Massachusetts Life Sciences Center tax incentive program

Overview

On June 15, 2018, Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act Providing Continued Investment in The Life Sciences Industry in The Commonwealth (2018),¹ which included the following modifications to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) tax incentive program (MLSC program):

• Extending the MLSC tax incentive program from December 31, 2018, to December 31, 2028, and
• Increasing the aggregate credit limit to $30 million annually beginning January 1, 2019.²

Because of these law changes, life science companies may continue to apply for incentives under the program. However, applications have traditionally only been accepted during specified times of the year.³ Although the state has not yet published guidance regarding the MLSC program’s application cycle, based on limited changes in prior year programs, Deloitte anticipates the current cycle to be announced on December 2019.

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Program summary

The MLSC is an economic development agency dedicated to the support and growth of the life science industry in Massachusetts. Part of its mission includes the administration of a state tax incentive program “program” for “qualified life sciences companies” (as defined by NAICS code) committing to hire new employees in the state.⁴ Under the program, qualified applicants may receive refundable tax benefits, as discussed below.⁵ In prior periods, MLSC program incentive awards have ranged from $15,000 to $25,000 per new job created.⁶ However, it is important to note that typically the MLSC exercises significant discretion when allocating incentive awards, due in part, to a statutory limitation. ⁷ As noted above, for years beginning January 1, 2019, the credit limit is an aggregate of $30 million per year.⁸

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Application process

In prior years, the annual application cycle opened in December for a 30-day period, after which time applications were no longer considered for the year’s award cycle.⁹ Completed applications were required to be submitted online through the MLSC website.¹⁰ Historically, following the Center’s review, the MLSC staff then would recommend to the MLSC board of directors the applicants to receive awards.¹¹ Taxpayers that received an award were required to enter into an incentive agreement with the MLSC.¹²

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Key criteria

Historically, the MLSC staff has used the below criteria to evaluate completed applications:¹³

Threshold criteria—reflects the statutory requirements of the program relating to an applicant’s eligibility, for example:

• Applicants must be registered to do business in Massachusetts,
• Applicants must employ at least 10 permanent full-time employees as of December 31, of the applicable year,
• Applicants must file a Massachusetts tax return for the applicable calendar year ending December 31, or for a fiscal year ending after that date, on which return applicants are required to claim the incentive received (after July 1), and
• Applicants must create and maintain a minimum of 10 new jobs over a five-year window, i.e., new, incremental jobs would be required to be created in 2020 and maintained for an additional four years.¹⁴

Programmatic criteria—MLSC may favor applications that contribute to a balanced and strong portfolio of tax beneficiaries, including but not limited to factors such as:

• Ability to create and retain jobs for five years,
• Wide geographic distribution of life sciences operations in Massachusetts,
• Wide distribution of life sciences technologies and industries supported by MLSC, and
• Diversity among businesses at different stages of product development and commercialization.¹⁵
  

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Incentives

Taxpayers have typically been allowed to apply for multiple incentives provided under the MLSC program.¹⁶ As set forth in Massachusetts Technical Information Release 08-23, under the prior program (periods January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018,), 10 possible incentives were available:¹⁷

• Jobs incentive tax credit: Applicants must create at least 50 new full-time positions in MA. The credit is 90 percent refundable (may not be carried forward).¹⁸
• Investment tax credit: 10 percent of qualifying property. 90 percent is refundable (then carryover is not available).¹⁹
• Life sciences research credit—MGL Ch. 63 Sec. 38W (for activities performed both inside and outside of MA—for certain expenditures not qualifying for the existing MA R&D credit under Sec. 38M)—not refundable.²⁰
• 90 percent refund of already-available excess §38M research credits.²¹
• Extension of NOL to 15 years (from five years for pre-2009 NOLs).²²
• Elimination of throwback (company deemed to be taxable in the state of its purchaser).²³
• Life sciences companies deemed to be R&D corporations for sales tax purposes (sales tax exemption on materials, tools, fuels, and machinery used in R&D).²⁴
• Sales tax exemption for purchases of tangible personal property for use in connection with the construction, alteration, remodeling, repair or remediation of research, development, or manufacturing facilities, and utility support systems.²⁵
• FDA user fee credit. The credit is 90 percent refundable.²⁶
• Deduction for qualified orphan drug expenses.²⁷
  

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Claw back/compliance

Certified life sciences companies under the MLSC program have also been required to file an annual report with the MLSC.²⁸ This annual report should include details demonstrating compliance with any hiring and employment targets set forth in any incentive agreement.²⁹

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Considerations

Although the guidelines for the current MLSC program have not yet been announced, based on limited changes in prior year programs, Deloitte anticipates that the program will be similar to prior years. Given the likely limited timeframe to apply, and the aggregate credit cap of $30 million annually, taxpayers should be aware of the potential applicability and timing, as well as potential for future guidance around the MLSC Program. Taxpayers should consult with their tax advisers regarding these incentive programs with any questions.

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Multistate Tax alert archive

The Multistate Tax alert archive includes external tax alerts issued by Deloitte Tax LLP's Multistate Tax practice during the last three years. These external alerts highlight selected developments involving state tax legislative, judicial, and administrative matters. The alerts provide a brief summary of specific multistate developments relevant to taxpayers, tax professionals, and other interested persons.

View the list of archived Multistate Tax alerts.

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