Enterprise Zone Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Fresno Enterprise Zone's general question & answer section.  We hope you find them helpful and informative.  If you don't find the answer to your question, e-mail Kelly Vaughan Trevino at the City of Fresno Economic Development Division or call (559) 621-8426.

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What is the City of Fresno Enterprise Zone?How does the Enterprise Zone affect the Empowerment or Municipal Restoration Zones?How do I qualify for the tax benefits?Is there a fee or tax that must be paid in order to get the benefits?Do the Enterprise Zone credits apply to partnerships as well as sole proprietorships?How long will the program last?Can a business use the Zone benefits if it isn't turning a profit?What is the first step toward taking advantage of these tax credits?What if my business is located in Fresno County, outside of Fresno's city limits?How can I learn more?
What is the City of Fresno Enterprise Zone?  
It is a State tax benefit program for which nearly all busiesses, whether large or small, can qualify if they are located within the Zone.
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How does the Enterprise Zone affect the Empowerment or Municipal Restoration Zones?  
It doesn't.  The Empowerment Zone is a federal program and the Municipal Restoration Zone is a local program.  They are designed to complement each other providing greater benefits for businesses located in all three zones.
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How do I qualify for the tax benefits?  
Your Enterprise Zone address qualifies you for the opportunity to earn tax credits.
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Is there a fee or tax that must be paid in order to get the benefits?  
Yes.  There is a small $47.00 fee required for each voucher submitted for Hiring Tax Credits.
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Do the Enterprise Zone credits apply to partnerships as well as sole proprietorships?  
Yes.  Nearly every business in the Enterprise Zone is entitled, including partnerships and S-Corporations.
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How long will the program last?  
The current City of Fresno Enterprise Zone designation expires in October, 2021.
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Can a business use the Zone benefits if it isn't turning a profit?  
If your business is not operating at a profit, or is unable to use all of the credits earned in a given year,  you can carry forward any unused credits to be used in the future.
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What is the first step toward taking advantage of these tax credits?  
To confirm that your business is located in the Enterprise Zone, use the Incentive Zone Address Locator.  To claim the Hiring Voucher for eligible employees, follow the Hiring Tax Credit Instructions.  Once you (or your tax professional) are ready to file, use the Franchise Tax Board Booklet 3805Z to calculate your benefits.  Form 3805Z (included in the booklet) is what you will use to claim your credit(s).
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What if my business is located in Fresno County, outside of Fresno's city limits?  
The Fresno County Regional Enterprise Zone is completely separate from the City of Fresno Enterprise Zone.  For more information on the Fresno County Zone, visit their website at www.FresnoCountyEZ.com or call them at (559) 262-4168. 
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How can I learn more?  
The City of Fresno offers FREE workshops to teach you more about the benefits of our incentive zones.  To sign up, call the Economic Development Division at (559) 621-8350 or e-mail us at Economic.Development@Fresno.gov.
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