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.
+Resources
+Case Studies
Tax increment finance is a flexible, efficient and effective tool for transformation. CDFA has collected hundreds of case study examples.
TADs in Georgia
Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) are established to propel investment by financing redevelopment in blighted areas. In Georgia, these districts have catalyzed innovative growth and groundbreaking projects throughout the state. Courtney Knight of PFM goes over the basics of TADs in Georgia.
Arvada: Tax Increment Financing in Action
Tax increment financing is a flexible and creative financing tool that can support development projects throughout Colorado. The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority shares their successes of using TIF for a number of different projects including housing, retail, and historic preservation.
The Impact of Tax Increment Financign on Illinois Communities
One of the most popular topics at the Illinois Financing Roundtable is how tax increment financing is used to finance projects across the state. We'll feature that topic again this year, but with a twist. Maureen Barry of Ehlers Inc. explores the broader implications of TIF and consider how this tool can be used in Illinois communities to combat population decline, support disinvested communities, and create social impact through job creation and economic development.
The Latest in Illinois P3s - Transit TIF
As budgets are stretched and new rules are created, it can be difficult to pull together funding for necessary infrastructure improvements and community facilities. Fran Rood with SB Friedman Development Advisors presents case students and discusses the latest in transit TIF.
Combining Financing Tools for Missouri Development - St. Louis Development Corporation
Combining multiple incentives successfully requires attention to detail and often some creative structuring. Identifying program requirements and balancing the applicable incentives are steps that must be established early on for any potential project. Otis Williams with St. Louis Development Corporation explores projects in Missouri that have successfully navigated these programs and applied creative capital stacks.
More Case Studies
+Headlines
Communities throughout the country use tax increment finance every day and CDFA collects headlines on projects and news daily.
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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
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
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
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
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.
Downtown Redevelopment Districts Webcast
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.