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    Tax Credits & Incentives

    New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC)

    Tax Credits for Investing in Low-Income Communities

    The New Markets Tax Credit provides federal tax credits to investors who make equity investments in Community Development Entities (CDEs), which in turn provide loans and investments to businesses and projects in low-income communities. Over a 7-year period, investors receive credits totaling 39% of their qualified investment, creating substantial tax benefits while supporting economic development.

    See Your Potential Savings

    Based on a typical client profile for this strategy

    $50,000
    Annual Tax Savings
    $20,000
    Implementation Cost
    $30,000
    Net Year-1 Benefit
    $210,000
    5-Year Cash Benefit

    Real Results: Client Success Story

    Tax Before
    $185,000
    Tax After
    $135,000
    Total Savings
    $50,000
    27% Reduction

    "An investor makes a $1M qualified equity investment in a CDE. Credits are 5% for years 1-3 ($50K each) and 6% for years 4-7 ($60K each). Total credits: $390,000 over 7 years on $1M investment."

    *Illustrative scenario for educational purposes. Tax savings depend on individual circumstances, income level, entity structure, and proper implementation. Consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.

    Do You Qualify? Quick Self-Assessment

    This strategy may be right for you if:

    Investment in certified Community Development Entity
    CDE must have NMTC allocation from CDFI Fund
    Funds must be deployed in low-income community
    7-year compliance period with reporting
    Substantially all requirement for investment use
    Complex structuring typically required

    Check 3 or more? You may be a good candidate for this strategy. Schedule a free consultation to calculate your potential savings.

    Investment Levels

    Strategy Session
    $450-$750
    per session (1-1.5 hrs)
    • Current situation analysis
    • Tax reduction opportunities
    • Action item roadmap
    • Follow-up summary
    Get Started
    Most Popular
    Comprehensive Plan
    $2,500-$6,000
    per plan
    • Full financial analysis
    • Multi-year projections
    • Entity optimization
    • Implementation support
    Get Started
    Ongoing Advisory
    $600-$1,500
    per month
    • Quarterly planning calls
    • Transaction review
    • Legislative updates
    • Priority access
    Get Started
    Implementation
    $1,500-$5,000
    per project
    • Structure analysis
    • Document preparation
    • IRS filings
    • Transition planning
    Get Started

    Related Strategies

    Deep Dive

    Explore the Details

    For those who want to understand the full picture

    Real-World Example: Before & After

    Investor with substantial consistent tax liability
    Individual or Corporate investor

    An investor makes a $1M qualified equity investment in a CDE. Credits are 5% for years 1-3 ($50K each) and 6% for years 4-7 ($60K each). Total credits: $390,000 over 7 years on $1M investment.

    BEFORE Strategy

    Taxable Income:$500,000
    Tax Liability:$185,000

    AFTER Strategy

    Taxable Income:$500,000
    Tax Liability:$135,000

    First 3 years: 5% credit ($50K/year). Years 4-7: 6% credit ($60K/year). Total 39% credits ($390K) over 7 years. Combined with leverage, effective return often exceeds investment. Requires CDE allocation and compliant project.

    IRS Authority & Professional References

    IRC § 45D
    New Markets Tax Credit
    Main code section establishing the NMTC program
    Treas. Reg. § 1.45D-1
    NMTC Regulations
    Detailed requirements for qualifying investments and credits
    IRC § 45D(b)
    Qualified Equity Investment
    Definition of investments eligible for credits
    IRC § 45D(e)
    Low-Income Community Definition
    Census tract qualification criteria (20% poverty or 80% median income)
    IRC § 45D(g)
    Recapture
    Credit recapture for non-qualified distributions
    Notice 2021-49
    CDE Certification
    CDFI Fund guidance on community development entity certification

    Key Benefits

    • 39% total credits over 7-year credit period
    • Credits are dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax
    • Supports community development in underserved areas
    • Can be combined with other incentives (HTC, LIHTC)
    • Leverage structures can enhance returns
    • Investment principal often returned at exit

    Requirements & Risks

    Requirements:

    • Investment in certified Community Development Entity
    • CDE must have NMTC allocation from CDFI Fund
    • Funds must be deployed in low-income community
    • 7-year compliance period with reporting
    • Substantially all requirement for investment use
    • Complex structuring typically required

    Risks to Consider:

    • !Recapture if compliance requirements violated
    • !Limited allocation availability (competitive)
    • !Complex transaction structures require expertise
    • !7-year commitment with limited liquidity
    • !CDE and project performance risk
    • !Regulatory changes could affect future allocations

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    Last updated: September 7, 2026