BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced the Automation Tax Credit Program Portal is now open for applications.

The Automation Tax Credit allows eligible taxpayers to receive an income tax credit for the purchase or capital lease of machinery and equipment used to automate manufacturing or animal agricultural processes in North Dakota. The program provides a credit of up to 15% of qualifying costs, with a total annual allocation of $3 million and set-aside amounts for first-time claimants and animal agricultural processors.

All applications must be fully completed and submitted with all required supplemental documentation by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible and will not be processed.

Applicants are encouraged to allow up to three working days to receive a portal invitation before beginning the application.

To qualify, applicants must be certified as a primary sector business by Commerce; demonstrate that the automation investment adds value, improves job quality or increases output; and ensure the automation or robotic equipment is located and operated within North Dakota.

Further information is available by contacting the Commerce Department.