The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted on September 9 to change the structure of business tax credits in the county, based on job creation and investment thresholds.
County officials said the change was “to enhance the Job Creation and Capital Real Property (JCRP) Tax Credit Program, making the program more competitive for businesses while protecting the County’s tax base.” 
Changes to the JCRP Program are retroactively effective July 1, 2025. All other program updates went into effect on September 9.
The following changes were highlighted by county officials:
Key Enhancements to the JCRP Tax Credit Program:
TIER ONE
Minimum job creation requirement increased from 1 to 5 new permanent, full-time positions
Federal Wage and Priority Funding Area requirements eliminated
Program duration shortened from 6 years to 3 years
Tax credit schedule:
Year 1: 55%
Year 2: 40%
Year 3: 25%
TIER TWO
Minimum job creation threshold increased from 5 to 25 permanent, full-time positions
Federal Wage and Priority Funding Area requirements eliminated
Tax abatement schedule:
Years 1–2: 55%
Years 3–4: 40%
Years 5–6: 25%
TIER THREE
Capital investment requirement increased from $10 million to $20 million
New job creation requirement doubled from 100 to 200 full-time positions
At least 80% of hires must earn 200% or more of Maryland’s minimum wage
Tax credit schedule:
Years 1–5: 75%
Decreases by 5% annually thereafter until reaching 25% in Year 15
“These changes reflect our commitment to strategic growth in Washington County,” said John F. Barr, President of the Board of County Commissioners. “By enhancing our tax incentives to encourage the creation of jobs with higher wages, we’re not just attracting business, we’re investing directly in the well-being and future of our citizens. The updated JCRP Program is designed to do just that: stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses that offer higher-paying jobs; support long-term investment by expanding the local tax base; and, provide a stronger return for County taxpayers.”
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners also voted to repeal the Pad-Ready Site Stimulus Program and the New Jobs Tax Credit Program.
“Key components from both repealed initiatives have been consolidated into the enhanced Job Creation and Capital Real Property (JCRP) Tax Credit Program,” county officials said.
For more information, contact Linda Spence, Financial Programs Administrator for the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development at [email protected] or by telephone at 240-313-2286.
