News

Data centers are bypassing Idaho in search of tax breaks

March 3, 2017 /

MATR Sponsor (view all)

Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

About 20 states have tax incentives designed to attract data centers and five states don’t have sales tax. The exemption would help Idahoattract data centers and additional investment in technology, said Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, chief operating officer at the Idaho Department of Commerce.

A new tax incentive designed to help data centers offset the cost of replacing equipment could help Idaho attract large companies such as Google and Amazon, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce.

The department proposed a bill to the House Revenue and Taxation Committee March 2 to grant a sales and use tax rebate to data centers that invest at least $25 million in capital investments within a five-year period and create 20 jobs within a two-year period. Additional rebates would then be given for equipment purchases worth at least $5 million.

By: Benton Alexander Smith

Full Story: http://idahobusinessreview.com/2017/03/03/state-data-centers-are-bypassing-idaho-in-search-of-tax-breaks/