Suffolk County IDA establishes COVID-19 Sales Tax Relief Equipment Program

Hauppauge, NY The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), in collaboration with Suffolk County’s broader economic development agencies, has passed a new program called the COVID-19 Sales Tax Relief Equipment Program. The program establishes sales and use tax exemptions of up to $100,000 for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors helping to provide various forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the men and women on the front lines of the global pandemic.

The COVID-19 Sales Tax Relief Equipment Program is at no cost and available to all Suffolk County businesses currently engaged in PPE and needs to expand additional capacity or just beginning to supply or distribute PPE. Applicable businesses that meet the criteria and enter into an agreement with the Suffolk County IDA will be eligible to be granted the abatement for a six-month period. Extension may be provided, but those will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Businesses who fit the criteria are encouraged to contact the Suffolk IDA at [email protected] (preferred) or 631-853-4802 to learn more about the agreement and terms of the new program.

With a continuous supply of medical equipment posing a significant challenge for healthcare institutions throughout the region, this exemption will apply to any manufacturer, supplier or distributor of PPE equipment serving healthcare and medical providers, first responders, home health aides, patients or residents’ personal use;  medical and hospital equipment, disinfectants, sterilizers and sanitizer equipment, products and chemicals; as well as medicine and pharmaceutical products and over the counter drugs to be used in treatment and prevention. This newly created program will apply to business acquiring and installing machinery and equipment specifically to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for the renovation and repair of existing facilities to accommodate the new equipment installations.

“The Suffolk IDA is providing this additional assistance program for businesses positioned or positioning themselves to provide much needed supplies to those treating and caring for individuals impacted by COVID-19,” said Suffolk County IDA executive director Tony Catapano. “We are hopeful this added benefit will not only reduce the financial hardships businesses are experiencing, but also help the expeditious manufacturing and delivery of these crucial supplies.” 

“Even though our offices are physically closed, Suffolk County and the IDA remain open for business and available to serve as a resource during these challenging times,” said Suffolk County IDA deputy executive director Kelly Morris. “These unprecedented times have required businesses and government officials to think outside the box and adjust to a rapidly evolving situation. We are confident this action will get PPE to our healthcare professionals quickly, while also providing some stability to businesses joining in the effort.”

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. The purpose of the agency is to promote economic development within Suffolk County. The operations of the agency are not supported by taxpayer funds, but rather fees generated by the applicants. The Suffolk County IDA works in synergy with Suffolk County executive Steven Bellone and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning to foster positive economic development within the county.