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MADDEN, CRUZ- PEREZ LEGISLATION EXPANDING ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDIT PROGRAM GOES TO GOVERNOR

Senator Cruz Perez and Senator Madden

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez expanding the “New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Program” cleared the Assembly today.

S-158 would expand eligibility under the “New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act” to include investments in the holding companies of qualified New Jersey emerging technology businesses. The “New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act” established a one-time credit against an investor’s Corporation Business Tax (CBT) or Gross Income Tax (GIT) liability for 10 percent of a qualified investment made in a New Jersey emerging technology business.

“New Jersey has historically been one of the top destination states for science and technology companies,” said Senator Madden, who sponsored the first Angel Tax bill.  “Our state is finding success with science and tech companies coming here, but there is still more work to do. This bill will help us continue our efforts to provide the right rewards for these companies to grow and succeed.”

“These tax credits can attract the types of businesses our state needs to help our economy thrive and give our residents the chance to succeed. Making this investment will also help secure our state’s position as a hub for cutting edge companies and the innovations they develop,” said Senator Cruz-Perez. “The science and technology fields are creators of high-paying jobs with potential for tremendous growth and this legislation can go a long way.”

The senators introduced the bill after learning that tech companies that were interested in growing in New Jersey were deemed ineligible for tax credits under the “New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act” because investments were being made into a holding company of a New Jersey emerging technology business. Currently, under the law, a holding company does not fall within the definition of an emerging technology business and so would not qualify for the tax credits.  The purpose of this bill is to expand opportunities for high-technology businesses in New Jersey.

Since the bill was signed into law in 2013, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has reported more than $220 million invested in 51 New Jersey technology and life sciences companies under the program.

Angel investors are typically individuals with business or technology backgrounds who provide entrepreneurs with capital, connections, and guidance.  They provide early-stage financing in a space once occupied by venture capitalists, who now invest primarily in larger deals and more mature companies.

S-158 cleared the Assembly 66-8-0 and cleared the full Senate 37-2 last year. The bill now goes to the Governor.

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