MS HB1512

Authorizes telecommunications enterprises a tax credit for deploying broadband equipment in unserved census tracts before July 1, 2014 at 10% of equipment costs, or 15% if deployed to community anchor institutions like schools and libraries.

Credits allowed annually for 10 consecutive years starting when equipment is placed in service, with annual credit limited to 50% of tax liability under state income and franchise tax chapters.

Unused credits may be carried forward for 10 consecutive years, and total credits claimed cannot exceed the original investment in qualifying broadband equipment.

Amends existing broadband tax credit law (Section 57-87-5) to limit prior tax credit eligibility to investments made before July 1, 2012, changing the prior deadline of July 1, 2014.

Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services must provide Department of Revenue with list of unserved census tracts; once designated, areas remain unserved regardless of future broadband availability.