CDFI Income Tax Credits
Community Development Financial
Institutions or CDFIs provide financing or financial services that supports
community development. Some CDFIs finance housing, others finance
economic development and others even provide consumer loans and
other banking services for underserved groups. Most CDFIs are nonprofit
corporations, but some operate on a for-profit basis.
The San Luis Obispo County
Housing Trust Fund has been certified as both a
state and
national CDFI.
California CDFIs are certified by
COIN (the
California Organized Investment Network) of the California Department of
Insurance. National CDFIs are certified by the
CDFI Fund of the US Treasury.
The State of California offers
income tax credits to individuals and corporations, including insurance
companies, that invest in certified California CDFIs. Because most
CDFIs are nonprofit corporations, these investments are typically in the
form of a loan rather than a direct investment.
The CDFI Tax Credit equals 20%
of the amount invested. For example, if $100,000 is invested, the tax
credit is $20,000. The tax credit provides a dollar for dollar
reduction in state taxes. It can be taken in the year of the
investment or spread over multiple years.
The minimum investment that qualifies for a
CDFI Tax Credit is $50,000. The investment must be for at least five
years and have an interest rate of 0%. If the investment is withdrawn
or repaid in less than five years, the tax credit must be repaid
proportionately.
As note above, this program is
administered by
COIN at the California Department of
Insurance.
To learn more about the CDFI Tax
Credit Program or make an eligible tax credit investment in the Housing Trust Fund,
please contact us at 805-543-5970.
California CDFI Tax Credit
Information
(Note: The preceding tax codes are
provided for informational purposes only. Individuals and firms that are
considering a California CDFI Tax Credit investment are advised to discuss
the tax consequences of such an investment with their legal and tax advisors
prior to making any investment.) |