Empire Zone Business Certification Process

1. Find out if your property is located in the Empire Zone by contacting the EZ staff or download EZ Property List.
2. Contact EZ staff for information about the program and to discuss if your business meets the guidelines of the Business Development Policy and discuss eligibility. EZ staff can help determine if your business can proceed with the certification process.
3. Meet with your accountant or financial advisor to get more advice about the program.
4. Obtain Application for Empire Zone Certification and Cost Benefit Addendum:
   • Application EZ-1 (PDF, 272Kb)
   • Instructions for EZ-1
   • Supplemental Form EZ-1
   • Leased Employee Common Paymaster Attachment EZ-3(PDF, 136Kb)
   • Approval Process Explanation(PDF, 120Kb)
   • Application for Additional Locations EZ-4 (PDF, 200Kb)
5. EZ staff can help you complete the application. Please contact EZ staff with any questions regarding the application or eligibility.
6. Complete all information and return the application to the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone office. Please note: Due to changes made in April 2005, all Empire Zone Applications must be approved by the local Zone Administrative Board (ZAB). For a schedule of ZAB meetings, please contact the EZ staff.
7. Anticipate 10-12 weeks for approval once the application is forwarded to the state for processing. Once notified of approval by EZ staff, sit down with EZ staff and your accountant to talk again about the benefits.