Enterprise Zone: Hiring Tax Credit Instructions and Info

State tax credit for businesses located within the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone that have hired individuals belonging to one or more or the following targeted groups: CalWORKS participants, WIA participants, WOTC eligible, economically disadvantaged, dislocated workers, disabled, veterans, ex-offenders, public assistance recipients, Native Americans, Targeted Employment Area residents.

In the first year, a business can claim 50% of an employee’s qualified wages. 40% can be claimed in the second year, 30% in the third year, 20% in the fourth year and 10% in the fifth year. There is a maximum wage allowance of 150% of the current minimum wage rate.

Instructions on how to apply for the California Enterprise Zone Hiring Tax Credit

Here are the simple steps to follow to apply for the Hiring Tax Credit:

1. Confirm that your business location is in the Enterprise Zone (Expired and/or New Zone). 

2. Fill out a Hiring Tax Credit Voucher Application for each employee you would like to certify.

3. Check the "Acceptable Documentation to Support EZHTC Eligibility" and attach supporting documentation to each application. 

4. Include a check for the total processing fee ($80 per application).  Checks are to be made out to "City and County of San Francisco." 

5. Mail applications, supporting documentation and processing fee to:  


Enterprise Zone Program
Office of Economic and Workforce Development
City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 448
San Francisco, CA 94102

Processing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Applications are processed in the order that they are received. We do not offer any expedited services.

• Incomplete applications will be returned to the sender.
• Make copies of your submissions before you send them. 
• Read through any forms and instructions thoroughly before submitting applications.  This will avoid delay in processing.

Need Assistance? Contact Natosha Safo at (415) 554-6130, or email Enterprise.Zone@sfgov.org