Applications for Automation Tax Credits Re-Opened

The North Dakota Department of Commerce will help businesses looking to invest in automation if the business can prove it will be beneficial.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Businesses in North Dakota that are looking to invest in automation now have the ability to receive assistance from the state’s Department of Commerce.

The NDDoC has announced that the Automation Tax Credit (ATC) Program Portal is now open for applications.

Applicants must be a primary sector business and must demonstrate that investing in automation would result in at least a 5% increase in wages, safety or production for their company.

The program provides a credit of up to 15% of qualifying costs for that investment, with $3 million set aside for the program in total.

The Department of Commerce says that these allocations are one way farmers and manufacturers are trying to combat massive labor shortages.

“The investment in automation, or new technology, is really often – and I wouldn’t say every time, but often – driven by workforce shortages,” said Tracey Miller of the DoC. “When we look at a lot of the investments that are made to grow production or unlock an expansion of manufacturers in North Dakota, that’s the ultimate goal. Driving that productivity and that competitiveness.”

All applications must be fully completed and submitted by 5 P.M. on January 31, 2026.

You can find more information here.