Can a Louisiana New Markets tax-credit investment use a stacked leverage structure, and can a nonprofit landlord qualify through its tenant's NAICS code?
Apply this to your situation
This page answers the general question as of 2025. Ezel answers yours, under current Louisiana tax law, with citations.
Plain-English summary
Louisiana Revenue Ruling 25-001 approved several parts of a proposed stacked New Markets Tax Credit financing structure but rejected a crucial business-qualification assumption.
The Department said a state community development entity could route a $10 million qualified equity investment through an indirect loan, a federal investment fund, a federal sub-CDE, and then loans to a Louisiana borrower. Direct investment from the state CDE into the operating business was not required, provided the money remained directly traceable, 100% of the state investment reached qualifying Louisiana businesses within 12 months, and the investment was maintained through the seven-year compliance period.
But the proposed nonprofit borrower did not itself operate the veterans' health and wellness center. It leased the property to a nonprofit operator with a qualifying NAICS code. The Department ruled that the borrower could not borrow the tenant's NAICS code: a QALICB landlord had to meet the Louisiana program's industry-code requirement in its own right. As structured, the borrower therefore did not qualify as a QALICB.
The Department also ruled that a nonprofit could not qualify as an "impact business" by being more than 50% owned by women, minorities, or military veterans because Louisiana law prohibits nonprofit members from receiving the economic ownership benefits required for that ownership test.
The proposed financing structure
The Department had awarded the state CDE $18.75 million of qualified-equity-investment authority. A state investment fund then made a $10 million qualified equity investment in a state sub-CDE.
The proposal would:
- admit a state investor to the investment fund and specially allocate Louisiana New Markets credits through the fund and its investor entities;
- lend the state sub-CDE's $10 million to a federal investment fund;
- combine that amount into an approximately $14 million federal qualified equity investment in a federal sub-CDE; and
- have the federal sub-CDE lend the proceeds to a Louisiana nonprofit borrower for a veterans' health and wellness project in a low-income census tract.
The borrower would develop and lease the property to a nonprofit operator. The borrower itself had no employees and conducted only leasing, development, and financing activity.
What the Department approved
Stacked leverage and indirect investment
Louisiana law did not require the state CDE to invest directly in the final QALICB. The indirect-loan and stacked-fund arrangement could therefore qualify if:
- the state sub-CDE invested the full $10 million cash purchase price in Louisiana QALICBs within 12 months of the original investment date;
- the state and combined state/federal qualified equity investments remained in place throughout the seven-year compliance period; and
- the state proceeds remained directly traceable through the intermediate funds to the Louisiana investments.
The $10 million capital contribution was the relevant purchase price even though later investor and leverage transactions changed the investment fund's ownership and financing.
Community development entity status
The state sub-CDE qualified as a community development entity based on the stated facts: it was taxed as a partnership or corporation, existed primarily to make qualifying investments, maintained accountability to low-income-community residents through board representation, and held federal CDE certification. The relevant allocation agreement included Louisiana in its service area.
Census-tract status
A Louisiana census tract counted as low-income for the full seven-year period if it was in Louisiana and appeared as a low-income community in the federal CDFI Fund mapping system when the state investments closed and were funded.
Pass-through allocation of credits
The state investment fund earned $2.75 million of Louisiana New Markets credits on the stated $10 million investment. La. R.S. 47:6016.1(D)(1) allowed a partnership, LLC, S corporation, or other pass-through entity to allocate credits among its owners according to their agreements. The ruling therefore allowed the investment fund to allocate credits to its investor and permitted further allocations through the investor's ownership chain under the governing agreements.
Construction timing and employee count
A normal construction delay did not prevent qualification at funding if there was a reasonable expectation that the borrower would operate under a qualifying NAICS code when the project opened and continue to qualify during the investment term.
The no-employee borrower also satisfied the employee-count ceiling because it did not exceed the greater of 250 employees or the applicable 13 C.F.R. § 121.201 industry limit.
What failed
The borrower could not use its tenant's NAICS code
The federal program allowed a look-through to tenant operations when testing whether property was used for prohibited activities. Louisiana's separate qualified-NAICS requirement was different: the borrower had to satisfy it through its own operations.
The tenant operated under NAICS Code 624190, but the borrower engaged only in leasing, development, and financing. The tenant's code could not be attributed to the borrower. The proposed borrower therefore failed the QALICB test unless the structure was changed so the borrower independently met the industry requirement.
A nonprofit could not meet the ownership-based impact-business test
Louisiana's definition included a QALICB more than 50% owned by women, minorities, or military veterans. La. R.S. 12:210 bars members of a nonprofit corporation from receiving dividends, earnings, or other pecuniary benefits.
Because nonprofit members could not hold the required economic ownership, the nonprofit could not qualify under the ownership branch of the impact-business definition. The ruling noted that other impact-business paths also existed for a qualifying business in a rural parish or recovery zone, but the proposed ownership theory failed.
Recapture risks
The Louisiana Department of Insurance could recapture credits if:
- a related federal credit was recaptured;
- the issuer failed to invest 100% of the purchase price in Louisiana qualifying investments within 12 months, including the required impact-business share for post-August 1, 2023 investments; or
- the issuer failed to maintain the required Louisiana investment level through the last credit-allowance date.
Capital returned from the original QALICB had to be reinvested in Louisiana QALICBs in directly traceable amounts to avoid recapture under the stated plan.
The ruling separately said loss of federal CDE certification by the federal sub-CDE or its parent would not by itself invalidate the Louisiana transaction, as long as the state statutory requirements continued to be met.
What this means for you
Community development entities and fund sponsors
Indirect and stacked financing is possible, but tracing, the 12-month deployment deadline, the seven-year maintenance period, and the Louisiana business tests must each be documented separately.
Real-estate and operating-company structures
Do not assume a landlord can inherit its tenant's industry classification. If the Louisiana QALICB is a special-purpose property owner, confirm that the owner itself satisfies the qualified-NAICS requirement or restructure the borrower before funding.
Nonprofit projects
A nonprofit's members cannot create qualifying veteran, woman, or minority economic ownership under the theory rejected here. Analyze the rural-parish and recovery-zone branches independently if applicable.
Common questions
Q: Must the state CDE lend directly to the final Louisiana business?
A: No. The ruling allowed indirect lending through investment funds and a federal sub-CDE when the state proceeds remained directly traceable and all timing and maintenance requirements were met.
Q: How much purchase price did the Department recognize?
A: $10 million—the original cash capital contribution from the state investment fund to the state sub-CDE.
Q: Could the credits be specially allocated through pass-through entities?
A: Yes. The ruling allowed allocations under the entities' operating agreements and further allocations through the ownership chain.
Q: Did the nonprofit landlord qualify as a QALICB?
A: No, not as structured. Its tenant had a qualifying NAICS code, but the landlord's own leasing, development, and financing activities did not.
Q: Did having no employees disqualify the borrower?
A: No. Zero employees remained below the applicable statutory ceiling.
Q: Could the nonprofit qualify as veteran-owned through its members?
A: No. The Department concluded that nonprofit members lack the economic ownership needed for the more-than-50%-owned impact-business test.
Citations and references
- La. R.S. 47:6016.1 — Louisiana New Markets Jobs Act credit definitions, investment requirements, allocations, and recapture
- Internal Revenue Code § 45D — federal New Markets Tax Credit definitions
- 26 C.F.R. § 1.45D-1 — federal New Markets Tax Credit rules
- 13 C.F.R. § 121.201 — employee-size standards
- La. R.S. 12:210 — restriction on economic benefits to nonprofit members
- LAC 61:III.101(C) — Revenue Ruling authority and reliance statement
Source
- Landing page: Louisiana Department of Revenue Policies
- Original PDF: LA Revenue Ruling 25-001
Original ruling text
Revenue Ruling No. 25-001
September 18, 2025
Insurance Premium Tax
Louisiana New Markets Jobs Act Tax Credit Program
Qualified Equity Investment and Qualified Low-Income Community Investments
Purpose
The purpose of this ruling is to address issues under the Louisiana New Markets Tax Credit
Program (“LA NMTC Program”) pursuant to La. R.S. 47:6016.1, utilizing a common fact
pattern and transactions described herein. This Revenue Ruling analyzes whether certain
investments and investment structures comply with program requirements.
Facts
In accordance with the LA NMTC Program, State CDE applied to the Department of Revenue
(“Department”) for an allocation of qualified equity investment ("QEI") authority under the
LA NMTC Program. The Department awarded State CDE QEI authority in the amount of
$18,750,000 (the "Louisiana Allocation") by letter dated July 7, 2025 (the "Award"). State
CDE is a qualified community development entity ("CDE") under Section 45D of the Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the related treasury regulations and guidance
(collectively, the "Federal NMTC Program") and the LA NMTC Program.
The Proposed Stacked Leverage Structure
On August 4, 2025 ("Original QEI Date"), Company B made an equity investment in the
amount of $10,000,000 (the "Original State Investment") in State Investment Fund, and
State Investment Fund used the proceeds thereof to make a QEI under the LA NMTC
Program in the amount of $10,000,000 (the "State QEI") in State Sub-CDE. With regard to
State Sub-CDE, it is accepted as a matter of fact that:
- State Sub-CDE is taxed as either a partnership or a corporation
- the primary purpose of State-Sub CDE is to make, directly or indirectly, QLICIs to
QALICBs. - State Sub-CDE maintains accountability to residents of low-income communities
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61III.101 (C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department's position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 2 of 11
through its representation on a governing board of or advisory board to the entity,
and;
- State Sub-CDE is certified by the Secretary of the CDFI Fund as a CDE under the Federal
NMTC Program.
State CDE provided the Department with evidence of cash in exchange for such State QEI, a
copy of the state qualified equity designation form that was issued to State Investment Fund,
and notice of the transfer of $10,000,000 of the Award to State Sub-CDE.
On QLICI Closing Date, State Sub-CDE intends to use 100% of the proceeds of the State QEI
to make "qualified low-income community investments" ("QLICIs") into a "qualified lowincome community business" ("QALICB") located in the State of Louisiana, indirectly, by
engaging in the transactions set out below, in the order listed: - On or before the QLICI Closing Date, State Investment Fund will receive an equity
investment from State Investor in the amount of $2,860,000, in exchange for a 99.99%
membership interest in State Investment Fund. The proceeds of State Investor's
contribution, along with the proceeds of a $7,140,000 loan made to State Investment
Fund, will be used to make a partial return of Company B’s Original State Investment in
State Investment Fund and Company B will retain a 0.01% interest in State Investment
Fund. - State Investment Fund's operating agreement provides for the special allocation of all LA
NMTCs to State Investor, and State Investor's operating agreement provides for the
special allocation of all such LA NMTCs to its members, directly or indirectly ("State
Investor Members"). - On the QLICI Closing Date, State Sub-CDE will use the proceeds of the State QEI to make
loans to Federal Investment Fund, in the aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000
(collectively, the "Indirect Loan"). As a condition of the Indirect Loan, Federal Investment
Fund is required to use 100% of the Indirect Loan proceeds to fund a portion of an
approximately $14,000,000 QEI under the Federal NMTC Program (the "State/Federal
QEI") in Federal Sub-CDE. Federal Sub-CDE is a qualified community development entity
under the Federal NMTC Program. - The proceeds of the State/Federal QEI are kept and accounted for in a separate, distinct
bank account of the Federal Sub-CDE to enable the direct traceability of all such proceeds. - Upon receipt of the State/Federal QEI, Federal Sub-CDE makes one or more loans to
Borrower, a Louisiana nonprofit corporation, in an aggregate principal amount of
approximately $14,000,000 (the “Pelican QLICIs”), $10,000,000 of which (the "State
QLICIs") is made in accordance with the LA NMTC Program.
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 3 of 11
Borrower uses the Pelican QLICIs to acquire a long-term leasehold interest in certain land
and improvements located at 1234 Main Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (such land
and improvements leased to Borrower, together with certain related personal property
leased to Borrower (if any), the "Property"), and to pay (directly or indirectly) costs related
to financing, leasing, construction, and development of improvements to the Property
(collectively, the "Project"). The Property will be used to operate a new health and wellness
center for veterans. Upon completion of the Project, all of the Property (as improved by the
Project) will be leased to and operated by Operator, a Louisiana nonprofit corporation,
pursuant to an operating lease between the Borrower, as landlord, and Operator, as tenant
(the "Operating Lease"). The Property, and all assets of Borrower, are located and identified
under the CDFI Fund's Information and Mapping System as being in a low-income
community for the purposes of Federal NMTC Program (the "Qualified Census Tract").
Borrower does not own any other assets outside the Qualified Census Tract and it does not
engage in any services outside the Qualified Census Tract. The Property is located solely in
Louisiana at all pertinent times. With respect to the Property, and as required by the
Operating Lease, Operator is engaged in an industry assigned North American Industry
Classification System ("NAICS") Code 624190. At all times during the period of time
commencing on the QLICI Closing Date (or, if later, the commencement date of the Operator's
leasing of the Property pursuant to the Operating Lease) and continuing until the seventh
anniversary thereof, the Operator uses the Property solely for operations qualifying as a
business engaged in an industry assigned a primary NAICS Code within sector 11, 21, 23, 31,
32, 33, 42, 48, 49, 54, 56, 62, 72, or 81 (each, a "Qualified NAICS Code"). Borrower has no
employees. The number of employees of the Operator providing services in connection with
the operation of the Property does not exceed the greater of two hundred fifty and the
number of employees set forth for the Operator's North American Industry Classification
System Code sector in 13 CFR 121.201.
QALICB Structure
Borrower is a special purpose entity formed as a nonprofit corporation to support the
Operator and is engaged solely in the leasing, developing, and financing of the Property for
use by the Operator in the operation of the Project. Borrower does not have any employees.
Redeployment
Upon the receipt of any capital returned to or recovered from the State QLICIs, in order to
avoid a recapture of the LA NMTCs, Federal Sub-CDE will reinvest an amount equal to the
capital returned to or recovered from the original QALICB in Louisiana QALICBs in
accordance with La. R.S. 47:6016.l(F)(5) of the LA NMTC Act in such amounts directly
traceable to the State/Federal QEI.
Law
La. R.S. 47:6016.1 and Code Section 45D provide the following relevant definitions:
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 4 of 11
“Impact business” – a QALICB located in Louisiana that is either located in a rural parish or
in the recovery zone or is more than fifty percent owned by women, minorities, or military
veterans.
“Purchase price”- the amount paid to the issuer of a qualified equity investment for such
qualified equity investment.
“Qualified active low-income community”- has the same meaning as in Code
Section45D(d)(2) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.45D-1. Code Section 45D(e)(1)
provides that a qualified active low-income community, in general, means any population
census tract if(A) the poverty rate for such tract is at least 20 percent, or
(B) (i) in the case of a tract not located within a metropolitan area, the median family
income for such tract does not exceed 80 percent of statewide median family income,
or
(ii) in the case of a tract located within a metropolitan area, the median family income
for such tract does not exceed 80 percent of the greater of statewide median family
income or the metropolitan area median family income.
“Qualified active low-income community business” has the same meaning as in Code Section
45D of the Code and 26 CFR 1.45D-1. In addition, pursuant to La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(a), with
respect to QEIs issued on or after August 1, 2020, a QALICB is also required to be engaged in
an industry assigned one of the Qualified NAICS Codes and have total employees that do not
exceed the greater of two hundred fifty and the number of employees set forth for the
business's North American Industry Classification System Code sector in 13 CFR 121.201
(the "Employee Requirement”)
Code Section 45D(d)(2)(A) provides that a QALICB includes a corporation (including a
nonprofit corporation) or partnership that meets the following requirements:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
at least 50 percent of the total gross income of such entity is derived from the
active conduct of a qualified business within any low-income community,
a substantial portion of the use of the tangible property of such entity
(whether owned or leased) is within any low-income community,
a substantial portion of the services performed for such entity by its employees
are performed in a low-income community,
less than 5 percent of the average of the aggregate unadjusted bases of the
property of such entity is attributable to collectibles (as defined in Section
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 5 of 11
(v)
408(m)(2)) other than collectibles that are held primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of such business, and
less than 5 percent of the average of the aggregate unadjusted bases of the
property of such entity is attributable to nonqualified financial property (as
defined in Code Section 1397C(e)).
“Qualified community development entity” – has the meaning given to such term in the
Code; provided that such entity has entered into, for the current year or any prior year,
an allocation agreement with the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of
the U.S. Department of Treasury (the "CDFI Fund") with respect to credits authorized by
the Code, which includes the state of Louisiana within the service area set forth in such
allocation agreement. (Pursuant to La. R.S. 47:6016.1(E)(1)(c)(ii), this requirement shall be
deemed satisfied if the allocation agreement has expired but was not revoked or cancelled
by the CDIF and the applicant or its affiliates have received a prior certification of qualified
equity investment authority pursuant to La. R.S. 47:6016.1 after August 1, 2020.) With
respect to qualified equity investments issued on or after August 1, 2020, the term excludes
any qualified community development that, together with its affiliates, has invested less
than one hundred million dollars in Louisiana qualified active low-income community
businesses or other Louisiana investments.
Code Section 45D(c)(1) provides that a "qualified community development entity" means
any domestic corporation or partnership if(A) the primary mission of the entity is serving, or providing investment capital for, lowincome communities or low-income persons,
(B) the entity maintains accountability to residents of low-income communities through
their representation on any governing board of the entity or on any advisory board
to the entity, and
(C) the entity is certified by the Secretary for purposes of Code Section 45D(c)(1) as being
a CDE.
“Qualified equity investment”-any equity investment in a qualified CDE that meets the
following criteria:
a. Is acquired after August 1, 2013, at its original issuance solely in exchange for cash
or, if not so acquired, was a qualified equity investment in the hands of a prior holder.
b. Has at least one hundred percent of its cash purchase price used by the issuer to make
qualified low-income community investments (QLICIs) in qualified active low-income
community businesses (QALICBs) located in this state by the first anniversary of the
initial credit allowance date with respect to qualified equity investments issued prior
to August 1, 2020, and after August 1, 2023.
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 6 of 11
c. Is designated by the issuer as a qualified equity investment under La. R.S.
47:6016.1(B)(10) and is certified by the Department as not exceeding the limitation
contained in La. RS. 47:6016.1(E)(5).
“Qualified low-income community investment” – any capital or equity investment in, or loan
to, a QALICB.
Analysis
Qualified Equity Investment
The capital contribution from Investment Fund to State Sub-CDE satisfies the requirements
of La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(10)(a). Provided State Sub-CDE makes QLICIs in QALICBs totaling
$10,000,000, including the Pelican QLICIs, within twelve months of the original QEI date,
such investment qualifies as a QEI irrespective of the fact that the Pelican QLICIs will be
made via the Indirect Loan, State/Federal QEI and State QLICIs. The purchase price, as
defined by La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(5) is $10,000,000, the capital contribution by State
Investment Fund to State Sub-CDE.
Qualified Community Development Entity
To receive the Award, State CDE provided a copy of an allocation agreement entered under
the Federal NMTC Program with the CDFI Fund that includes Louisiana within its service
area. Additionally, is it established that:
a. State Sub-CDE is taxed as either a partnership or a corporation.
b. The primary purpose of State-Sub CDE is to make, directly or indirectly, QLICIs to
QALICBs.
c. State Sub-CDE maintains accountability to residents of low-income communities
through their representation on a governing board of or advisory board to the entity.
d. State Sub-CDE is certified by the Secretary of the CDFI Fund as a CDE under the
Federal NMTC Program.
Based on the foregoing, State Sub-CDE qualifies as a CDE.
Qualified Low-Income Community Investments
La. R.S. 47:6016.1 does not require that the investment be made directly from State CDE to
the QALICB. As such, so long as the State QLICls and Indirect Loan are made within 12
months of the Original QEI Date, and the State QEI and the State/Federal QEI are maintained
throughout the seven-year compliance period, the proceeds of the State QEI used to make
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 7 of 11
the Indirect Loan are treated as used by State Sub-CDE to make QLICIs, despite the fact that
the State QLICIs were loaned by the Federal Sub-CDE. Further, since 100% of the State
QLICIs and Indirect Loan were used to make QLICIs, 100% of the proceeds of the State QEI
is treated as used by State Sub-CDE to make QLICIs in compliance with La. R.S.
47:6016.1(B)(11).
Qualified Census Tract
A Qualified Census Tract qualifies as a low-income community under the LA NMTC Program
for the full seven-year compliance period if, when the State QLICIs are closed and funded, it
is located in Louisiana and listed as a low-income community in the CDFI Fund’s mapping
system for the Federal NMTC Program.
Allocation of Credits
Pursuant to La. R.S. 47:6016.1(C)(1), any entity that makes a QEI is vested with an earned
credit against state premium tax liability that may be utilized as follows:
(a) On each credit allowance date of the QEI, the entity, or subsequent holder of the QEI,
shall be entitled to use a portion of the credit during the taxable year, including the
credit allowance date.
(b) The credit amount shall be equal to the applicable percentage for the credit
allowance date multiplied by the purchase price paid to the issuer of the QEI.
La. R.S. 47:6016.1(D)(1) allows tax credits earned by a partnership, limited liability
company, S-corporation, or other pass-through entity to be allocated to the partners,
members, or shareholders of such entity for their direct use in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among such partners, members or shareholders.
Based on the facts as stated, State Investment Fund is entitled to $2,750,000 of LA NMTCs,
which it may allocate among its members, including State Investor, in accordance with State
Investment Fund's operating agreement. State Investor and the other members of State
Investment Fund may allocate the LA NMTCs to their members, including State Investor
Members, pursuant to the terms of their respective agreements.
While La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(10)(b) requires that 100% of the cash purchase price be used to
make QLICIs in QALICBs within 12 months of the initial credit allowance date, it does not
require the cash purchase price be invested directly from State CDE into QALICBs. As such,
the fact that the cash proceeds of the Indirect Loan are lent to Federal Investment Fund and
used by Federal Investment Fund to make the State/Federal QEI and ultimately the State
QLICIs is not inconsistent with the purpose and provisions of La. R.S.47:6016.1, and, does
not disqualify the investment from qualifying as a QEI.
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 8 of 11
Recapture
La. R.S. 47:6016.1(F), provides, in pertinent part, that the Department of Insurance shall
recapture from the entity that claimed the credit on a return, the tax credit allowed pursuant
to La. R.S. 47:6016.1 if any of the following occur:
- Any amount of a federal tax credit available with respect to a qualified equity
investment that is eligible for a credit under R.S. 47:6016.1(F) is recaptured under
Code Section 45D of the Code. In such cases, the Department of Insurance's
recapture shall be proportionate to the federal recapture with respect to the QEI. - With respect to QEIs issued on or after August l, 2023, the issuer fails to invest an
amount equal to one hundred percent of the purchase price of the QEI in QLICIs in
Louisiana within twelve months of the issuance of the qualified equity investment
with at least fifty percent of the purchase price invested in qualified low-income
community investments in impact businesses. - The issuer fails to maintain such levels of investment set forth in La. R.S.
47:6016.1(F)(4) in QLICls in Louisiana until the last credit allowance date for the
QEI.
Should the taxpayer violate any of the above-mentioned provisions, the Department of
Insurance reserves the right to recapture in accordance with La. R.S. 47:6016.1(F).
Additionally, it should be noted, that upon the receipt of any capital returned to or recovered
from the State QLICIs, in order to avoid a recapture of the LA NMTCs, the Federal Sub-CDE
will reinvest an amount equal to the capital returned to or recovered from the original
QALICB in Louisiana QALICBs in accordance with La. R.S. 47:6016.l(F)(5) of the LA NMTC
Act in such amounts directly traceable to the State/Federal QEI.
Effect of Federal CDE Status
Since there is no requirement that State CDE or State Sub-CDE invest the cash purchase price
directly into QALICBs, the failure of the Federal Sub-CDE to maintain its status as a CDE will
not invalidate the transaction under the provisions of La. R.S. 47:6016.1.
NAICS Code Determination
The proposed QALICB is a nonprofit special-purpose entity formed to support the Operator
by leasing, developing, and financing the Property for the Operator’s use. The Borrower has
no employees and is not expected to have any. The Operator qualifies under NAICS Code
624190, but the Borrower does not, as it engages only in leasing, development, and financing.
The LA NMTC Program follows the Federal NMTC Program, which allows a look-through to
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 9 of 11
tenant operations to confirm the property is not used for prohibited activities. However, the
tenant’s NAICS Code cannot be attributed to the QALICB. Under the LA NMTC Program, the
Borrower must independently meet the Qualified NAICS Code requirement. Because it does
not, the Borrower does not qualify as a QALICB. If the stacked leverage structure were
restructured so that the Borrower itself met the requirement, it would satisfy R.S.
47:6016.1(B)(1)(a).
Timing of NAICS Compliance
Assuming the NAICS code requirement is met, operations at the Property cannot commence
until the completion of construction of the Project. Such delay in operations is typical and
necessary for a construction project, and should not cause the Borrower to fail to meet the
Qualified NAICS Code requirement under La. R.S 47:6016.1(B)(8)(a) at the time of funding
of the State QLICls or prevent the State CDE from having a reasonable expectation that the
Borrower will continue to be a QALICB throughout the term of the State QLICIs.
Accordingly, the Borrower will meet the Qualified NAICS Code requirement under La.
R.S.47:6016.1(B)(8)(a).
Employee Requirement
The Borrower does not have any employees and is not expected to have any employees. As
such, Borrower will not exceed the greater of two hundred fifty and the number of
employees set forth for the Project's Qualified NAICS Code sector in 13 CFR 121.201.
Accordingly, the Borrower satisfies the employee requirements of La. R.S. 47: 6016.1(B)(8).
Impact Business Qualification
An “impact business” is a QALICB located in Louisiana that is more than 50% owned by
women, minorities, or military veterans.1 A QALICB has the same meaning as in Section 45D
of the Internal Revenue Code and 26 CFR 1.45D-1.2 Section 45D(d)(2) defines a QALICB as a
corporation (including a nonprofit) or partnership that:
- derives at least 50% of its gross income from a qualified business in a low-income
community, - uses a substantial portion of its tangible property in a low-income community,
- performs a substantial portion of its employee services in a low-income community,
- holds less than 5% of its property basis in collectibles (except those for sale in the
ordinary course of business), and - holds less than 5% of its property basis in nonqualified financial property.
La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(4). A business may additionally qualify as an impact business if it is located in a “rural
parish,” as defined in La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(7), or in the “recovery zone,” as defined in La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(6).
2 La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(8).
1
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 10 of 11
Louisiana law prohibits members of a nonprofit corporation from receiving economic
ownership interests. La. R.S. 12:210 specifically bars members from receiving dividends,
earnings, or other pecuniary benefits. Because members of a nonprofit may not enjoy any
form of economic ownership of a nonprofit corporation, they may not meet the economic
thresholds provided by IRC Section 45(D)(d)(2) and adopted by La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(8)
relative to qualification as a QALICB. Accordingly, a nonprofit corporation cannot meet the
requirements of La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(4), which requires that the QALICB be more than fifty
percent owned by women, minorities or military veterans.
Ruling
The investment requirements of La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(10) can be met through a stacked
leverage structure utilizing indirect and direct funding provided State Sub-CDE invests
100% of the cash purchase price in QALICBs within twelve months of the Original QEI Date.
State Sub-CDE meets the definition of a “qualified community development entity” in La. R.S.
47:6016.1(B)(9) by virtue of its allocation agreement with the CDFI Fund that includes
Louisiana in its service area and its certification as a CDE under Code Section 45D.
Assuming the NAICS Code requirement is met, the Indirect loans from State Sub-CDE to a
Federal Investment Fund, followed by loans from a Federal Sub-CDE to Borrower, qualify as
“qualified low-income community investments” under La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(11) because the
proceeds are directly traceable to Louisiana QALICBs.
A census tract qualifies as low-income for the Louisiana NMTC Act if it is in Louisiana and
listed as low-income under the Federal NMTC Program when the State QLICIs are funded.
La. R.S. 47:6016.1(D)(1) permits pass-through entities to allocate LA NMTCs to members in
accordance with operating agreements. Investment Fund may allocate credits to Investor A
and further to its members.
The Department of Insurance may recapture credits under La. R.S. 47:6016.1(F) if statutory
requirements are not met, including failure to invest required amounts, failure to maintain
investment levels, or certain federal recapture events.
Loss of federal CDE certification by the Federal Sub-CDE or its parent allocatee does not
automatically trigger Louisiana NMTC recapture, provided state statutory requirements
remain satisfied.
For purposes of La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(8)(a), the applicable NAICS Code for a QALICB leasing
its property is determined by the operations of the QALICB in its own right. Accordingly, the
NAICS Code of a lease tenant may not be attributed to the QALICB.
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Revenue Ruling 25-001
September 18, 2025
Page 11 of 11
Construction or operational delays do not prevent NAICS compliance at the time of funding,
provided there is a reasonable expectation that the QALICB will operate under the qualifying
NAICS Code.
A Borrower satisfies La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(8) with regard to the employee requirement if it
has no employees and employs no more than the greater of 250 people or the limit set by the
project’s Qualified NAICS Code.
La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(4) includes QALICBs more than 50% owned by women, minorities, or
veterans. Because members of a nonprofit are prohibited by Louisiana law from enjoying
any form of economic ownership, a nonprofit may not qualify as an impact business, as
required by La. R.S. 47:6016.1(B)(4).
Richard Nelson
Secretary of Revenue
A Revenue Ruling is issued under the authority of LAC 61:III.101(C). A Revenue Ruling is written to provide
guidance to the public and to Department of Revenue employees. It is a written statement issued to apply
principles of law to a specific set of facts. A Revenue Ruling does not have the force and effect of law and is not
binding on the public. It is a statement of the department’s position and is binding on the department until
superseded or modified by a subsequent change in statute, regulation, declaratory ruling, or court decision.
Get today's answer for your situation
You just read a 2025 ruling on this question. Ezel checks current Louisiana tax law and answers your specific situation, with citations.
Opens in Ezel Pro. Every answer cites the authority it relies on.