Williamson County Enterprise Zone

Enterprise Zones are one of several tools used by the State of Illinois to encourage job growth and investment in economically underserved communities.  Projects within a zone may qualify for various tax incentives for making investments including rehabilitation/remodeling of existing structures and new construction.

The members of the Williamson County Enterprise Zone are Williamson County, Cambria, Carterville, Crainville, Energy, Herrin, Johnston City, and Marion.

Enterprise Zone Incentives

Waiver of Permit Fees

  • Building permit fees on any renovation, expansion or new construction project within the Enterprise Zone are waived.
  • This waiver of fees applies to the following permit fees:
    • Building
    • Plumbing
    • Electrical
    • Zoning
    • Excavation

Sales Tax Exemption

  • Retailers may offer sales tax exemptions on building materials permanently incorporated into the zone if those materials are used for construction, renovation, or rehabilitation projects within the Enterprise Zone.

Abatement of Property Tax

If you build a new structure or significantly renovate an existing one within the Enterprise Zone, you may qualify for an abatement of property taxes on the increased value from those improvements.

Key Guidelines:

  • TIF Exclusion: This abatement does not apply to properties in a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Area.
  • Improvements Only: The tax break only applies to the added value from construction or renovation. It doesn’t reduce taxes on the original property value.
  • Permit Requirement: You must obtain a building permit to qualify.
  • Eligible Properties: The program is available for commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and residential properties. Residential property taxes will only be abated for single family homes and duplexes that are owner occupied during the abatement period, located withing the zone area, and are in the city limits of Marion.
  • Minimum Investment: The increase in the assessed property value after improvements must exceed $10,000.

Standard Projects:

The abatement of the increase in the value of the property will be at the rate of

  • Year 1: 100%
  • Year 2: 80%
  • Year 3: 60%
  • Year 4: 40%
  • Year 5: 20%

Large Manufacturing Projects (75+ new jobs & $4M+ investment):

The abatement of the increase in the value of the property will be at the rate of

  • Years 1–6: 100%
  • Year 7: 80%
  • Year 8: 60%
  • Year 9: 40%
  • Year 10: 20%

While the abatement is active, the taxing bodies will still collect taxes based on the property’s original value before improvements.

 Illinois Tax Incentives

There are a number of state tax incentives for investment in an Illinois enterprise zone. For more information about Illinois incentives, please visit Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Williamson County Enterprise Zone Map

Williamson County Enterprise Zone Application Form

For Questions regarding application, contact Liz Lively at 618-997-9351.