Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Incentives

Standard TIF Incentive

Businesses constructing or expanding industrial or commercial buildings in the Northwest Market Center and Westover Urban Renewal Areas may qualify for a multi-year TIF rebate. This rebate is based on the increased taxable value of the property as determined by the County Assessor. (Retail and residential projects are not eligible.) Learn more about our Standard TIF Incentive.

Standard Downtown TIF Incentive

Businesses investing in commercial property within the Downtown Urbandale Urban Renewal Area can receive a partial tax rebate based on the property’s increased taxable value. This incentive is available for eligible commercial uses and does not apply to residential properties. Learn more about our Standard Downtown TIF Incentive.

Renaissance Place TIF Incentive

A partial tax rebate is available for businesses adding taxable value to properties within 500 feet of Douglas Avenue in the Northwest Market Center Urban Renewal Area. Eligibility and rebate amounts are determined by the County Assessor’s assessed value of the property. Learn more about our Renaissance Place TIF Incentive.

Class A Office TIF Incentive

To encourage high-quality office development, Urbandale offers a partial tax rebate for new Class A office buildings in designated urban renewal districts. Projects must meet Class A Office design standards and be reviewed for employment eligibility by Economic Development staff. Class B or C Office Buildings, Flex Buildings, Shell (speculative) Buildings, and Showrooms are not eligible. Learn more about our Class A Office TIF Incentive.

Additional Business Support Programs

Site Preparation Assistance

This program helps property owners prepare development sites by partnering with qualified engineering or planning firms. The city provides financial assistance for professional services to create conceptual development plans, making sites more attractive for future investment and increasing their taxable value. Learn more about Site Preparation Assistance.

Redevelopment or Rehabilitation Incentive

Businesses redeveloping or rehabilitating Class C or lower-quality commercial spaces in designated urban renewal districts may qualify for a partial tax rebate. Projects must involve significant improvements beyond minor renovations or maintenance to be eligible. Learn more about our Redevelopment or Rehabilitation Incentive.

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

Urbandale’s Revolving Loan Fund provides financial assistance to businesses investing in capital projects and creating or retaining jobs. To qualify, businesses must generate at least 30% of their sales from clients outside Iowa. Retail, health, and professional service industries are generally not eligible. Learn more about our Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).

State of Iowa Business Incentives

Iowa provides valuable assistance to businesses seeking to locate or expand in the state. City staff will work with regional and state partners to identify and apply for assistance to support businesses making investments and creating jobs in Iowa. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has various incentive programs to assist Iowa companies to grow and expand.

High Quality Jobs

Iowa's main business assistance program is the High Quality Jobs program. It provides qualifying businesses tax credits to offset the cost incurred to locate, expand or modernize an Iowa facility. To qualify for this very flexible assistance package that includes tax credits, exemptions and/ or refunds, a business must be a non-retail or non-service business and meet wage requirements.

Research Activities Credit

Iowa is one of only a few states to offer a refundable research activities credit. Iowa companies earn refundable tax credits for research and development investments that may be paid directly in cash to the company once its tax liabilities have been met. A company must meet the qualifications of the Federal Research Activities Credit in order to be eligible for the credit in Iowa.

New Jobs Tax Credit

The Iowa New Jobs Tax Credit is an Iowa corporate income tax credit and is available to a company that has entered into a New Jobs Training Agreement (260E) and expands their Iowa employment base by 10% or more. The amount of this one-time tax credit will depend upon the wages a company pays and the year in which the tax credit is first claimed.