KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONES

The City of St. Marys, in association with the St. Marys Area School District and Elk County, has designated four industrial parks as Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ).  A Pennsylvania KOZ is a geographic area designated by local governments and approved by the State as virtually tax free.  A KOZ will be given priority consideration under various state community building assistance programs.  The State and local communities would issue credits, exemptions, abatements, or deductions to reduce taxes (listed below) to virtually zero for areas designated as KOZ.

    STATE TAXES

• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Capital Stock and Foreign Franchise Tax
• Personal Income Tax
• Sales and Use Tax

    LOCAL TAXES

• Local Real Property Tax
• Business Gross Receipts, Occupancy & Privilege Tax
• Earned Income/Net Profits Tax
• Sales and Use Tax

The tax free status of businesses operating in a KOZ will extend to December 31, 2011.

The City of St. Marys has designated four KOZ's within its boundaries.  The chart below contains information on the four sites as well as contact information for interested developers.  The KOZ Program in this region is administered by the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (NCPRPDC).  You may obtain more information and answers to specific questions about the KOZ Program from Erin Dixon, KOZ Coordinator for NCPRPDC at (814) 773-3162 or by e-mail at ncprpdc@ncentral.com or visit their website at www.ncentral.com/~ncprpdc.  

    KOZ DISTRICTS