Incentives

As a statutory entity of the State of Georgia, the Habersham County Development Authority can offer unique advantages to companies that choose to invest in the community. Additionally, the State of Georgia can offer state-level incentives to companies that relocate or expand their operations. Please click here to download a copy of the Development Authority Incentives Guidelines.

Local Incentives

• Bond Financing - The HCDA can offer qualifying businesses tax-free Industrial Revenue Bonds.  This financing mechanism can offer considerable savings, and the HCDA can guide companies through the bond process.
   
• Property Tax Schedules - The HCDA cooperates with its city and county partners to develop special tax schedules for qualified investments of Real and Personal property.  The resulting tax savings will offset start-up costs in the early years of a new investment.  Projects must satisfy certain financial requirements, such as new job creation, wage levels, and capital investment.
   
• Freeport Inventory Tax Exemption - Raw materials and goods in process of manufacturing/distribution are eligible for exemption from taxes on those materials and goods.  Please contact the HCDA to learn more about Freeport Tax Exemption.
   
• Business Resource Center - Piedmont College and North Georgia Technical College offer business consulting services for free.  These consulting services range from market research to business plan development.  The program is designed to give students real-world experience while providing a valuable service to the community.
   
• Creative Solutions - The HCDA realizes that every deal is different, so every deal requires different solutions.  The HCDA will work with companies on a case-by-case basis to address their unique needs.

State Incentives

• Job Tax Credit - Businesses in seven strategic industries can earn as much as $3,000 in annual tax savings for each new job created, for up to 10 years. The tax savings is applied to the company's state tax liability.  In order to qualify, the company must create at least 10 jobs.