Application Process
Step 1: Pre-Certify
Annual Pre-Certification is required for each business location prior to any eligible investments or activities
Step 2: Certify
Certification is completed at the end of the tax year to earn tax credits for activities performed during the Pre-Certification period
Step 3: Submit
Tax credits are claimed by filing the approved EZ Certification with the business' state income tax return
Enterprise Zone (EZ) Pre-Certification Application
As a result of legislative changes to Colorado’s Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program in 2012, businesses are now required to complete an EZ Pre-Certification application online each year in order to qualify for Enterprise Zone tax credits.
What is EZ Pre-Certification?
EZ Pre-Certification is a quick and simple online process that confirms your business’s eligibility to earn and claim valuable tax credits under the Enterprise Zone Program.
When to Pre-Certify:
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You can submit your Pre-Certification application up to 90 days before the start of your business’s tax year.
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You may also Pre-Certify at any point during your tax year, but your business will only be eligible to earn tax credits from the date of certification forward – credits cannot be earned retroactively for periods before Pre-Certification.
How to Apply:
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Visit the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (OEDIT) Enterprise Zone page.
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Click the “Apply for a tax credit” button to begin.
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Your application will be reviewed and approved by your local EZ Administrator.
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Be sure to keep the approval email for your records.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, feel free to reach out to your local EZ Administrator.
Enterprise Zone (EZ) Certification Application
Important: You must already have an approved Pre-Certification for the same tax year in order to complete a Certification application and earn credits.
When to Certify:
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After your tax year ends and before submitting your tax return to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
How to Apply:
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Visit the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (OEDIT) Enterprise Zone page.
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Click the “Apply for a tax credit” button to begin the Certification process
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You will need your EZ Pre-Certification number from your approved Pre-Certification application – have it ready when completing the Certification form.
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Upon approval, you’ll receive an official EZ Certification Tax Credit Certificate by email from the State.
Be sure to keep this certificate for your records, as it will be needed when filing your taxes.
EZ Pre-certification and Certification Application Tutorial
Contact Us
Sara Lobato
Economic Development Analyst
9 E. Vermijo Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-520-6480
saralobato@elpasoco.com