2026 MLSC Tax Incentive Program: Key Considerations for Massachusetts Life Sciences Companies
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) has opened the application window for the 2026 Tax Incentive Program, making up to $40 million in tax incentives available to eligible life sciences companies of any size operating in the Commonwealth. The program is intended to support companies engaging in research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing that are looking to expand their Massachusetts operations and create long‑term jobs.
Key Benefits
Under the 2026 MLSC Tax Incentive Program, successful applicants may receive tax incentive awards tied directly to job creation in Massachusetts. The program provides a minimum base award of $18,000 per new job created, with the potential for premium awards per job for manufacturing roles, smaller companies, companies located in outlying counties, and companies new to Massachusetts. To earn and retain these incentives, companies must meet required hiring thresholds in calendar year 2026 and retain the new net jobs for a three‑year compliance period.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2026 MLSC Tax Incentive Program, companies must:
- Be registered to do business in Massachusetts.
- Be filing a Massachusetts corporate tax return for the 2025 tax year.
- Employ at least 10 permanent Massachusetts full‑time equivalent employees (defined as working at least 35 hours per week) as of December 31, 2025
- Companies must commit to hiring in calendar year 2026 in Massachusetts and commit to retaining those jobs through December 31, 2028
- Minimum commitment of 5 net new FTEs if the company employed fewer than 50 permanent Massachusetts employees as of December 31, 2025
- Minimum commitment of 5 net new FTEs if the company is located in a Gateway Municipality
- Minimum commitment of 5 net new FTEs if the company is located in one of the following Massachusetts Counties: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Nantucket, Plymouth, Worcester
- Minimum commitment of 10 net new FTEs for all other companies
- Be in good standing with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Department of Unemployment Assistance, and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Application Timeline and Process
- Application Period: January 12 – March 31, 2026, at 2 p.m. EST
- Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the MLSC portal.
Info Sessions
- February 6, 2026 – Virtual
- March 2, 2026 – Virtual
- March 5, 2026 – In-Person
Takeaway
The 2026 MLSC Tax Incentive Program provides an opportunity for life sciences companies to facilitate expansion and reinforce their Massachusetts footprint through this tax incentive program. With applications open through March 31, 2026, companies considering participation should act now. More information is available on the MLSC website.
Author: Raymond Jabagjorian | [email protected]