Van Wert County Incentives

Start Building Your Future in Van Wert

Explore the incentives below designed to support your growth and success. If you have questions or need guidance through any step, our team is ready to assist you.

Local Programs

Many local incentives exist, including job creation tax relief, tax abatement programs, jobs for land credit, and New Market Tax Credits.

Enterprise Zone Tax Exemption

Up to 100 percent of local real estate property taxes may be abated for as long as 15 years for qualifying manufacturing, distribution, or service-related projects in a Van Wert County Enterprise Zone. The entire county is within an established Enterprise Zone.

Community Reinvestment Area Program

The Community Reinvestment Area Program is a direct incentive tax exemption program benefiting property owners who renovate existing or construct new buildings. The program permits municipalities to designate areas as CRA to encourage revitalization and the development of new structures. Companies may receive a property tax exemption of up to 100 percent improvement value for up to 15 years. The company must make a minimum $5,000 investment.

Opportunity Zones/New Market Tax Credits

Van Wert County has two census tracts designated as Opportunity Zones. These areas will be eligible for “Opportunity Funds” for economic development and receive a 10-year federal tax break. Three census tracts in the county are also eligible for the New Market Tax Credit Program.

Job Creation Incentive Program

The city of Van Wert offers an incentive for non-retail projects that create a new payroll of at least $250,000 and 10 jobs. Companies with average wages at least 150 percent above the federal minimum wage are eligible to receive a payment from the city equal to 30 or 50 percent of the company’s municipal income tax amount. The payment is made to the company for 5, 10, or more years, depending on the total annual payroll.

Rural Renewal Community/Work Opportunity Tax Credit

All Van Wert County residents between 18 and 39 years old are automatically included in a designated group that allows an employer to seek federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits

Van Wert County Revolving Loan Program

The county Revolving Loan Fund supplies gap funding for new or existing companies pursuing building acquisition, construction, equipment purchases, and working capital based on job retention and creation. Borrowers may seek up to 50 percent of the total project cost, a maximum of $35,000 per job created. The interest rate is fixed as low as 2 percent.

Terms are five to seven years for purchasing machinery and equipment and 15 to 20 years for acquiring real estate.

Lease-to-Own Building Purchase Option

The Van Wert County Business Development Corporation can assist companies with lease-back arrangements for new projects.

Rural Renewal Community and WOTC Program in Van Wert County

Van Wert County is proud to be a designated Rural Renewal Community, fostering economic growth and opportunity for residents and businesses alike. As a Rural Renewal County, Van Wert qualifies for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax incentive designed to encourage employers to hire individuals from targeted groups facing employment barriers.

Through the WOTC program, businesses in Van Wert can receive tax credits ranging from $1,200 to $9,600 per eligible employee, depending on the target group and hours worked. Eligible groups include veterans, SNAP recipients, ex-felons, and residents aged 18–39 living in Van Wert County, among others. To claim the credit, employers must screen applicants using IRS Form 8850 and submit it to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services within 28 days of the hire date.

By leveraging the WOTC program, Van Wert businesses can reduce their federal tax liability while supporting local job creation and community revitalization. For more information on how to participate, contact the Van Wert Economic Development Office or visit IRS.gov for detailed program guidelines.

Foreign Trade Zone #151 in Van Wert County

Van Wert County is part of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #151, This designation spans six Northwest Ohio counties, including Van Wert, offering businesses significant cost-saving opportunities. FTZ #151 allows companies to reduce, eliminate, or defer customs duties on imported goods used in manufacturing, storage, or processing. Key benefits include:

Duty Deferral: Pay duties only when goods enter U.S. commerce, improving cash flow.
Duty Elimination: No duties on goods exported or destroyed within the zone.
Cost Reduction: Streamlined customs processes lower operational expenses.

Located near the Toledo-Sandusky Port of Entry, FTZ #151 supports manufacturers in Van Wert by enhancing global competitiveness. For assistance in accessing these benefits, Van Wert Area Economic Development Office at (419) 238-2999 or visit us at 140 East Mainstreet in Van Wert, Ohio.

Sales Tax Savings through Van Wert County Port Authority

The Van Wert County Port Authority offers a powerful incentive for businesses undertaking building projects valued over $3 million. By partnering with the Port Authority, companies can benefit from a sales tax exemption on construction materials, significantly reducing project costs.

Under Ohio law, port authorities can issue bonds or enter into agreements that allow qualifying projects to be exempt from state and local sales taxes on materials purchased for construction. For projects exceeding $3 million, businesses can work with the Van Wert County Port Authority to structure the project in a way that leverages this exemption. This means materials such as lumber, steel, concrete, and other supplies are purchased without the added cost of Van Wert ,Ohio’s sales tax of 7.25%

This tax savings can result in substantial cost reductions, making large-scale projects more financially viable and attractive for businesses expanding or relocating to Van Wert County. For more details or to explore eligibility, contact the Van Wert County Port Authority or the Van Wert Economic Development Office.