Tax Incentive Policy


Policy Overview

The city of Carrollton is dedicated to achieving the highest quality of development, infrastructure, and quality of life for its citizens. These objectives are met, in part, by the enhancement and expansion of the city’s economy. Additionally, the competitive nature of other municipalities on the local, state and international levels necessitates additional inducements to attract business to the community. The city’s “pro-business” philosophy is designed not only to attract high quality companies but to retain them as well. These incentives are offered on a “case by case” review of each tax incentive application. Nothing herein shall imply or suggest that the city of Carrollton is precluded from considering other options which would further the best interests of the city. A reduction in Taxes may be granted by a tax abatement or a grant utilizing 380.001 of the Texas Local Government Code. 

Review Criteria

Any consideration for a tax reduction is reviewed by the Carrollton City Council. The review process is considered on the “Value Added” elements of the project. A tax reduction applies only to new construction activities, whether a new facility or expansion of an existing building.

Value of New Construction Incentives

The subjective criteria for applicants’ project outlines in Section 2 under Review Criteria will be used by the City Council in determining whether or not it is in the best interest of the city to recommend that a tax reduction be offered to a particular applicant planning to construct a new facility. Specific considerations will include the degree to which the individual project furthers the goals and objectives of community, as well as the relative impact of the project.

After it has been determined that a tax reduction be offered, the approximate value of that incentive can be calculated from the following table. However, this table should only be used as a guide for incentives, since each project is evaluated individually. 

Value of Project Terms of Reduction % of reduction
$50,000,000 10 years 50%
$35,000,000 9 years 50%
$20,000,000 7 years 50%
$10,000,000 5 years 50%
$ 5,000,000 3 years 30%

Expansion or Modernization of Existing Facility Values of Incentives

A tax reduction will only be considered for the increase in valuation above the existing valuation of that property. This reduction will be a maximum of ten years. The amount and terms to be determined by factors such as: costs to the city, project’s increased valuation to the tax base, new jobs and business expansion to the city as a result of the proposed project. Minimum standards proposed for an expansion project (except projects planned for business expansion in the I-35 Freeway Corridor) are:

1. 250 jobs created or retained

2. Expansion or modernization increases the valuation of existing facility by a   minimum of 30%

3. 5-year lease, and not occupied by the owner

Facilities in the IH-35 Freeway Corridor

A tax reduction regarding expansion or modernization of existing facilities will only be considered for the increase in valuation above the existing valuation of that property. There is a maximum of ten years. New facilities may include reductions on real and personal for a maximum of ten years. Amount and terms of the reduction are determined by factors such as: costs to the city, projects increased valuation to tax base, and new jobs created by the new or expanded facility. Minimum standards for proposed expansions and new projects in the IH-35 Corridor are:

1. Locations within the Freeway Incentive Zone

2. New construction or expansion or modernization of an existing facility that increases the property valuation by at least 50%

3. 30 new jobs

4. 5-year lease, if not occupied by owner

5. Compliance with all applicable zoning requirements

Return to top

Neighborhood Retail/Commercial Reinvestment

For reinvestment (either expansion or modernization) of existing sites or facilities built over 15 years prior to the date of consideration, a tax reduction or rebate will be considered only for the increase in valuation resulting from the reinvestment, and for a maximum of 10 years. Tax reduction or rebates will only be considered for those sites or facilities located in older neighborhoods or areas throughout the city. The amount and terms of the reduction will be determined on a “case by case” basis, considering factors such as age of the facility or site, the value of the reinvestment as a percentage of the previous year’s assessed value, and the potential impact of the reinvestment project on the surrounding neighborhood.
 

Inventory Tax Reduction

New and Expanding Facilities:

The city of Carrollton may reduce the amount of inventory by a grant. This program is designed to encourage large inventory companies to relocate or expand in the city. Percentage of the grant is determined on a “case by case” basis. Total employment, inventory value, and facility value are some of the factors that determine the grant percentage. Minimum requirements are:

New Facilities:

  • Minimum of $50 million annual inventory

  • Create at least 200 jobs

  • Facility value of a least $5 million 

Existing Companies and Expanding Facilities:

  • Minimum of $40 million annual inventory

  • Create at least 100 new jobs

  • Expand existing facility by at least 50%

Restaurant/Office Incentive, Highlands Development

A tax incentive for new investment in sit-down restaurant or office projects in the Highlands Development will be considered for the increase valuation above the existing valuation of the property. Incentives are designed to stimulate the development of restaurants and offices for a limited number of years and in accordance with the following prescribed design and size:

1. Locations within Highlands Development

2. Minimum of 5,000 square feet of floor space

3. No drive-through windows or service

4. Maximum incentive length shall be five years

5. Maximum tax reduction shall be 30 percent

6. Must meet all zoning and other city requirements

Triple Freeport Exemption

The city of Carrollton offers Triple Freeport Exemption from all local taxing authorities, city, county and school districts. The exemption applies to inventory that is brought into Carrollton from outside Texas and then reshipped out of state within 175 days is exempt from inventory tax. Carrollton also has special taxing districts such as Valwood Industrial Park.

Return to top

Retail Redevelopment and Rehabilitation Program 

1. Performance-based Matching Grant

The Program is sponsored by the City to provide financial incentives to existing retail shopping centers and other retail facilities for enhancements and/or redevelopment.  Improvements must enhance the tax base related to the retail facilities and surrounding development.  The Program is retention-based with the goal of rehabilitating the retail facilities for aesthetic or architectural appeal.  Each application is determined on a case by case approach.

The Program is a performance-based loan or matching grant program.  If a grant is to be utilized, the City may elect to make a grant in an amount up to 100% the cost of the improvements (refer to eligible expenses below) such grant will not to exceed $1 million of public funds for each grantee.  If the City elects to make a loan it may make the loan on terms and conditions it deems appropriate.

2. Acceptable Categories of Improvements

The following are the eligible expenses:

  • Upgrade or enhanced landscaping improvement costs

  •  Parking lot improvement costs

  • Signage upgrade costs

  • Center façade improvement costs

  • Center redevelopment; mixed-use/residential or office improvement costs

3. Eligibility Criteria for Eligible Retail Facilities

  • The retail facility or facilities must be older than twenty (20) years.

  • The property on which the retail facility or facilities is located must be in excess of 2 acres, unless a smaller acreage is approved by the City.

  • Potential impact of the reinvestment project on surrounding neighborhoods.

4. Application and Approval Process

  • An application for incentive must be submitted to the City's Office of Economic Development by the land owner.  The application should include a detailed description of the project including renderings or drawings of the finished project, a project budget including sources of funds and a project timetable.  The application should describe how the project will enhance the ability of the shopping retail center to attract and retain tenants.

  • Project review of each application is required by staff including appropriate comments and recommendations for changes prior to submission to the city council Retail Subcommittee (the "Retail Subcommittee").

  • All applications will be reviewed by the City Council Retail Subcommittee.  Applicants will be interviewed by the Retail Subcommittee and any modifications to the application will be made prior to forwarding the application to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval or denial.

  • City Council will review the recommendation of the Retail Subcommittee and vote to either approve or deny the grant application.

  • Grant incentives will consist primarily of cash payments payable upon successful completion of all facility improvements or redevelopment as outlined in an incentive agreement to be entered into between the City and the owner of the retail facility or facilities receiving the grant.  Loan incentives will be made upon the terms and conditions mutually agreed upon by the City and the owner of the retail facility or facilities the subject of the loan.

Download Tax Incentive Application   

 

For further information please contact Mr. Brad Mink, Director of Economic Development, at 972-466-3391.