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

-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 Food Finance White Paper Series: Food Systems & Targeted Tools

This white paper is part of a series examining the potential creation of a food systems asset class which supports the market growth of local and regional food systems. This paper focuses specifically on targeted financing tools that can be used to geographically target local and regional food system developments.

Franklin County, OH TIF Deal for La Plaza Tapatia Members only

The first County-Township parcel TIF (tax increment financing) enacted by Franklin County for a new location and expansion of a regional ethnic grocer: La Plaza Tapatia (the Developer), in Franklin Township.

The Hatchery Chicago Fact Sheet Members only

The Hatchery Chicago is a non-profit food business incubator that enables local entrepreneurs to build and grow successful businesses. Accion, the area’s largest microlender, and ICNC, which runs one of the largest business incubators in the country, are the joint venture partners and building owners. The City of Chicago and its affiliates provided a portion of the land, grants, tax increment financing, and new markets tax credits to help reduce the debt the project must carry.

An Analysis of Tax Increment Financing in the Greater LA Crosse Region in WI Members only

This report provides a summary of tax incremental financing (TIF) in the greater La Crosse region, with a focus on the City of La Crosse. Several key findings and policy considerations are highlighted in the report.

The Latest on Tax Increment Financing in Ohio 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 Ohio are diverse, making TIF a very flexible financing tool. Greg Daniels iwth Squire Patton Boggs, Michael DiPerna with DiPerna Advisors, and Brian Sharnsky with KeyBanc Capital Markets discuss what happens when TIF follows the same path as local property tax exemption, as well as explore creative ways to maximize this tool going forward.

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-Headlines

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

Missoula, MT Gastroenterologists Plan $7M Clinic
KPAX | Oct. 18 | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

The U.S. Virgin Islands are Considering a TIF District
The Virgin Islands Consortium | Oct. 18 | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

Newest Plans for West Dearborn, MI
Sun Englewood | Oct. 17 | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

TIF District Could Improve Downtown Infrastructure in Toledo, OH
The Blade | Oct. 17 | Infrastructure Finance | 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: The Landscape of Mega Project Initiatives Members only

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series, expert speakers from CAI Global, Baltimore Development Corporation, Arlington Economic Development, and VEDP provided an in-depth overview of the approaches being used by cities, counties, and states to attract mega projects like Amazon HQ2 and Under Armour.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Tax Increment Finance (TIF) - Innovation & Trends Members only

Community Development | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Webcasts

The results of TIF have been compelling since its inception as a development finance tool. Lending itself to flexibility and creativity, TIF has perennially supported diverse projects across diverse communities throughout the U.S. During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series, Fran Rood with SB Friedman and Alan Ferguson with InvestAtlanta shared the latest updates in TIF, discussed interactions between cities and other taxing bodies when developing a TIF district together, and explored the innovative ways communities are utilizing this tool to meet their ever-changing needs.

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

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.

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.