Qualified Jobs Incentive Tax Credit

Qualified Jobs Incentive Tax Credit

Provides Rhode Island employers a sustained hiring incentive for creating qualifying full-time local jobs.

Eligibility · United States · US-RI

The Qualified Jobs Incentive Tax Credit is a rolling, continuously open program administered by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation that rewards businesses for creating new full-time employment in the state. Rhode Island companies that establish a minimum of 10 new qualifying full-time positions — meeting state wage standards set by RI Commerce — are eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $7,500 per job per year for up to 10 years, representing a maximum sustained benefit of $75,000 per position over a decade. The program has no fixed application window; businesses may engage RI Commerce at any point, but must secure pre-approval before the qualifying jobs are created and before any credits are claimed.

Eligibility is limited to for-profit business entities operating in Rhode Island. The program is sector-agnostic — manufacturers, technology firms, financial services companies, and other industries can all qualify, provided the new positions meet the wage threshold and headcount minimum. The minimum threshold of 10 jobs and specific wage standards vary by industry and company size, and RI Commerce makes eligibility determinations during the pre-approval process. Contact is via investments@commerceri.com or (401) 278-9100.

For businesses evaluating a Rhode Island expansion or relocation, the Qualified Jobs Credit provides a meaningful long-run cost offset that compounds with other RI Commerce incentives — including Innovation Vouchers and site-readiness programs. The 10-year credit horizon requires prospective planning; applicants unable to demonstrate a credible hiring plan for the requisite positions will not receive pre-approval. Organizations expanding headcount organically should engage RI Commerce early, as retroactive approval is not available once positions are filled.