ActiveOpenState

Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit.

EDGE provides annual Illinois tax credits to qualifying businesses that commit to eligible job creation or retention and capital investment projects.

Offered byIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunityverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

The credit is negotiated before a project is committed to Illinois. Applicants must demonstrate that the incentive is material to the location or expansion decision and must meet agreement, audit, and reporting requirements.

Best for: Meaningful business expansions with measurable Illinois jobs and investment.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Qualifying businesses proposing Illinois job creation and capital investment that satisfy the program's but-for requirement

Eligible uses

  • Qualified job creation, retention, capital investment, and employee training commitments

Application

How to start.

  1. Contact DCEO before announcing, leasing, purchasing, or beginning the proposed project.
  2. Review the applicable job and investment tier.
  3. Submit the EDGE application and supporting project documents.

Timing: Businesses should contact DCEO before committing the project to Illinois.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The but-for requirement can be violated by committing to the Illinois project before state approval.
  • Credits require performance, audit, and annual compliance.

Coordinate all state and local incentives with DCEO before making project commitments.

Evidence

Official sources.