How Massachusetts Businesses Can Save Big on Real Estate Expansion

Every dollar counts—especially for businesses investing in growth. In Massachusetts, hundreds of companies in manufacturing, life sciences, technology, and distribution are expanding their footprints to meet increasing demand. For these kinds of companies, expansion projects can be pricey and pose a lot of potential challenges, namely real estate market volatility, regulatory compliance, or even financial risk, among many others. Still, the benefits of business expansion far outweigh the pitfalls, and forward-thinking business leaders are implementing strategies for mitigating roadblocks. 

Many companies have turned to state and local tax incentive programs, which offer companies a range of financial benefits and strategic advantages designed to reduce expansion costs, relocations, or new facility development. Government entities have offered these programs to encourage job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic growth. Unfortunately, many Massachusetts-based companies just don’t realize the amount of support that’s available to help offset the time and effort involved in finding these cash saving opportunities.  

Truth is, these tax incentive programs are specifically designed to help companies grow, and they’re more accessible than one would think. Plus, there are subject matter specialists available who can help businesses not only find tax incentive programs, but also manage the process and secure major savings. Let us introduce you to one of those experts now.

Meet Lynn Tokarczyk and the Team at BDS

Say hello to Lynn Tokarczyk,  government tax incentives consultant and President of Business Development Strategies, Inc. (BDS). As a leading expert in tax incentive negotiation and a trusted advisor to clients across the Commonwealth, Lynn has spent over 20 years identifying and securing state and local tax incentives for businesses looking to accelerate expansion. With decades of experience in public policy, economic development, and business advocacy, she and her team have scored millions in tax savings for hundreds of Massachusetts-based companies. 

From early planning through final approvals, Lynn and her team help companies identify relevant programs, build strong cases for support, and navigate every step of the process, ensuring no opportunity is missed.

What are tax incentive programs, exactly?

Tax incentive programs are economic development tools that state and local governments leverage to attract and retain growing businesses. These incentives are especially important in Massachusetts, where policymakers remain invested in keeping high-growth, high-impact industries rooted in the state.

Depending on the project and location, companies may qualify for several types of incentives, including:

• State tax credits

Reduces state tax liability based on job creation and other criteria.  State tax credits may be refundable, if applicable.

• Municipal tax increment financing (TIF)

Allows for reduced property taxes based on the increased assessed value of project development.

• Municipal Personal property tax exemptions

Offers savings on equipment and other qualifying business assets; or

• Municipal Special tax assessments

Lowers early-stage expansion costs through adjusted property tax values

For executives, CFOs, operations leads, and facilities decision-makers, incentives like these can dramatically reduce upfront costs and long-term expenses, helping improve ROI on expansion projects and unlock funds for other priorities.

And the savings aren’t small. Qualifying companies can reduce project costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars over time—sometimes millions. 

Tax Incentive Eligibility 

To qualify for state and local tax incentive programs in Massachusetts, companies must meet several key eligibility criteria, which include:

• Timing

Incentives must be secured far in advance, way before a company signs a lease or a property closing. And since program approvals typically take 60 to 90 days to complete, it’s best for companies to start engaging with consultants like BDS early. Missing this critical window could void eligibility, regardless of project merit or investment and leave cash on the table.

• Size and Scope

Companies also have to meet certain size and scope requirements per individual expansion project, depending on whether an existing building or a new construction project.

These criteria are designed to support substantial growth initiatives, which ultimately generate jobs and long-term economic value for local communities. By aligning expansion plans with these eligibility guidelines, companies can put themselves in the best possible position for major financial benefits.

Why Don’t Some Companies Take Advantage?

Despite the incredible value these tax incentive programs offer, many companies don’t often take advantage of the perks, and the reasons vary. They either:

• Don’t know these programs exist

• Assume they won’t qualify

• Wait too long to start the process

• Lack the state or local government expertise to pursue it on their own

  
  

And all of those things are completely understandable. Managing an expansion or relocation is already a heavy lift. Add to that a complex, high-stakes tax incentives process, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s why working with experts like BDS is so important, otherwise money will be left on the table.

Real Results, Real Savings

BDS has worked with a wide range of companies to secure tax incentives, including industry leaders like Analog Devices, Keurig, MilliporeSigma, Waters Corporation, and more. Their work has resulted in millions of dollars in tax savings for growing businesses across Massachusetts. And because tax incentive programs are designed to retain, create jobs, and stimulate local economies, they create real value for both companies and the community.

Simplify and Save On Your Next Real Estate Expansion Project

Whether you're renovating an existing facility, building new, or relocating, exploring tax incentive programs early can lead to significant savings and long-term value. For companies considering expanding in Massachusetts, working with experienced consultants, like BDS, to identify these opportunities upfront can strengthen your business case, reduce project costs, keep timelines on track, and help turn your corporate real estate expansion plans into a reality.

Expansion projects come with a lot of moving parts—permits, budgets, incentives, timelines, and expectations. At SCS Construction Management, we’re built to manage that complexity. From aligning with tax savings opportunities to coordinating every detail on site, we help clients make confident decisions and see real return on investment. Reach out today to learn how we can support your next project.