Incentives We Offer

Overview

Strong local leadership and a cohesive, progressive attitude are valuable assets for economic development in Sumter County. Actions and efforts focus on retaining and supporting existing industries as well as attracting new employers. The county has one of the most competitive local tax structures in the state.

One of the community's most significant initiatives is a special purpose sales tax for economic development. In 1988, Sumter County became the first in the state to approve the special purpose tax, which since then has assisted in building the infrastructure needed for many corporations.

Other initiatives include support for existing and potential business by the Center for Business and Economic Development at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. The Center conducts market research, provides management and professional development training and houses the Main Street Program and the Hospitality Training Office of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

Excellent educational and training opportunities include the Automated Manufacturing and Technology Program, one of several joint-degree programs of South Georgia Technical College and Georgia Southwestern State University.

Along with a strategic location in the heart of the thriving sunbelt, Sumter County, with a population of 33,421, offers a quality lifestyle and a cost of living that is below the national average.

Government

County

Sumter County is governed by a five member county commission. Each member is elected by one of the five county districts and the commissioners elect a chairman from among themselves. They serve four-year terms. Administrative responsibilities are handled by a county administrator officer, appointed by the commission.

Americus

A six-member city council and mayor form the seven member governing body for the City of Americus. Each serves a four-year term. A chief administrative officer appointed by the council and mayor, handles administrative matters.

Taxes

Freeport Exemption

Sumter County can grant certain classifications of inventory 100 percent exempt from property taxes. The classifications include inventory of goods in process, inventory of finished goods held for out-of-state shipment.

Local Taxes

The county levies a 3 percent special purpose sales tax in addition to the 4 percent Georgia sales tax. This additional local sales tax is used for economic purposes.

Job Tax Credit

Many businesses locating in Sumter County are eligible for a Job Tax Credit that became effective through the Georgia General Assembly in 1992.   This law allows for a statewide job tax credit against Georgia income taxes for any business or headquarters of any such business engaged in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, processing, telecommunications, tourism or research and development industries that create and maintain sufficient numbers of new full time jobs.  Sumter County is recognized as a Tier 1 county.  In Tier 1 counties, job tax credits are available to any businesses of any nature, including retail businesses.  The tier ranking of a county determines the amount of Job Tax Credit (JTC) which businesses in that county will be entitled to receive, the minimum number of jobs they must create to be eligible for JTC, and other program requirements and benefits.  In Tier 1 counties, a business must create and maintain at least 5 new jobs to be eligible for a credit of $4,000 per job. 

Investment Tax Credit

Based on the same legislation as the Job Tax Credit, Sumter County Businesses with sufficient investments locally may be eligible for a 5% credit against income tax liability. The companies must have operated in an existing manufacturing facility in the state for three years and must invest at least $1 million dollars.

Property Taxes

Property in the county is based on a 40 percent assessment on the appraised value. Property in the City of Americus is taxed based on the county's 40 percent assessment and the city's 50 percent assessment on appraised value.

Other Tax Incentives

In addition, Sumter County employers may be eligible for state tax credits if they provide retraining for employees or sponsor child care for their workers. There are also sales tax exemptions for certain manufacturing equipment and primary material handling equipment, as well as for electricity used to manufacture a product.

State Industrial Taxes

Following is a summary of the principal industrial taxes levied in Georgia: Corporate Income Tax The Georgia Corporate income tax is a non-graduated percentage income tax assessed on a corporation's prorated taxable net income.  The rate is six percent of a corporation's taxable net income attributable to business done in Georgia.

Workmen's Compensation

Georgia does not levy taxes or workman's compensation. The Workmen Compensation Act requires employers of 10 or more to carry insurance with private companies or to be self-insured. 

Corporate Registration Fees

All corporations transacting business in Georgia must register with the Secretary of State. After the initial registration fee of $30 ($100 for foreign corporations), an annual fee is required.

Corporate Net Worth Tax

Annual tax based on net worth. The tax ranges from a minimum of $10 on net worth under $10,000 to a maximum of $5,000 on net worth in access of $22 million.

Intangible Property

Collected by the state on tangible property. Rates vary from $.10 per $1,000 of fair market value on cash, receivables, patents, ect. To $1 per $1,000 on certain stocks and bonds.

Unemployment Insurance

Corporations with no previous employment record in Georgia pay an initial rate of 2.7 percent of each employee's first $7,000 of earnings. After an employment record is established, about 24 months, corporations are given a new rate based primarily on their history of employee separations. The majority of companies pay less than 1.5 percent of taxable wages.

Power Company Discounts

Georgia Power Company and Sumter EMC serve Sumter County and both offer electricity discounts for job creation by industries and businesses, from one job to an unlimited number. Sumter County, a tier one county, receives the maximum discount of 25 percent on the base bill.