Companies that promised local communities hundreds of jobs in exchange for tax benefits are finding that those tax breaks are being rescinded these days if the companies dont deliver.
Chalk it up to the financial crisis, the increased need for tax revenue on the state and local level, or the tight job market, but more companies are finding that local communities dont have such short memories when it comes to making good on promises.
One recent example was the retailer Target Corp., which promised at least 500 jobs at a local distribution center it set up in DeKalb, Ill., according to an
Communities are also getting smarter about including clawback provisions in their tax break agreements with companies, specifying that if they dont provide the promised number of jobs, they will forfeit a portion or all of their tax abatements. Some communities are worried that the tough attitude may discourage new businesses from taking advantage of tax breaks and setting up shop there, so they arent eager to publicize the givebacks, but it appears as if some communities have wised up after one too many broken promises.