Beyond the Welcome Mat: A Strategic Partner for Securing Nevada’s Tax Incentives

Guest Column October 8, 2025 Guest Column

By Peter Gariepy, Manager at RubinBrown

The dynamic economic landscape of Southern Nevada, championed by the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), presents a compelling case for business relocation and expansion. A key driver of this attraction is Nevada’s robust suite of tax incentives, which includes tax abatements and cash subsidies for hiring and training eligible new employees.

At RubinBrown, our vision is inspired team members, working as one firm, living our core values, and Being Their Best for Others while delivering totally satisfied clients.

As investors in LVGEA, we see firsthand how these incentive opportunities draw premier businesses to the Las Vegas community. For many companies, these incentive programs can often be a deciding factor for a potential relocation, providing the financial runway to invest, hire, and grow.

The journey from qualifying for these incentives to realizing their full value is a meticulous process extending beyond the initial decision to move. For example, securing an abatement agreement is not the finish line; it’s just the start of a multi-year commitment to performance and compliance. A proactive strategy, guided by experienced advisors, is essential to navigating this journey successfully.

Phase 1: Building a Winning Application

The tax abatement incentive application process, managed by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is a formal engagement that requires precision, timing, and discretion. To preserve the program’s integrity and necessity, a company should refrain from making any public comments about a potential Nevada expansion before submitting its application to the GOED. The state rightfully views these incentives as a tool for attraction, not a reward for a decision already made.

Properly preparing the application itself is a significant undertaking as the tax abatements may involve sales/use, personal property, or payroll taxes. It requires much more than simply filling out a form: it involves compiling a comprehensive package that typically includes a detailed business plan, five-year financial pro formas, itemized capital investment schedules, and a multi-year hiring plan. Companies must also provide proof of qualifying health insurance plans and demonstrate that average wages will meet or exceed state-mandated thresholds.

An experienced advisor is essential at this phase. RubinBrown’s tax professionals work alongside companies to assemble a compelling, accurate, and complete application. We can assist with developing defensible financial projections and ensuring the application articulates the project’s economic benefits to align with GOED’s objectives.

Phase 2: Recurring Compliance and Protecting Your Benefits

Upon approval, the state and the company execute a legally binding performance agreement. This contract codifies quantifiable commitments, including job creation, capital investment, and wage levels that must be met. Failure to meet the agreed-upon commitment can trigger a “clawback”—requiring the company to repay some or all tax abatement benefits received, often with interest.

For the duration of the agreement’s term, companies must adhere to a compliance schedule set by the Nevada Department of Taxation. While remaining compliant with reporting mandates, it is vital to mitigate the clawback risk by maintaining audit-ready records from the start. This makes an experienced tax advisor a necessary partner in protecting your benefits.

RubinBrown partners with you to handle the detailed compliance filings and maintain the supporting documentation necessary to protect your financial benefits, freeing you to focus on the growth of your business.

Nevada’s robust incentive offerings stand as a testament to the state’s pro-business vision and desire to compete for companies focused on growth. By partnering with organizations like LVGEA and engaging an experienced tax advisor early in the process, the complexities of an economic incentive application and compliance can become a useful roadmap for tracking and fulfilling your growth plans.

RubinBrown’s role as a trusted advisor can help reassure you that a move to Southern Nevada is not just a strategic decision for today, but a secure and prosperous investment for years to come.

RubinBrown is one of the nation’s leading accounting and professional consulting firms with a commitment to building personal relationships and delivering totally satisfied clients. RubinBrown has revenue of approximately $240 million with nearly 1,000 team members in offices across Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Mumbai, Nashville, and St. Louis. 

For more information please contact the offices of RubinBrown Las Vegas.