Dirigo Business Incentives

Incentives Calculator - Get an estimate of the value of Dirigo and other key tax incentive programs for your business

 

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DECD is now accepting applications for the Dirigo Business Incentives. Apply Here

 

The Dirigo Business Incentives program offers eligible businesses the opportunity to greatly reduce state taxes for up to 5 years when they make significant capital investments or provide qualified employee training in certain business sectors.

Eligible sectors are:

  • Agriculture, forestry and fishing
  • Manufacturing
  • Long-distance freight transportation
  • Software publishing, data processing and computer design services
  • Engineering, architecture and scientific research and development services

A qualified employee training program is defined as:

The business must intend to place eligible business property into service or begin training as part of a qualified worker training program within two years of filing their application for certification. Capital investment or worker training begun prior to the issuance of a letter of certification will not be eligible for the credit.

Benefits

  • 10% capital investment tax credit (5% capital investment tax credit in Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and York counties)
  • $2,000 per employee provided a qualified employee training program annually

This credit capped at $2 million per business per year and can be taken over 5 years. This credit is refundable up to $500,000 per tax year.

How to Apply

Businesses that meet the requirements of the program will receive the Dirigo Business Incentive.

DECD is now accepting applications for the Dirigo Business Incentives. Apply Here.

Rulemaking

The primary Dirigo Business Incentives statute is available here:

Title 36, §5219-AAA: Dirigo business incentives program (maine.gov)

The rule text and a summary of comments and responses received during the rulemaking process are available here:

Dirigo Business Incentive Adopted Rule (PDF)

Dirigo Business Incentives Rulemaking Comments and Responses (PDF)

Please note that the Pine Tree Development Zone (PTDZ) and Employment Tax Increment Financing (ETIF) programs closed for new applications on December 31, 2024.