How are the QEZE sales and use tax benefits different from the Empire Zone sales and use refund on building materials?
The QEZE sales and use tax exemptions are an alternative to the Empire Zone refund/credit provisions. The QEZE exemptions provide an up-front exemption at the time of purchase rather than a refund or credit. In addition, they apply to a broad class of tangible personal property and to utility and other services, provided that the property or services are used by the QEZE in the Empire Zone.
The QEZE sales and use tax exemptions are an alternative to the Empire Zone refund/credit provisions. The QEZE exemptions provide an up-front exemption at the time of purchase rather than a refund or credit. In addition, they apply to a broad class of tangible personal property and to utility and other services, provided that the property or services are used by the QEZE in the Empire Zone. The Empire Zone refund/credit provisions apply only to tangible personal property that is incorporated into industrial or commercial real property which is being constructed, expanded or rehabilitated within an Empire Zone and which becomes an integral component part of that real property. The QEZE benefits may only be claimed by a certified business. The person claiming the existing sales and use tax refund or credit does not have to be a certified business.
