Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Program (EDGE)

SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission  and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center . Close button Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Program (EDGE) What is EDGE? Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit Program provides annual corporate tax credits to qualifying businesses, which support job creation and capital investment and improve the standard of living for all Illinois residents. What are the Benefits? The EDGE program offers a credit for corporate income taxes for Tier I or withholding taxes for Tier II. Here's a summary of the key benefits related to tax credits for staff: Tax Credits for New Hires:  50% Tax Credits for Retained Jobs:  25% Additional Savings:  In  underserved areas these savings increase by an additional 25% Training Costs:  The program also offers a credit for 10% on new employee training costs What are the Requirements? The program's requirements encompass  job creation, capital investment and the crucial  "but for"  principle: if not for the credit, the project would not occur in Illinois. Companies must complete a one-time audit to confirm job creation and capital investment. Initial Job Creation and Capital Investment Requirements: Tier I 100 or Fewer World-Wide Employees Job Creation: The Lesser of 5% of world-wide employment, or 50 new full-time jobs Investment:  $0* Up to 10 years of tax benefits More than 100 World-Wide Employees Job Creation: The Lesser of 10% of world-wide employment, or 50 new full-time jobs Investment:  $2,500,000 Up to 10 years of tax benefits Tier II Job Creation: 100 or more new jobs Investment: $50 million or more Up to 15 years of tax benefits Jobs Retained: 500 jobs retained Investment: $100 million Up to 15 years of tax benefits *Recipients cannot receive more in credits than the project investment. What are the Next Steps? EDGE is one of many programs designed to boost the Illinois economy and build the workforce of the future. If your business is ready for expansion and meets the program's criteria, we invite you to contact  [email protected] . You can also review the  application   and  contact us  tabs for more information. EDGE Tool Box EDGE Tax Credit Application EDGE Tax Credit Application spreadsheet (part C & D tables) EDGE Annual Reporting Requirements EDGE Exhibit D - Fillable pdf form EDGE Exhibit E Payroll Report Company COVID-19 Payroll Certification Policy Clarification  Employee Project Location Certification Employee Project Location Certification EDGE Tax Credit Certificate FAQs EDGE Vendor Diversity Policy Report EDGE Sexual Harassment Policy Report Illinois Corporate Accountability EDGE - COVID Guidance EDGE Tax Certificate Submission Form EDGE Tax Webinar Slides 2026 EDGE Tax Certificate Training Webinar 2026 For more information contact   [email protected] . Footer Back to top INFORMATION Illinois Economic Plan Corporate Accountability Awarded Grants EDGE Agreements Connect with a DCEO Representative QUICK LINKS Locate Your Business In IL Start Your Business in IL Get Answers to Questions Contact Us Illinois E-Pay

Businesses making capital investment in Illinois with new full-time job creation; thresholds vary by company size and location.