
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
To apply

IDA Small Industry Incentive and Industrial Incentive Programs
What it is: Assistance for manufacturers, distributors, warehouses and other industrial companies seeking to enter into long-term lease agreements and plan to renovate space
When to apply: Generally prior to entering into a contract for work or purchase agreement
Who is eligible: Manufacturing, industrial, warehouse/distribution businesses
Which agency: New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
To apply

Industrial Business Zone Relocation Credit (IBZ)
What it is: Relocation tax credit of $1,000 per employee up to $100,000
When to apply: Generally within tax year of relocation
Who is eligible: Industrial/manufacturing businesses relocating to an IBZ
Which agency: NYC Dept. of Small Business Services (SBS)
Apply here: GCT Form, UBT Form, Additional Information

Job Creation and Retention Program
What it is: Provides discretionary grants, up to $4,000 per new full-time job, to eligible companies commiting to create a minimum of 75 new jobs in Lower Manhattan, as well as to employers making a commitment to retain at least 200 Lower Manhattan jobs
When to apply: Prior to making a commitment to locate NYC workforce
Who is eligible: Companies that project creating at least 75 full-time permanent jobs in Lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street) that are also new to NYC
Which agency: Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
To apply: Please complete Preliminary Assessment Questionnaire

Lower Manhattan Commercial Revitalization Program (CRP)
What it is: Offers a rent abatement up to $2.50 per square foot of leased space plus a reduction for Commercial Rent Tax
When to apply: Within 180 days of lease commencement
Who is eligible: Commercial office tenants or retail businesses
Which agency: NYC Department of Finance (DOF)
Apply here!

Lower Manhattan Energy Program (LMEP)
What it is: Up to 45% reduction on regulated electric costs for tenants and common space in qualified buildings within Lower Manhattan
When to apply: The building applies prior to issuance of building permit for renovation
Who is eligible: Commercial office tenants (non-retail) or qualified property owners
Click here to see which buildings already receive LMEP benefits
Which agency: NYC Dept. of Small Business Services (SBS)
For pre-screening: Call 311 and ask for Dept. of Small Business Services, Business Incentives Unit to pre-screen for eligibility

Lower Manhattan Relocation Employment Assistance (LMREAP)
What it is: Relocation tax credit up to $3,000 per job for 12 years for eligible businesses that relocate from outside NYC (LMREAP-EB) and eligible businesses that relocate from within NYC (LMREAP-SEB )
When to apply: Annually for 12 years
Which agency: NYC Department of Finance (DOF)
Apply here: LMREAP-EB or LMREAP-SEB

Lower Manhattan Sales and Use Tax Exemption
What it is: An exemption on NYS and NYC sales tax on goods purchased for build-out only for eligible tenants signing a new or renewal lease of 10 years or more south of Frankfort and Murray Streets. Expenditures for build-out, furnishing and equipping of eligible tenants leased space is exempt from sales tax at the World Trade Center site, World Financial Center and Battery Park City
When to apply: Exemptions apply to goods purchased during the first year of tenant's lease. One must have a valid Certificate of Authority (DTF-17) and required to file form ST-121. To reclaim exemptions on sales taxes paid within the past three years use form AU-11
Who is eligible: Tenants and subtenants leasing commercial office space for a term of 10 years or more within the eligible areas
Which agency: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Apply here: DTF-17 Instructions, DTF-17 Form, ST-121 Form, and AU-11 Form
Sales Tax Savings

Lower Manhattan WTC Rent Reduction Program
What it is: Provides: 1) $5 psf rent reduction for eligible tenants leasing the first 750,000 sf of commercial space at the Freedom Tower and other WTC sites; and 2) $3.80 psf reduction for eligible tenants leasing the first 750,000 sf of commercial space at 7 World Trade Center has been fully funded
When to apply: Within three months of executing qualifying lease
Which agency: Empire State Development (ESD)
Apply here: Guidelines and Application

NYC Capital Access
What it is: A streamlined method to obtain loans and lines of credit up to $250,000 for working capital, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, and some consideration for start-up loans
When to apply: Prior to investment or initiating project
Who is eligible: Retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, non-profit organizations, contractors, and distributors located and doing business in New York City
Which agency: NYC Economic Development Corporation
To Apply: Access participating lenders
NYC Capital Access Program Brochure

NYC Green Roof Tax Abatement
What it is: A one-time property tax abatement equal to $4.50 per square foot up to $100,000 (no greater than the tax liability of the building for one year) for green roof installations that cover at least 50% of the roof and meet certain criteria (vegetation depth, waterproofing requirements, etc.)
When to apply: Application must be received by March 15th in order for a property tax abatement to take effect on July 1st of the same calendar year
Who is eligible: Property owners who have installed a green roof meeting the criteria required after August 5, 2008
Which agency: NYC Department of Buildings
To apply: Green Roof Property Tax Abatement Application
Additional information: Green Roof Legislation

NYC Solar Panel Tax Abatement
What it is: A property tax abatement up to $250,000 for solar electric generating system installations on buildings. The abatement equals 8 3/4% of installed costs up to $62,500 for installations completed in 2009 - 2011 and drops to 5% for installed costs up to $62,500 for installations completed in 2012 - 2013; taken in equal parts over four years and not to exceed the annual property tax liability
When to apply: Application must be received by March 15th in order for a property tax abatement to take effect on July 1st of the same calendar year
Who is eligible: Property owners who have installed a solar electric generating system after August 5, 2008
Which agency: NYC Department of Buildings
To apply: Solar Panel Tax Abatement Application
Additional information: Solar Panel Legislation

National Grid Economic Development Gas Rate (EDGAR)
What it is: A reduced natural gas rate designed to encourage and support economic development activity in areas of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. EDGAR offers an Area Development Rate (ADR), a five year discounted rate, saving up to 35% annually on the transportation charges; or the Business Incentive Rate (BIR), a 15 year discounted rate, saving up to 50% annually on the transportation charges
When to apply: Prior to renovation or within 30 days of receiving matching benefit
Who is eligible: ADR - Businesses that move or expand within the area development territory and meet minimum consumption criteria. BIR - Businesses that move into newly constructed or a previously vacant facility within the territory and receives another economic development incentive, increase usage by 15%, and located within an Empire Zone
Which agency: National Grid
Apply here!

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
What it is: Public benefit corporation focused on research and development, allocating funds towards energy efficiency programs
When to apply: Generally, prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: Must meet eligibility criteria for each program
Which agency: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Programs: Existing Facilities Program, Transportation Programs, Solar Electric Incentive Program
Access NYSERDA for a broader portfolio of benefits

NYSERDA's Technical Assistance Programs
What it is: New York State sponsored programs which provide low-cost or cost-shared, energy audits, technical feasibility studies and a variety of technical assistance services to help identify and implement cost effective energy efficiency measures for a business' operation facility
When to apply: Prior to initiating a construction or renovation project
Who is eligible: Certified customers of Con Edison of New York
Which agency: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Programs: FlexTech, Technical Assistance, Energy Audit

NYSERDA's New Construction Program (NCP)
What it is: A New York State sponsored program which promotes the energy-efficiency measures into the design, construction, and operation of new and renovated buildings
When to apply: Applications accepted through December 31, 2009
Who is eligible: Certified customers of Con Edison of New York
Which agency: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Relocation And Employment Assistance Program (REAP)
What it is: Relocation tax credit up to $3,000 per qualified employee for 12 years
When to apply: Annual filing during tax year credit(s) is earned
Who is eligible: Industrial and commercial businesses, excluding retail and hotels moving into targeted areas of the city
Which agency: NYC Department of Finance (DOF)
Apply here!

Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturers
What it is: Tax credit on NYC and NYS sale taxes paid on energy used in production
When to apply: During year energy used and retroactive for three years, must have a valid Certificate of Authority (DTF-17) and required to file form ST-121. To reclaim exemptions on sales taxes paid for three years use form AU-11
Who is eligible: Manufacturing businesses
Which agency: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Apply here: DTF-17 Instructions, DTF-17 Form, ST-121 Form, and AU-11 Form

Section 179 Deduction
What it is: A Federal tax expense deduction allowing qualified businesses to accelerate depreciation for eligible equipment and other qualifying property purchased for business use
When to apply: Within the tax year the property was placed into service (which may include a carryover from a previous year)
Who is eligible: Business enterprises making qualified purchases of equipment and property
Which agency: US Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service
Apply here: 2009 Instructions for Form 4562, 2009 Form 4562