The Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone - Lindsay

Commonly Asked Questions
Business Testimonials

The state-designated Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) provides special tax incentives to qualified businesses locating, expanding, or continuing to do business in the city of Lindsay. Incentives include:

Hiring Tax credit for hiring qualified employees (up to $37,000 per qualified employee)
Sales and Use tax credit for purchasing qualified equipment
Accelerated Expense Deductions
Net Interest Deduction for lenders
21 day permit fast tracking
5 year – no interest development fee deferral

The Enterprise Zone program was designed to encourage business investment and employment growth in economically distressed areas of California. Your business may qualify for these incentives if it is located within the SVEZ boundary. The zone boundary consists of industrial and commercial areas located within the eight incorporated cities of Tulare County, including the city of Lindsay, as well as multiple unincorporated areas. A map of zone boundaries and street ranges can be found at www.sequoiavalley.com. The zone effective date is still to be announced and incentives will be re available through 2026.

For additional information, contact:

Becky Murphy – 559-562-7117 - City of Lindsay

Lori Dunagan – 559-688-3388 x103, SVEZ Manager

SVEZ website - coming soon!

Click on Map to download.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Lindsay Enterprise Zone

Do I have to be a new Lindsay Business to take advantage of the Zone benefits?
No. Any existing or new business can take advantage of Zone benefits as long as the business is located within the city limits.

How long does the enterprise zone program last?
Until 2026.

Is the hiring tax credit/vouchering process complicated?
Absolutely not! The state voucher is a one-page form that can be completed in minutes.

What is a TEA?
Lindsay has been designated a targeted employment area(TEA) so approximately 95% of the residents automatically qualify for a hiring tax credit. If you hire a Lindsay resident, you will most likely qualify for this tremendous state tax credit.

If my business cannot use all the credits I earn this year, can I use the remaining credits against next year's taxable income?
Yes. You may carry over the sales and use tax credits indefinitely, and the hiring credits for 15 years, contingent upon your business remaining within the Zone boundaries.

Can I receive a voucher for a part-time or seasonal employee?
Yes.

What items qualify for the sales and use tax credit?
Items which qualify include machinery (and replacement parts) used in manufacture, assembly or production of goods, which is purchased and delivered to the Zone location. It also includes machinery that is used to process and cook, as well as air and water pollution-control devices associated with a manufacturing operation.

What is the advantage of the net operating loss carryover incentive?
Being in the Lindsay Enterprise Zone allows an employer to carry forth 100% of net operating loss to future years rather than the 50% allowed for employers outside of the Zone. This is of particular advantage to new start-up companies.

Are there other benefits to the Lindsay Enterprise Zone?
Yes! These include but are not limited to a business loan program, permit streamlining, fee deferrals and rebates, purchasing power from other Lindsay businesses and training workshops.

If I think I have a new employee that qualifies for the hiring tax credit or have a general question about the Enterprise Zone, whom do I contact?
Adriana Andrade, Community Development Department at (559) 562-7117

Enterprise Zone coordinator for the City of Lindsay is, Scot B. Townsend.

What are Lindsay businesses saying about the Enterprise Zone?

Dan Smith, Chief Financial Officer, SmithCare, Inc. and Lindsay Gardens
"The City of Lindsay Enterprise Zone has virtually eliminated our state income taxes for the foreseeable future. This allows us to invest more in the success of our business and, most importantly, provides additional resources to provide an even higher level of care in our facility. We are excited about the opportunities provided by the Enterprise Zone and the short and long-term benefits it will provide to the residents of Lindsay."

Art Serna, Owner, Art's Custom Cabinets
"The Enterprise Zone's benefits have allowed us to hire more people, allowing us to expand our operations. The zone has given us added flexibility with our company's resources."

Greg Smith, President/General Manager, Lulu Packing
"Although we have been a long-time Lindsay employer, the Enterprise Zone has greatly increased our operational efficiency, creating new and exciting opportunities for our company by making it possible to expand our business."

Terry Henson, Manager, Burger King
"It's a great opportunity not only for local businesses but for the community to bond together in realizing its economic goals."

Bob Babcock, President, National Diversified Sales
"The Enterprise Zone is the single most distinguishing feature that separates Lindsay from other manufacturing sites in the valley. By using the enterprise zone intelligently, NDS has effectively 'zeroed out' its State tax liability. For California manufacturers, this is a tremendous competitive advantage."