SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA – In addition to redesigning its website, the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone (SBVEZ) has launched a new online vouchering and management system that allows local businesses, CPAs and other tax consultants to file EZ hiring tax credit vouchers electronically for the first time. Users can get started today by visiting http://sanbernardino.enterprisezonesoftware.com to register an account.

The system is a web-based software program that allows the SBVEZ to streamline and automate the voucher application process, saving both businesses and zone administrators time, money and resources. Businesses now have the ability to quickly and securely file multiple vouchers with a few clicks of their mouse. Minutes later, zone administrators can then review, process and reply to each application automatically—cutting the process down to half the time.

The system offers several user-friendly features that prompt business users to input employee information, select the qualifying criteria, identify what documentation is required and upload those necessary credentials—all with the convenience of doing it anywhere, anytime. It also allows CPAs and consultants to manage vouchers for multiple businesses, and offers users online payment options to pay the voucher-processing fee.

On June 11, the SBVEZ will host a free instructional workshop to educate the local business community about the vouchering system and how to use it. The workshop will be held at the Norton Regional Event Center, 1601 East Third Street in San Bernardino from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call 909.382.4538 or email sbvezmanager@gmail.com to register.

The hiring tax credit is the most commonly used SBVEZ incentive, which grants businesses a deduction for providing meaningful, long-term employment to under-skilled and disadvantaged workers who meet one of 11 criteria. Employers using the credit can earn $37,440 in tax credits for each qualified employee during their first five years of employment. To receive the credit, employers must complete a voucher application with the SBVEZ, which is subject to approval.

About the SBVEZ
The SBVEZ is one of 40 existing enterprise zones established to encourage investment, growth, development and job creation in economically distressed areas of the state. The enterprise zone program grants employers tax credits and incentives for pro-growth business investments that improve economic activity within designated zone areas.

SBVEZ covers a 46-sqaure mile area in the Inland Empire and includes the city of Colton, city of San Bernardino and unincorporated portions of San Bernardino County.  In addition to the tax incentive it offers, SBVEZ also features a highly developed network of road, rail and air transportation infrastructure, a skilled and educated workforce, affordable commercial and residential real estate, and many other pro-business programs that make the area a highly competitive location for business.