Zes Adriatica
Zes Ionica

The amount of the tax credit granted is closely related to the amount of the investment made. This relationship varies depending on the geographical location of the investment within the Puglia Region, as well as the size category of the beneficiary company. Specifically, companies are divided into Small, Medium, and Large enterprises.

For Small enterprises, there is a tax credit benefit equal to 45% of the investment. Medium-sized enterprises can receive a tax credit of 35% of the investment, while for Large enterprises, this benefit is set at 25% of the eligible investment.

These rates of incentives are applicable exclusively to expenses that meet the eligibility criteria, and this is up to a maximum limit of 100 million euros for each investment project.

It is important to emphasize that the tax credit can be combined with other aid schemes, such as de minimis aid, as well as with additional State aid measures that are relevant to the same cost items recognized for the benefit. However, this combination must adhere to the maximum limits set by the European Union in terms of aid intensity or total amount.

It is also important to highlight that the total amount of benefits obtained cannot exceed the actual investment made. The precise calculation of the tax credit is done by applying the aforementioned rates of 45%, 35%, or 25% to the cost of tangible fixed assets. This amount is then adjusted to take into account any subsidies already received or requested for the same investments.

The Law 178/2020, commonly referred to as the Budget Law 2021, introduces a significant provision for the Puglia region. This provision consists of a notable tax benefit, namely a 50% reduction in income tax, aimed at companies that undertake new economic initiatives within the areas defined as Special Economic Zones (SEZ) within the territory of the Puglia region.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 1, paragraph 173 of the same law, this tax benefit comes into effect starting from the financial year in which the economic activity commences within the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) located in the Puglia region. The benefit applies continuously for a period of six consecutive financial years.

The eligibility for this tax benefit is subject to compliance with the following conditions:

The beneficiary companies must maintain their activity permanently within the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) located in the territory of the Puglia Region for at least 10 years from the start date of the activity itself.

Companies are also required to ensure the preservation of jobs generated in the context of operations conducted within the aforementioned Special Economic Zones (SEZ) for a period of no less than 10 years.

It is emphasized that this benefit is granted in strict compliance with the limits and conditions defined by EU Regulation No. 1407/2013 issued by the European Commission on December 18, 2013, which governs the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union regarding de minimis aid. In this regard, it is noted that the total cumulative amount of de minimis aid granted by a Member State to a single economic entity cannot exceed the amount of 200,000 Euros within a period of three consecutive financial years.

Access to the ZES tax credit is available to those who meet the requirements outlined in Article 55 of the Consolidated Income Tax Act (TUIR), which includes individuals or entities with business income who make investments in capital assets for the establishment of new economic activities within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of the Puglia Region.

These incentives can be granted to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for any form of initial investment, whereas Large Enterprises are eligible exclusively for initial investments aimed at supporting new economic activities in the designated area, as defined in Article 14(3) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 dated June 17, 2014, known as the GBER (General Block Exemption Regulation).

Access to this incentive is subject to the following conditions:

Businesses benefiting from this must keep their operations running within the Special Economic Zones (ZES) of the Puglia Region for at least seven years from the completion of the subsidized investment.

The beneficiary businesses must not be in a state of liquidation or dissolution.

The incentive is not extended to companies operating in the sectors of the steel industry, coal mining, shipbuilding, synthetic fibers, transportation and related infrastructure, energy production and distribution, as well as in the credit, financial, and insurance sectors.

It is noted that companies in difficulty, in accordance with the European Commission Communication 2014/C 249/01 of July 31, 2014, are not eligible to benefit from this incentive.

Additionally, it should be highlighted that entities operating in the sectors of agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture are not eligible for the ZES tax credit.

We offer a complete and professional consulting service for the entire process of accessing the measure. With experience and expertise, we guide you in the accurate compilation of all the necessary documentation for the application, ensuring compliance with the required criteria and current regulations, respecting the deadlines, up to the precise accounting of eligible expenses, with continuous support to manage any verifications or requests for integration by the authorities.

Don't let administrative complexity become an obstacle.

Contact us today and leverage our expertise and experience to maximize the opportunities offered by the ZES in Puglia.

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