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Empowerment Zone Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Empowerment Zone's general questions & answers 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 Downtown and Community Revitalization Department or call 9559) 621-8426.

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What is the City of Fresno Empowerment Zone?How does the Empowerment Zone affect the Enterprise 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?How long will the program last?What is the first step toward taking advantage of these tax benefits?How can I learn more?
What is the City of Fresno Empowerment Zone?  
It is a Federal tax benefit program for which nearly all businesses, whether large or small, can qualify if they are located within the Zone.
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How does the Empowerment Zone affect the Enterprise or Municipal Restoration Zones?  
It doesn't.  The Enterprise Zone is a state 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?  
You can qualify for the Empowerment Zone tax benefits by simply being located within the Empowerment Zone boundaries and hiring employees who live within the Zone.
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Is there a fee or tax that must be paid in order to get the benefits?  
No.  There are no fees or taxes you must pay in order to take advantage of the benefits.
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How long will the program last?  
The City of Fresno Empowerment Zone is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009.
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What is the first step toward taking advantage of these tax benefits?  
To confirm that your business is located in the Empowerment Zone, use the Incentive Zone Address Locator.  Once you (or your tax professional) are ready to file, use IRS Publication 954 to determine your benefits and the forms you need to claim them.  You will use form 8844 to claim the Empowerment Zone Employment Tax Credit.
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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 Downtown and Community Revitalization Department at (559) 621-8359 or e-mail us at Economic.Development@Fresno.gov.


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