Opportunity Zones

The State Opportunity Zone (OZ) designation (map below) affords the Georgia’s highest job tax credit of $3500 per job to any legal business that locates in a state-approved OZ.  In order to qualify, the business must create at least two jobs that are new to the State of Georgia (the second one can be claimed). For example: 10 jobs = 9 x $3500 = $31,500 in credits that may be claimed against the company's state income tax liability or, if there's any left over, their state payroll withholding tax. The credit may be claimed for up to 5 years. The program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

The City's current OZ  includes the entirety of the GM site and the adjacent former Seaboard Oil (5810 and 5796 New Peachtree Road) properties.  The DCA has since approved two amendments, adding Peachtree Pavilion (6035 Peachtree Rd.) and the former UAW Union Hall (5407 Buford Hwy.). 

Map BoundariesDoraville Opportunity Zone (2016)

Opportunity Zone Process:Step 1: Create at least the minimum number of jobs to become eligible. For an overview of the eligibility requirements and claims process, please read this Program Overview.

Step 2: Complete part one of the Opportunity Zone Certification and send a signed copy to Luke Howe, the City Economic Development Director (contact info below). After review by the Georgia DCA, the requesting business and the Economic Development Department will each receive approved copies of the certification.

Step 3: Complete Form IT-CA (2009) to determine the amount of Job Tax Credit that may be claimed. The credit must first be applied against your corporate income tax liability. Any excess credit may be carried forward to future tax years or applied against your Georgia Withholding Tax liability.

Step 4 (withholding): To claim credit against withholding, file Form IT-WH with the Department of Revenue at least 30 days prior to filing the Georgia Income Tax Return on which the credit will be claimed.

Step 5: File the Georgia Income Tax Return by the due date (or extended due date) along with a completed Form IT-CA (2009) and a copy of the accepted Opportunity Zone Certification to claim the Job Tax Credit for the Opportunity Zone.

Step 6 (withholding): The Georgia Department of Revenue will send a letter to the business within 90 days of the date the Georgia Income Tax Return was filed stating the amount of credit available to claim against withholding taxes and when the business may begin claiming the credit.

ResourcesVisit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs  for full program information or the Department of Revenue for downloadable tax forms.

Contacts:To inquire about Doraville OZ boundaries, parcels or OZ certification, contact Chris Eldridge at 770-451-8745 or chris.eldridge@doravillega.us. Signed certification forms may be emailed, mailed, or delivered to:

Economic Development Department
Doraville City Hall
3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, Georgia  30340

Please note information above does not constitute tax advice. Business owners are encouraged to seek professional tax advice for tax-related questions and assistance.