CBIZ
  • Article
March 17, 2023

New York State COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program Expiring Soon

Table of Contents

New York State’s COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program offering qualifying businesses a tax credit of up to $25,000 is set to expire on March 31, 2023. The tax credit is based on qualifying expenses related to operational costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, structural changes, and building upgrades to health-related supplies and materials.

The program is open to all independently owned and operated businesses in New York State, with less than 100 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) and gross receipts of less than $2.5 million. Eligible small businesses must be operating at a location or locations within New York State. In addition, a small business must have incurred at least $2,000 of qualifying expenses between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022, paid for prior to March 31, 2023.

Qualifying expenses include:

  • Supplies to disinfect and/or protect against COVID-19 transmission.
  • Restocking of perishable goods to replace those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Physical barriers and sneeze guards.
  • Hand sanitizer stations.
  • Respiratory devices such as air purifier systems installed at the business entity’s location.
  • Signage related to the COVID-19 pandemic including, but not limited to, signage detailing vaccine and masking requirements, and social distancing.
  • Materials required to define and/or protect space, such as barriers.
  • Materials needed to block off certain seats to allow for social distancing.
  • Certain point-of-sale payment equipment to allow for contactless payment.
  • Equipment and/or materials and supplies for new product lines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Software for online payment platforms to enable delivery or contactless purchases.
  • Building construction and retrofits to accommodate social distancing and installation of air purifying equipment, but not for costs related to non- pandemic-related capital renovations or general “closed for renovations” upgrades.
  • Machinery and equipment to accommodate contactless sales.
  • Materials to accommodate increased outdoor activity such as heat lamps and outdoor lighting, and materials related to outdoor space expansions.

If and when the $250 million budget allocation for the New York State COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program is exhausted, business entities will no longer be able to receive tax credit certificates. More information on the program is available here: COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program FAQ | Empire State Development (ny.gov).

Don’t wait to apply. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023. Click here to see if you qualify.

© Copyright CBIZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of the material contained herein without the express written consent of the firms is prohibited by law. This publication is distributed with the understanding that CBIZ is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. The reader is advised to contact a tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. CBIZ assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this information and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein. Material contained in this publication is informational and promotional in nature and not intended to be specific financial, tax or consulting advice. Readers are advised to seek professional consultation regarding circumstances affecting their organization.

“CBIZ” is the brand name under which CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including CBIZ Advisors, LLC, provide professional services. CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. (and its subsidiaries) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. CBIZ CPAs P.C. is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities provide tax, advisory, and consulting services to their clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms and, therefore, cannot provide attest services.