Why Howard County

Taxes & Incentives

Evening the Playing Field for Business

Launching or growing a business is a breeze in Howard County. New developments benefit from fast-tracked processes for accelerated approvals, while eligible economy-boosting projects get support from the county in coordinating deadlines. With property taxes aligned with the average national rate and tax credits available for expanding or relocating businesses, Howard County taxes and incentives fuel enterprise growth and employment opportunities for the region’s highly skilled workforce.

Quick Links

A man and a woman converse while sitting next to each other at a desk as people in the background mingle.

Industrial Revenue Bonds Strengthen Howard County Manufacturing Businesses

When it comes to expanding and relocating manufacturing firms and non-profit organizations, the HCEDA is your partner for success.  The Authority processes industrial revenue bond applications on behalf of companies and works with Howard County Bond Counsel to introduce appropriate legislation to the city council. Financing terms typically span between 15 to 20 years for real estate and 7 to 10 for equipment acquisitions and are characterized by notably reduced floating or fixed interest rates. Manufacturing businesses can allocate the funds towards several purposes, including land acquisition, new construction, machinery and equipment procurement, and working capital needs up to 25% of the total.

An aerial shot of a Whole Foods building and parking lot.

Positioning Businesses and Communities for Continued Growth

Howard County offers a real property tax credit aimed at incentivizing the relocation and expansion of businesses. The credit is calculated based on the assessed value of newly constructed buildings and can be phased in gradually over a specified period. To qualify, companies must commit to hiring a minimum of 12 new full-time employees and at least a $2 million investment or 10 positions with salaries exceeding the county’s annual average. Eligibility is limited to qualified commercial and industrial firms operating in key sectors such as technology-driven manufacturing, life sciences and medical technology, federal contracting, information technology and national, divisional and regional headquarters.

A woman smiles as she shakes hands with a person behind the camera.

A County Invested in ESG

With a strong commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Howard County utility companies offer an array of incentives for businesses investing in clean and efficient energy. Whether you’re looking to install solar powered lighting, invest in energy-efficient heating and cooling or build an entire LEED certified facility, Live Green Howard can point you in the direction of flexible financing and incentives programs that cover up to 76% of the costs associated with renewable and clean energy upgrades.