The City of Joliet's two zones are named the Joliet Arsenal Enterprise Zone and the Des Plaines River Valley Enterprise Zone. This type of economic development incentive is designed to encourage businesses to locate or expand operations within these areas. A complete description of these programs and other available incentives can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website. Businesses located in an enterprise zone may be eligible for the following incentives detailed below. 

State Incentives & Exemptions

- Exemption on retailers' occupation tax paid on building materials;

- State sales tax exemptions on purchases of personal property used or consumed in the manufacturing process or in the operation of a pollution control facility;

- Exemption on state utility tax for electricity and natural gas; and 

- Exemption on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s administrative charge and telecommunication tax.

These exemptions are only available for businesses that make the minimum statutory investments that create or retain a certain number of jobs. These exemptions require a business to apply and be certified by the Illinois Department of Commerce. Each enterprise zone may offer different exemptions and incentives. 

Local Incentives & Exemptions

Enterprise zones additionally offer local incentives to enhance business development projects. Each zone has a designated local zone administrator responsible for compliance and is available to answer questions you may have for your project. To receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption, you must contact the local zone administrator of the zone for which purchased building materials can be incorporated.

Application Process

Applications are done in a three-step process. The first step is general project information like project owners, estimates about costs, timelines, and FTE’s. The second step is for contractors and/or subcontractors for materials and its costs; it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all materials qualify under Illinois Department of Revenue Requirements. Lastly, the final step is the project close-out form. If you want to know more about the application process, please contact the respective zone administrator for that information. 

Contact information and applications for each zone is found below. 

Joliet Arsenal Enterprise Zone

Dave Tkac

County Executive Office
Second Floor
302 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432

Phone: (815) 740-8071
Email: dtkac@willcountyillinois.com

Application

Des Plaines River Valley Enterprise Zone

Dan Vera

County Executive Office
Second Floor
302 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432

Phone: (815) 740-4780
Email: dprvezone@aol.com

Application