Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

The Swift County RDA is willing to consider the employment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for eligible projects. There are two types of Tax Increment Financing Districts available. The difference between a property's original property taxes and the property taxes due on a property after it has been improved (call the "tax increment") can be captured and use to help finance the project. In all cases the proposed project must pass what is called the "but-for test", meaning that unless Tax Increment Financing is utilized, the project will not be economically feasible.

Different rules apply to each type of TIF district:

Economic Development TIF District 

A 9-year district that can provide funds for land acquisition, infrastructure (street, water &sewer, parking, etc.), grading & excavating and/or site improvements. Primarily for industrial-type projects.

Eligibility 

  • Industrial, warehousing, research, and development and call centers are eligible 

Requirement 

  • The TIF district must promote new employment, tax base or retain business in the state. 

Rate/Terms

  • Districts can provide tax increment for up to 9 years. 

Redevelopment TIF District 

A district that can go up to 25 years and will provide funds for the removal of blighting conditions on a lot (sub-standard buildings, site clean-up, etc.)

Eligibility 

  • Proposed district must contain existing "blighted" development 
  • At least 70% of the area must be occupied by buildings or other improvements 
  • At least 50% of the buildings themselves must be substandard, based upon an internal inspection 
  • A building is considered substandard if it would cost at least 15% of a new building to bring the existing building up to the current building code requirements 
  • As long as the above requirements are met , any type of project (commercial, retail, industrial) is eligible 

Requirements 

  • At least 90% of the tax increment generated must be used to correct the blighting conditions

Rates/Terms 

  • Redevelopment TIF district can provide tax increment for up to 25 years.