Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit

The job growth incentive tax credit encourages the growth of high-paying, Montana-based jobs. The credit applies to certain industries and offers a tax credit equal to 50% of employer-paid Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes for qualifying new employees. Review below to help determine your eligibility and learn more about the tax credit, or go directly to the application online.

could your business qualify?

Your business must have a qualifying Montana project that will encourage, promote, and stimulate economic development in the construction, natural resources, mining, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, transportation, utilities or outdoor recreation sectors.

• Qualifying employees generally must have been hired after 2021, worked at least six months in the tax year, met the wage requirement for their year of hire, received the benefits offered to other employees and increased employment above the 2021 baseline.
• Employees can qualify across multiple tax years, and do not have to be hired in the year you claim the credit. Wage requirements increase annually, from $50,000 for employees hired in 2022 to $57,820 for employees hired in 2025.

• Counties with 20,000 or fewer residents: at least five qualifying employees for the first claim, and seven in subsequent years.
• Counties with more than 20,000 residents: at least 10 qualifying employees for the first claim, and 15 in subsequent years.

Learn more and apply

 Applications cover the previous calendar year and are accepted throughout the year. Apply by Jan. 31 to guarantee a certificate by regular tax-filing deadlines.