North Carolina Tax Incentives
Biodiesel Production Tax Credit
A biodiesel provider that produces at least 100,000 gallons of biodiesel during the taxable year is allowed a credit equal to the per gallon excise tax the producer paid in accordance with the motor fuel excise tax rate. The credit does not apply to tax paid on the diesel portion of the biodiesel blends and the credit may not exceed $500,000. This credit is effective for taxable years beginning on January 1, 2008, and is in effect until January 1, 2010. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-129.16F)
Alternative Fuel Production Tax Credit
A tax credit is available for the processing of biodiesel, 100% ethanol, or ethanol/gasoline blends consisting of at least 70% ethanol. The credit is equal to 25% of the cost of constructing and equipping the facility and a facility must be placed in service before January 1, 2011. The credit must be taken in seven equal annual installments beginning with the taxable year in which the facility is placed in service.
In lieu of the above credit, a taxpayer that constructs and places into service, in North Carolina, three or more commercial facilities for processing renewable fuel and invests a total amount of at least $400,000,000 in the facilities is allowed a credit equal to 35% of the cost to the taxpayer of constructing and equipping the facilities. To claim the credit, the taxpayer must obtain a written determination from the Secretary of Commerce that the taxpayer is expected to invest at least $400,000,000 in three or more facilities within a five-year period. Facilities must be placed in service before January 1, 2011.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-129.16D)
Renewable Energy Property Tax Credit
Taxpayers who construct, purchase, or lease renewable energy property, are eligible for a tax credit equal to 35% of the cost of the property. Renewable energy property includes: equipment that uses renewable biomass resources to produce ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, or methane produced via anaerobic biogas, utilizing agricultural and animal waste or garbage; and related devices for converting, conditioning, and storing the liquid fuels and gas produced with the biomass equipment. The credit must be taken in five equal installments beginning with the taxable year in which the property is placed in service. A ceiling of $2,500,000 per installation applies to renewable energy property placed in service for any purpose other than residential. Property must be placed in service before January 1, 2011. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-129.15 and 105-129.16A)
Alternative Fuel Fueling Infrastructure Tax Credit
A tax credit is available for qualified fueling facilities that dispense biodiesel, 100% ethanol, or ethanol/gasoline blends consisting of at least 70% ethanol. The credit is equal to 15% of the cost of construction and installation of the dispensing facility, including pumps, storage tanks, and related equipment, that is directly and exclusively used for dispensing or storing the fuel. The credit must be taken in three equal annual installments beginning with the taxable year in which the facility is placed into service. Facilities must be placed in service before January 1, 2011. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-129.16D)
Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption
The retail sale, use, storage or consumption of alternative fuels is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-164.13)
