Tax Increment Finance Resource Center

Tax Increment Finance (TIF) is a mechanism for capturing the future tax benefits of real estate improvements, in order to pay for the present cost of those improvements. TIF is generally used to channel funding toward improvements in distressed or underdeveloped areas where development would not otherwise occur. Tax increment finance is a popular development finance tool generally used to address blight, promote neighborhood stability and inspire district-oriented development.

TIF uses the increased property or sales taxes (increment) generated by new development to finance costs related to the development such as public infrastructure, land acquisition, demolition, and planning. The life of a district can be anywhere from 10-40 years, or enough time to pay back pay back the costs or bonds issued to fund the improvements. The tax increment from a TIF district is created without raising taxes, and also without dipping into the base tax revenues present at the time of adoption. The increment thus becomes a repayment stream for debt used to finance some aspects of what is driving the increase.

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+TIF State-By-State Map

This research was made possible through the generous support of Stifel Nicolaus & Company, Inc.

Hover over a state to see selected data. Click a state to see complete data below.

Explore the TIF State-By-State Map
Search Historical Data
Read the TIF State-By-State Report
Browse State TIF Statutes

+Resources

TIF Special Assessment
TIF Policies & Procedures
TIF Bond Process
TIF Reports & Analysis
State TIF Statute
State Resource

+Case Studies

Tax increment finance is a flexible, efficient and effective tool for transformation. CDFA has collected hundreds of case study examples.

CDFA Texas Webinar: Driving Economic Development with TIRZ Members only

TIF, also known as TIRZ in Texas, is a flexible tool with multiple variations as to the specific revenue sources it can generate and the different ways these revenues are used to support projects financings. During this webinar, presenters will discuss the typical sources for TIRZ repayments including: property tax, sales tax, and special assessments. Our experts will also address the range of ways in which TIRZ funds can be made available to fund projects during or after construction. This webinar will bring TIRZ deal-making and best practices into focus and explore creative ways to maximize this tool in the Lone Star State.

CDFA Texas Webinar: Driving Economic Development with TIRZ

CDFA & ICSC Tax Increment Financing Video Series: Implementing Tax Increment Financing: Bridge Street - Dublin, OH

The Bridge Street District is a mixed-use development along the Scioto River in Dublin, Ohio that includes restaurants, shops, offices, and residential units, along with several community amenities including parking and a new library. The sixth video in this collaborative series developed by The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) looks at how the project was assembled and how TIF was implemented.

CDFA & ICSC Tax Increment Financing Video Series: Implementing Tax Increment Financing: The Joseph

The Joseph is a $75M project that included a 60,000-square-foot building with office and retail space, a 313-space garage and Art Museum in Columbus, Ohio. The fifth video in this collaborative series developed by The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) looks at the specific use of TIF as it was implemented for this project along with insight from several different stakeholders involved in the project.

Revitalizing Downtowns with TIF Members only

TIF is perennially one of the nation’s most effective and popular development finance tools, but also one of its most misunderstood and controversial. The types of projects that TIF supports in Illinois are diverse, making TIF a very flexible financing tool. Fran Rood with SB Friedman

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+Headlines

Communities throughout the country use tax increment finance every day and CDFA collects headlines on projects and news daily.

Muncie, IN TIF Supports $8M in Street & Safety Improvements
Muncie Star Press | Jun. 15 | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

TIF and PACE Being Proposed for Lorain, OH, Building
The Chronicle | Jun. 15 | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Energy Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

CDFA & ICSC Launch TIF Video Series
CDFA | Jun. 14 | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

Madison, WI Recommends $2.6M TIF for Parking
The Capital Times | Jun. 14 | Infrastructure Finance | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

New Downtown Stillwater Hotel Utilized TIF
Twin Cities Pioneer Press | Jun. 11 | Brownfield Financing | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

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+Publications

CDFA publishes two of the only comprehensive guides to tax increment finance. Purchase them today in the CDFA Bookstore.

DFCP Study Pack

The DFCP Complete Book Package contains all of the reference guides to study for the DFCP final exam at a 10% discount.

Tax Increment Finance Best Practices Reference Guide 2nd Edition

Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

The Tax Increment Finance Best Practices Reference Guide 2nd Edition addresses what TIF is, why it should be used and how best to apply the TIF tool. This guide highlights both TIF and special assessment projects across the country and how they can be applied to address common economic development issues.

Advanced Tax Increment Finance Reference Guide 2nd Edition

Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

The Advanced Tax Increment Finance Reference Guide builds upon CDFA’s introductory offerings by exploring in-depth the complexities and transformative potential of tax increment financing.

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+Training Courses

The Intro Tax Increment Finance Course offers an in-depth look at the guiding principles and appropriate application of TIF. This course brings TIF deal-making and best practices into focus through a two-day program targeting the entire TIF community including economic developers, public agency representatives, bond issuers, legal professionals, developers, financial advisors, and other stakeholders.

CDFA's Advanced Tax Increment Finance Course builds upon CDFA's Intro TIF Course by focusing more concretely on structuring the deal and developing short- and long-term policies. You will also learn about performance monitoring, feasibility analysis and using TIF in conjunction with other development finance tools.

+Webcasts

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Financing the Nation’s Transportation Needs One Community at a Time Members only

Infrastructure Finance | Local Finance Program | Public-Private Partnership (P3) Financing | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Webcasts

Federal, state, and local funding for transportation is woefully inadequate to cover the costs of maintenance and improvements needed. Although this subject is often discussed on a national level, it often remains a local issue for local communities to address. From bridges and roadways to water and energy, local communities are developing creative strategies to address their growing infrastructure needs.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Capturing the Success of High Performing DFA's Members only

This month’s CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series on Capturing the Success of High Performing DFA's featured Tim Fisher of CDFA, Paul Toth of Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Gary Smith of Chester County Economic Development Council, Samuele Bozzolla of Allegheny County, and Juan Salgado of Phoenix Industrial Development Authority.

2016 CDFA Brownfields Financing Webinar Series: Strategic TIF Structuring for Brownfield Redevelopment Recording

Brownfield Financing | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Webcasts

Learn how to structure a TIF that eases the financial pressure on your brownfield project and how communities can blend the use of TIF with other financing tools to help bring your brownfields back into productive use.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Manufacturing Finance: Bonds & Tax Increment Supporting the Industrial Renaissance Members only

Bond Finance | Infrastructure Finance | Reshoring Manufacturing | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Webcasts

This month’s CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series featured David Misky of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Bill Calderon of Hawes Hill Calderon LLP, and John Stoecker of California Municipal Finance Authority, as they unlocked the financing tools that support new, expanding and relocating manufacturers.

Downtown Redevelopment Districts Webcast Members only

Economic Development | Innovation Finance | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Webcasts

This Ohio focused webcast features a discussion on the recently passed the new Downtown Redevelopment District legislation (HB 233) that provides new tools, including property assessment and TIF-like provisions, available to rehabilitate historic buildings, promote economic development, and advance innovation.