HF 2390 changes how Iowa's economic development authority issues tax incentives for workforce housing projects. It removes a requirement that incentives be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual budget limit is reached. Instead, the authority can now determine when a project is complete and meets requirements before issuing incentives, continuing until the maximum allowable amount is achieved. This bill directly affects developers of workforce housing projects seeking tax incentives under the program and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HF 2661 establishes four new Iowa economic development programs targeting the game industry. It creates an interactive digital entertainment tax credit (up to 30% of qualified spending, with a 5% bonus for "made in Iowa" projects), a game studio investment matching program offering forgivable loans matching private investments dollar-for-dollar (capped at $20 million annually), and a game industry fellowship program providing $150,000-$200,000 annual grants to relocate experienced professionals for two years. The programs require qualified developers to maintain physical presence and payroll in Iowa, with all tax credits and grants limited to a $20 million annual cap. These provisions directly affect Iowa-based game developers, studios, and experienced industry professionals seeking relocation.
HF 2688 requires data centers in Iowa that claim sales tax exemptions or refunds to invest 5% of the value of those exemptions/refunds from the previous year into qualifying businesses or innovation funds. This applies directly to data center businesses using specific tax exemptions under sections 423.3 and 423.4. If they fail to meet this investment requirement, the state cancels their tax exemption eligibility and requires them to repay all claimed exemptions/refunds as regular tax payments. The bill also updates annual reporting requirements for data centers to include details on exempt purchases and tax refunds starting in 2027.
HF 2017 creates a new Iowa tax credit equal to 100% of the federal work opportunity tax credit (from IRS Section 51) for individual and corporate income taxes. It applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and affects Iowa employers who hire individuals facing barriers to employment, as defined by the federal program. The credit reduces tax liability but is non-refundable; any unused portion can be carried forward to offset taxes in the following year. The bill includes retroactive application starting January 1, 2026.
This bill establishes a 102% cap on annual property tax increases for local governments (excluding school districts) by limiting new tax levies to 102% of the prior year's certified tax amount, adjusted for voter-approved levies. It creates a new residential property tax exemption of up to $25,000 in taxable value for homeowners (effective 2026), excluding school district taxes. The bill also updates disclosure requirements, mandating annual mailed statements to property owners by March 15 showing tax details and limiting county/city taxes if reports are late. These changes apply retroactively to assessment years beginning January 1, 2026.
HF 565 establishes a partial property tax exemption for certain residential properties. This exemption applies to homes purchased from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by owners who qualify for the homestead tax credit. To be eligible, the sale must be made to provide housing in an area declared a major disaster or disaster emergency. The exemption lasts for four assessment years, starting at 80% of the property's actual value in the first year and decreasing by 20% each subsequent year.
This bill updates Iowa's economic development programs, primarily affecting businesses and developers seeking tax credits for property redevelopment. It revises the brownfield, grayfield, and redevelopment tax credit processes by requiring applications to be reviewed by a council and board, setting a 30-month completion deadline for projects, and mandating audits by licensed accountants. The bill also repeals outdated sections of community attraction, tourism, and Vision Iowa programs while applying changes retroactively to past projects. Additionally, it modifies historic preservation tax credit rules to exclude single-family homes unless multiple units are created. These changes streamline application reviews and clarify eligibility for state-funded redevelopment incentives.
SSB 1106 amends Iowa's economic development programs, primarily streamlining tax credit administration and application processes. It modifies the brownfield/redevelopment tax credit program to require projects to complete within 30 months (down from 36), establish competitive scoring criteria for applications (including financial need and feasibility), and mandate audits by certified accountants for credit claims. The bill also updates the Vision Iowa and community tourism programs by adding review committees for applications, repealing outdated sections, and applying changes retroactively to existing projects. These changes affect developers, local governments, and tourism entities seeking state financial assistance under these specific programs.
HSB 305 updates Iowa's economic development programs overseen by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. It sets an aggregate tax credit limit of $170 million for certain programs, allowing for a 20% overage that counts against the next fiscal year's limit. The bill creates new programs, including those for business incentives, seed investors, film production, research and development, and sustainable aviation fuel. Simultaneously, it eliminates several existing tax credit programs, such as the High Quality Jobs program and various specific tax credits for employer child care and assistive devices. These changes directly affect businesses, investors, and the state's economic development initiatives.
HF 975 amends multiple economic development and community programs in Iowa, affecting local governments, businesses, and residents participating in initiatives like brownfield redevelopment, historic preservation, tourism marketing, and homelessness services. It modifies tax credit programs for brownfields, grayfields, and historic preservation, adjusts funding for tourism and community attraction, and updates the Iowa Reinvestment Act. The bill also clarifies applicability and retroactive provisions for these programs. Signed into law by the Governor on June 6, 2025, it updates existing frameworks rather than creating new programs.
