MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2024 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Blount, Simmons (12th)

Senate Bill 2989

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 27-7-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO FREEZE THE PHASE-IN OF INCOME TAX CUTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-13-5 AND 27-13-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO FREEZE THE PHASE-OUT OF THE CORPORATION FRANCHISE TAX; TO REPEAL SECTION 5, CHAPTER 499, LAWS OF 2016, WHICH PROVIDES THAT THE CORPORATION FRANCHISE TAX LAW IS REPEALED FROM AND AFTER JANUARY 1, 2028; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 27-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-7-5.  (1)  (a)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, there is hereby assessed and levied, to be collected and paid as hereinafter provided, for the calendar year 1983 and fiscal years ending during the calendar year 1983 and all taxable years thereafter, upon the entire net income of every resident individual, corporation, association, trust or estate, in excess of the credits provided, a tax at the following rates:

               (i)  1.  Through calendar year 2017, on the first Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) of taxable income, or any part thereof, the rate shall be three percent (3%);

                    2.  For calendar year 2018, on the first One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of taxable income there shall be no tax levied, and on the next Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) of taxable income, or any part thereof, the rate shall be three percent (3%);

                    3.  For calendar year 2019, on the first Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) of taxable income there shall be no tax levied, and on the next Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) of taxable income, or any part thereof, the rate shall be three percent (3%);

                    4.  For calendar year 2020, on the first Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) of taxable income there shall be no tax levied, and on the next Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) of taxable income, or any part thereof, the rate shall be three percent (3%);

                    5.  For calendar year 2021, on the first Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) of taxable income there shall be no tax levied, and on the next One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of taxable income, or any part thereof, the rate shall be three percent (3%);

                    6.  For calendar year 2022 and all taxable years thereafter, there shall be no tax levied on the first Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) of taxable income;

               (ii)  On taxable income in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) up to and including Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or any part thereof, the rate shall be four percent (4%); and

               (iii)  On all taxable income in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), the rate shall be five percent (5%).

          (b) * * *  (i)  For calendar year 2023 * * * and all calendar years thereafter only, there shall be no tax levied under subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of this subsection on the taxable income of individuals in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) up to and including Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or any part thereof * * *; and.

 * * *   (ii)  For calendar year 2024 and all calendar years thereafter, the tax imposed under subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (a) of this subsection upon all taxable income of individuals in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), shall be at the following rates:

    1.  For calendar year 2024, on such taxable income, the rate shall be four and seven‑tenths percent (4.7%);

    2.  For calendar year 2025, on such taxable income, the rate shall be four and four‑tenths percent (4.4%); and

    3.  For calendar year 2026 and all calendar years thereafter, on such taxable income, the rate shall be four percent (4%).

It is the intent of the Legislature that before calendar year 2026, the Legislature will consider whether the revised tax rates provided for in this subparagraph (ii) will be further decreased for calendar years after calendar year 2026.  If the revised tax rates provided for in this subparagraph (ii) are further decreased for calendar years after calendar year 2026 to the extent that there is no tax levied on the taxable income of individuals under this subparagraph (ii), the individual income tax shall stand repealed.

     (2)  An S corporation, as defined in Section 27-8-3(1)(g), shall not be subject to the income tax imposed under this section.

     (3)  A like tax is hereby imposed to be assessed, collected and paid annually, except as hereinafter provided, at the rate specified in this section and as hereinafter provided, upon and with respect to the entire net income, from all property owned or sold, and from every business, trade or occupation carried on in this state by individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, not residents of the State of Mississippi.

     (4)  In the case of taxpayers having a fiscal year beginning in a calendar year with a rate in effect that is different than the rate in effect for the next calendar year and ending in the next calendar year, the tax due for that taxable year shall be determined by:

          (a)  Computing for the full fiscal year the amount of tax that would be due under the rates in effect for the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins; and

          (b)  Computing for the full fiscal year the amount of tax that would be due under the rates in effect for the calendar year in which the fiscal year ends; and

          (c)  Applying to the tax computed under paragraph (a) the ratio which the number of months falling within the earlier calendar year bears to the total number of months in the fiscal year; and

          (d)  Applying to the tax computed under paragraph (b) the ratio which the number of months falling within the later calendar year bears to the total number of months within the fiscal year; and

          (e)  Adding to the tax determined under paragraph (c) the tax determined under paragraph (d) the sum of which shall be the amount of tax due for the fiscal year.

     SECTION 2.  Section 27-13-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-13-5.  (1)  (a)  Franchise tax levy.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3), (4), (5) and (7) of this section, there is hereby imposed, to be paid and collected as hereinafter provided, a franchise or excise tax upon every corporation, association or joint-stock company or partnership treated as a corporation under the income tax laws or regulations, organized or created for pecuniary gain, having privileges not possessed by individuals, and having authorized capital stock now existing in this state, or hereafter organized, created or established, under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Mississippi, equal to:

               (i)  For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

               (ii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2019, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (iii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, but before January 1, 2020, Two Dollars and Twenty-five Cents ($2.25) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

               (iv)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2021, Two Dollars ($2.00) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (v)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, but before January 1, 2022, One Dollar and Seventy-five Cents ($1.75) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (vi)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, but before January 1, 2023, One Dollar and Fifty Cents ($1.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

               (vii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, but before January 1, 2024, One Dollar and Twenty-five Cents ($1.25) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (viii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, * * * but before January 1, 2025, One Dollar ($1.00) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

 * * *  (ix)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, but before January 1, 2026, Seventyfive Cents (75˘) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

  (x)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, but before January 1, 2027, Fifty Cents (50˘) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

   (xi)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but before January 1, 2028, Twentyfive Cents (25˘) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

          (b)  In no case shall the franchise tax due for the accounting period be less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

          (c)  It is the purpose of this section to require the payment to the State of Mississippi of this tax for the right granted by the laws of this state to exist as such organization, and to enjoy, under the protection of the laws of this state, the powers, rights, privileges and immunities derived from the state by the form of such existence.

     (2)  Annual report of domestic corporations.  Each domestic corporation shall file an annual report as required by the provisions of Section 79-4-16.22.

     (3)  (a)  A corporation that has negotiated a fee-in-lieu as defined in Section 57-75-5 shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on such project; however, the fee-in-lieu payment shall be otherwise treated in the same manner as the payment of franchise taxes.

          (b)  (i)  As used in this paragraph:

                    1.  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b) * * *;.

                   2.  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix) * * *; and.

                    3.  "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for the project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix).

               (ii)  The term of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57-75-5(j), between the authority and the enterprise for the project shall not exceed twenty-five (25) years.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

              (iii)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for two (2) consecutive years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project shall be suspended until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

              (iv)  The enterprise shall be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter which is attributable to the project for any year for which it files a Mississippi franchise tax return.  The enterprise shall be entitled to continue to utilize such single sales apportionment factor notwithstanding a suspension of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu pursuant to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph.

          (c)  As used in this paragraph (c):

               (i)  "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(ii) * * *;.

               (ii)  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b) * * *;.

               (iii)  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi) * * *; and.

               (iv)  "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi), or any corporation which becomes subject to the tax levied by this section because it is an affiliate of the corporation or other enterprise authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi).

               (v) * * *  The term of the franchise tax fee‑in‑lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57‑75‑5(j), between the authority and the enterprise shall expire in 2028 upon the repeal of the tax levied by this section.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (vi)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the enterprise and/or any affiliate thereof falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for one or more years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the enterprise and/or its affiliates reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

               (vii)  The enterprise shall be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter which is attributable to the project for any year for which it files a Mississippi franchise tax return.  The enterprise shall be entitled to continue to utilize such single sales apportionment factor notwithstanding a suspension of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu pursuant to subparagraph (vi) of this paragraph.  In no event shall an enterprise be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor for purposes of calculating its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter attributable to any operations or activities thereof subject to tax liability imposed by this chapter prior to January 1, 2023, except to the extent that the enterprise is entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax attributable to any operations or activities thereof subject to tax liability imposed by this chapter prior to January 1, 2023, pursuant to any other section of law or regulation duly adopted by the department.

          (d)  As used in this paragraph (d):

              (i)  "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(iii) * * *;.

              (ii)  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b) * * *;.

              (iii)  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxii) * * *; and.

              (iv)  "Enterprise" shall mean a corporation authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxii), or any corporation which becomes subject to the tax levied by this section because it is an affiliate of the corporation or other enterprise authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxii).

              (v) * * *  The term of the franchise tax fee‑in‑lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57‑75‑5(j), between the authority and the enterprise shall expire in 2028 upon the repeal of the tax levied by this section.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (vi)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the enterprise and/or any affiliate thereof falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for one or more years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the enterprise and/or its affiliates reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

          (e)  As used in this paragraph (e):

               (i)  "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(iv).

               (ii)  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b).

               (iii)  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxiii).

               (iv)  "Enterprise" shall mean a corporation authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxiii), or any corporation which becomes subject to the tax levied by this section because it is an affiliate of the corporation or other enterprise authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxiii).

               (v) * * *  The term of the franchise tax fee‑in‑lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57‑75‑5(j), between the authority and the enterprise shall expire in 2028 upon the repeal of the tax levied by this section.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (vi)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the enterprise and/or any affiliate thereof falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for one or more years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained or caused to be maintained by the enterprise and/or its affiliates reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

     (4)  An approved business enterprise as defined in the Growth and Prosperity Act shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the approved business enterprise in a growth and prosperity county or supervisors district as provided in the Growth and Prosperity Act.

     (5)  A business enterprise operating a project as defined in Section 57-64-33, in a county that is a member of a regional economic development alliance created under the Regional Economic Development Act shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise in such a county as provided in Section 57-64-33.

     (6)  The tax levied by this chapter and paid by a business enterprise located in a redevelopment project area under Sections 57-91-1 through 57-91-11 shall be deposited into the Redevelopment Project Incentive Fund created in Section 57-91-9.

     (7)  A business enterprise as defined in Section 57-113-1 or 57-113-21 that is exempt from certain state taxes under Section 57-113-5 or 57-113-25 shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise.

     (8)  A taxpayer who is eligible to apply, as a credit against the tax levied by this chapter, a tax credit awarded by the Mississippi Development Authority in accordance with the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act may apply the tax credit in the amount available for such purpose, or such lesser amount determined by the taxpayer, pursuant to the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act.  The credit applied for a tax-reporting period shall be reflected on the form of the return in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.

     SECTION 3.  Section 27-13-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-13-7.  (1)  (a)  Franchise tax levy.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3), (4), (5) and (7) of this section, there is hereby imposed, levied and assessed upon every corporation, association or joint-stock company, or partnership treated as a corporation under the income tax laws or regulations as hereinbefore defined, organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of some other state, territory or country, or organized and existing without any specific statutory authority, now or hereafter doing business or exercising any power, privilege or right within this state, as hereinbefore defined, a franchise or excise tax equal to:

               (i)  For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) of each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, of the value of capital used, invested or employed within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (ii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2019, Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (iii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, but before January 1, 2020, Two Dollars and Twenty-five Cents ($2.25) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (iv)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2021, Two Dollars ($2.00) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (v)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, but before January 1, 2022, One Dollar and Seventy-five Cents ($1.75) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

               (vi)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, but before January 1, 2023, One Dollar and Fifty Cents ($1.50) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (vii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, but before January 1, 2024, One Dollar and Twenty-five Cents ($1.25) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

              (viii)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, * * * but before January 1, 2025, One Dollar ($1.00) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

 * * *  (ix)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, but before January 1, 2026, Seventy‑five Cents (75˘) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

   (x)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, but before January 1, 2027, Fifty Cents (50˘) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

   (xi)  For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but before January 1, 2028, Twenty‑five Cents (25˘) for each One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or fraction thereof, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), of the value of the capital used, invested or employed in the exercise of any power, privilege or right enjoyed by such organization within this state, except as hereinafter provided.

          (b)  In no case shall the franchise tax due for the accounting period be less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

          (c)  It is the purpose of this section to require the payment of a tax by all organizations not organized under the laws of this state, measured by the amount of capital or its equivalent, for which such organization receives the benefit and protection of the government and laws of the state.

     (2)  Annual report of foreign corporations.  Each foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state shall file an annual report as required by the provisions of Section 79-4-16.22.

     (3)  (a)  A corporation that has negotiated a fee-in-lieu as defined in Section 57-75-5 shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on such project; however, the fee-in-lieu payment shall be otherwise treated in the same manner as the payment of franchise taxes.

          (b)  (i)  As used in this paragraph:

                    1.  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b) * * *;.

                   2.  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix) * * *; and.

                    3.  "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for the project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxix).

               (ii)  The term of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57-75-5(j), between the authority and the enterprise for the project shall not exceed twenty-five (25) years.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (iii)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for two (2) consecutive years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project shall be suspended until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

              (iv)  The enterprise shall be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter which is attributable to the project for any year for which it files a Mississippi franchise tax return.  The enterprise shall be entitled to continue to utilize such single sales apportionment factor notwithstanding a suspension of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu pursuant to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph.

          (c)  As used in this paragraph (c):

               (i)  "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(ii) * * *;.

               (ii)  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b) * * *;.

               (iii)  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi) * * *; and.

               (iv)  "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi), or any corporation which becomes subject to the tax levied by this section because it is an affiliate of the corporation or other enterprise authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxi).

               (v) * * *  The term of the franchise tax fee‑in‑lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57‑75‑5(j), between the authority and the enterprise shall expire in 2028 upon the repeal of the tax levied by this section.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (vi)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for one or more years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise and/or its affiliates reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

               (vii)  The enterprise shall be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter which is attributable to the project for any year for which it files a Mississippi franchise tax return.  The enterprise shall be entitled to continue to utilize such single sales apportionment factor notwithstanding a suspension of the franchise tax fee-in-lieu pursuant to subparagraph (vi) of this paragraph.  In no event shall an enterprise be entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor for purposes of calculating its liability for franchise tax imposed by this chapter attributable to any operations or activities thereof subject to tax liability imposed by this chapter prior to January 1, 2023, except to the extent that the enterprise is entitled to utilize a single sales apportionment factor in the calculation of its liability for franchise tax attributable to any operations or activities thereof subject to tax liability imposed by this chapter prior to January 1, 2023, pursuant to any other section of law or regulation duly adopted by the department.

          (d)  As used in this paragraph (d):

              (i)  "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(iii) * * *;.

              (ii)  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b) * * *;.

              (iii)  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxii) * * *; and.

              (iv)  "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxii), or any corporation which becomes subject to the tax levied by this section because it is an affiliate of the corporation or other enterprise authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxii).

              (v) * * *  The term of the franchise tax fee‑in‑lieu

agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57‑75‑5(j), between the authority and the enterprise shall expire in 2028 upon the repeal of the tax levied by this section.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (vi)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for one or more years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise and/or its affiliates reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

          (e)  As used in this paragraph (e):

               (i)  "Affiliated enterprise" or an "affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(k)(iv).

               (ii)  "Authority" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(b).

               (iii)  "Project" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxiii).

               (iv)  "Enterprise" shall mean the corporation authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxiii), or any corporation which becomes subject to the tax levied by this section because it is an affiliate of the corporation or other enterprise authorized for a particular project pursuant to Section 57-75-5(f)(xxxiii).

               (v) * * *  The term of the franchise tax fee‑in‑lieu agreement negotiated under this subsection and authorized by Section 57‑75‑5(j), between the authority and the enterprise shall expire in 2028 upon the repeal of the tax levied by this section.  The franchise tax fee-in-lieu agreement shall apply only to new franchise tax liability attributable to the project, and shall not apply to any existing franchise tax liability of the enterprise in connection with any current operations in this state.

               (vi)  In the event that the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise falls below the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise for one or more years, the franchise tax fee-in-lieu for the project may be reduced or suspended by the authority until the first tax year during which the annual number of full-time jobs maintained by the enterprise and/or its affiliates reaches the minimum annual number of full-time jobs required by the authority pursuant to a written agreement between the authority and the enterprise.

     (4)  An approved business enterprise as defined in the Growth and Prosperity Act shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the approved business enterprise in a growth and prosperity county or supervisors district as provided in the Growth and Prosperity Act.

     (5)  A business enterprise operating a project as defined in Section 57-64-33, in a county that is a member of a regional economic development alliance created under the Regional Economic Development Act shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise in such a county as provided in Section 57-64-33.

     (6)  The tax levied by this chapter and paid by a business enterprise located in a redevelopment project area under Sections 57-91-1 through 57-91-11 shall be deposited into the Redevelopment Project Incentive Fund created in Section 57-91-9.

     (7)  A business enterprise as defined in Section 57-113-1 or 57-113-21 that is exempt from certain state taxes under Section 57-113-5 or 57-113-25 shall not be subject to the tax levied by this section on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the business enterprise.

     (8)  A taxpayer who is eligible to apply as a credit against the tax levied by this chapter a tax credit awarded by the Mississippi Development Authority in accordance with the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act may apply the tax credit in the amount available for such purpose, or such lesser amount determined by the taxpayer, pursuant to the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act.  The credit applied for a tax-reporting period shall be reflected on the form of the return in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.

     SECTION 4.  Section 5, Chapter 499, Laws of 2016, which provides that Sections 27-13-1, 27-13-3, 27-13-5, 27-13-7, 27-13-8, 27-13-9, 27-13-11, 27-13-13, 27-13-15, 27-13-17, 27-13-19, 27-13-21, 27-13-23, 27-13-25, 27-13-27, 27-13-29, 27-13-31, 27-13-33, 27-13-35, 27-13-37, 27-13-39, 27-13-41, 27-13-47, 27-13-49, 27-13-51, 27-13-53, 27-13-55, 27-13-57, 27-13-59, 27-13-61, 27-13-63, 27-13-65 and 27-13-67, Mississippi Code of 1972, which are the corporation franchise tax law, are repealed from and after January 1, 2028, is repealed.

     SECTION 5.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2024.