Skip to main content

Massachusetts Brownfields Tax Credit (BTC)

Learn about the Massachusetts tax credit for cleaning up contaminated property.

Updated: March, 2025

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.

Overview

The BTC may be available to individual taxpayers, non-profit organizations, and business corporations that clean up contaminated property in Massachusetts.

The taxpayer must complete the cleanup in compliance with standards set out by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Depending on the extent of the completed cleanup, the taxpayer may apply to the Department of Revenue (DOR) for the credit equal to either 25% or 50% of the cost.

Please note: This information is intended solely as a resource; only DOR has the authority to determine eligibility and interpret the law governing the Brownfields Tax Incentive Program.

Determine Eligibility

Review the basic requirements to qualify for the Massachusetts Brownfields Incentive Program:

  • The cleanup must begin on or before August 5, 2028 and the net response and removal costs must be incurred before January 1, 2029.
  • You are an eligible person as defined under MGL Ch. 21E S.2.
  • The property is owned or leased by the applicant for a business purpose.
  • The property is located in an Economically Distressed Area (PDF).
  • The property has been reported to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
  • The property has achieved a Permanent Solution or is in Remedy Operation Status (ROS).
  • The site meets the 15% assessed value test.

If yes, then you may be eligible for the credit.

Regulation 830 CMR 63.38Q.1 and Administrative Procedure 636  provide further details.

Remediation

Pre-Remediation

  • Report the release of oil and/or hazardous material to MassDEP and obtain a Release Tracking Number (RTN).
  • Hire a Licensed Site Professional to direct and oversee the remediation process.
  • Determine the extent of contamination and conduct a risk characterization to determine eligible costs (PDF).
  • File required reports with MassDEP.

Remediation

Begin remediating your site in accordance with the plans filed with MassDEP. 

Be sure to keep all field records, receipts, invoices, change orders and proofs of payment as you may be required to submit them as proof/documentation (see how to apply below).

Post-Remediation

  • File the required Permanent Solution or ROS report(s) with MassDEP.
  • Organize all documents supporting the credit application.

Proof of Paid Unemployment Tax

You MUST also verify that the contractor and/or the payroll company has paid the requisite unemployment taxes. The 940 Certification is generated from your online Unemployment Insurance account.

For more legal guidance, go to TIR 15-4.

If you have questions, contact the Department of Unemployment Assistance at (617) 626-5770.

Apply for Your Tax Credit

All Brownfields Tax Credit applications must be submitted on MassTaxConnect, DOR's web-based application for filing and paying taxes. Please log in to your MassTaxConnect account to complete the application and upload documents.  

If you do not have an account, you can submit an application on MassTaxConnect by choosing Submit Credit Application under File on the homepage to complete the submission. Only applications submitted on MassTaxConnect will be accepted.

Documentation required with the application may include:

  • A detailed narrative written by a qualified environmental professional (i.e. Licensed Site Professional) in support of why the submitted costs were necessary to achieve a Permanent Solution. (Separate and exclusive from reports submitted to MassDEP)
  • Documentation showing the Assessed Value of the property
  • The applicant’s deed or lease agreement for the property
  • A description of the business purpose for which the property is owned or leased;
  • A copy of the construction plan for the property or site, including a cross-sectional diagram, if available
  • Daily or weekly field reports and/or field logbooks prepared by contractors and/or onsite environmental/engineering oversight personnel that describe the activities related to the performance of Response Actions
  • Soil transportation logs (if applicable)
  • A detailed statement of the property’s owner/operator history and contaminant release history to the extent known or discoverable by the applicant (if not clearly documented in reports submitted to MassDEP)
  • A complete list of all Eligible Costs including invoice dates, costs, the name of the vendor and a brief description of the services provided. The listing should be submitted electronically, in a standard database spreadsheet
  • Special verification with respect to costs associated with approaching or achieving background and costs related to historic fill, if applicable (see 830 CMR 63.38Q.1)
  • With respect to any general requirements or general conditions payment item claimed as an Eligible Cost on the application, an itemized breakdown of the costs that are included in such general requirements or general conditions payment item
  • A representation by the applicant or an officer of the applicant, provided under the pains and penalties of perjury, that all requirements of 830 CMR 63.38Q.1 have been met
  • A Phase I Site Investigation Report, a Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment Report, or other similar report detailing the reported release of oil and/or hazardous material at the property prior to or during Response Actions (if not available on MassDEP Electronic File Viewer)

For more information, go to the:

Apply for a Tax Credit Transfer

As of May 1, 2025, all Brownfields Tax Credit Transfer Form BTCA (PDF) applications must be submitted on MassTaxConnect, DOR’s web-based application for filing and paying taxes. Please log in to your MassTaxConnect account to complete the application and upload documents. 

If you do not have an account, you can submit an application on MassTaxConnect by choosing Submit Credit Application under File on the homepage to complete the submission. Only applications submitted on MassTaxConnect will be accepted.

Tax Return

The maximum amount of the BTC may not:

  • Reduce the corporate excise due below $456
  • Exceed 50% of its corporate excise or personal income tax.

Any unused credits may be:

  • Carried forward for the next 5 tax years, or
  • Transferred.

If a credit recipient doesn't maintain the property in compliance with standards set out by the BTC, the credit may be recaptured.

Additional Information

Contact

If you have questions about the eligibility criteria for the Brownfields Tax Incentive Program, contact:

Rulings and Regulations Bureau – rulesandregs@dor.state.ma.us

OR

Credit Unit
Phone: 617-887-6970
Credits@dor.state.ma.us

For all other ways to connect, go to Contact DOR.

Related

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback