(a) An employer may receive an annual tax credit against the County personal property tax for the purchase of a new home computer or new laptop computer to establish a new off- site employee workstation, if the computer is purchased after December 31, 2005. This tax credit does not apply to the operating personal property of a public utility.
(b) The amount of the tax credit must not exceed 50% of the cost of each new home computer or new laptop computer. The aggregate tax credit allowed for any taxpayer in any tax year must not exceed $2,000.
(c) The Department of Finance must administer this credit. The Department must allow each tax credit in the order in which the Department receives the application for the credit.
(d) The total amount of credits allowed in each tax year must not exceed:
(1) $100,000 in 2006;
(2) $175,000 in 2007; and
(3) $250,000 in 2008.
Starting in 2009, the County Council must set the total amount of credits allowed in each future tax year by resolution. If the Council takes no action for any year, the amount allowed for the prior year also applies to that year.
(e) An employer is eligible for and must apply for the tax credit within 12 months after a new computer purchase. The tax credit must be applied in the tax year of the purchase or the following tax year. The employer must:
(1) show that the computer will be used for telecommuting;
(2) affirm that the employee works at home at least 78 days per calendar year or an alternative minimum number of days set by regulation; and
(3) document the date of purchase and the cost of the computer.
(f) The County Executive must adopt regulations under method 2 to implement this Section.
(g) The County Executive or a designee must report annually to the County Council on the use of the tax credit and provide information on the number of employees telecommuting under this credit. (2005 L.M.C., ch. 27, § 1; 2006 L.M.C., ch. 33, § 1; 2016 L.M.C., ch. 7, § 2.)