The West Virginia High-Tech Research Zone tax incentives have been amended and re-enacted. Applicable to taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2005, any qualified educational institution or business in a designated high-tech research zone will be eligible for some non-sales and use tax incentives. These tax incentives include an opportunity tax credit for companies that create at least three new jobs in a research zone, a strategic research and development tax credit, a manufacturing investment tax credit if primarily engaged in research and development, and a refundable credit for small research and development companies. In addition, the government is authorized to provide low cost sharing of state equipment to qualified businesses in a research zone. (H.B. 2777, Enacted May 9th, 2005)