Accelerated Sales Tax Exemption Program

The ASTEP Advantage

The Accelerated Sales Tax Exemption Program (ASTEP) provides tax exemptions to Industrial, manufacturing, commercial, and food retail businesses looking to construct or renovate space in underserved communities of NYC.

The tax exemptions help businesses save on building, construction, equipment, furnishings, and renovation materials.

You Should Apply for ASTEP if You’re a…

Food Retail Business

Your grocery or food retail store is located in an underserved community and you plan to make improvements, such as:

• Stock low-sodium canned goods and canned fruit in 100% juice
• Offer healthier snacks, sandwiches, and meal combos
• Display water and low-calorie drinks at eye level
• Offer fruits and vegetables at the front of the store
• Increase refrigerated cases for fresh food and/or produce
• Accept electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards

Industrial, Manufacturing or Commercial Business

Your business:

• Is a commercial (non-retail) or industrial, manufacturing business
• Is making improvements to its space
• Earns less than $10M in annual revenue

Program Structure

• Work must begin within one year of signing a sales tax exemption benefit agreement with NYCIDA and the sales tax exemption will expire no later than two years from the date of the agreement
• The environmental condition of the project site and the company’s insurance coverage must be satisfactory to NYCIDA prior to closing
• Approved companies who wish to have their contractor make sales-tax exempt purchases will need to submit additional background information pertaining to their contractor
• The application process has a non-refundable fee of $500 for companies that appear qualified to progress to the application stage, in addition to a minimal closing fee