Resources To Ready and Grow Your Business in Bastrop

Whether you are launching a startup, managing an existing enterprise, or seeking to expand or relocate your operations into the Bastrop community, we provide the tools, partnerships, and technical assistance necessary to help your business thrive.

Explore our suite of local, regional, and state resources designed to accelerate your growth.

Small Business & Entrepreneur Support

Bastrop is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and small business owners. We offer direct guidance, market research data, and site selection tools to help you build a strong foundation.

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Workforce Development & Talent Attraction

As part of the greater Austin metropolitan region, Bastrop offers access to a labor pool over 1 million strong. We help connect expanding businesses with local talent and custom training solutions.

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ No. 183)

Businesses in Bastrop can leverage the advantages of Foreign Trade Zone No. 183, administered regionally through Opportunity Austin.

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a secure, designated area within the United States that is legally considered outside U.S. Customs territory. Operating within FTZ No. 183 allows companies involved in international trade to significantly reduce overhead and streamline supply chain logistics:

Duty Deferral: Customs duties are delayed until merchandise enters U.S. commerce for consumption.
Duty Elimination: No duties are paid on merchandise imported into the FTZ and subsequently re-exported out of the United States.
Duty Reduction (Inverted Tariffs): If a finished product assembled in the zone carries a lower duty rate than its component parts, companies may pay the lower finished-goods rate.
Streamlined Customs Operations: Reduces administrative fees by allowing a single weekly entry filing rather than individual shipment filings.

Triple Freeport Tax Exemption

Bastrop County offers a competitive advantage for distribution, manufacturing, and inventory-heavy operations through the Texas Freeport Exemption.

In Bastrop, businesses benefit from a Triple Freeport Exemption, meaning all three primary taxing entities, Bastrop County, the City of Bastrop, and Bastrop ISD, have adopted the exemption.

Key Aspects:

The 175-Day Rule: Personal property, inventory, raw materials, components, and finished goods stored or processed in Texas qualify for a 100% property tax exemption if shipped out of the state within 175 days of acquisition or importation.
Eligible Goods: Tangible goods destined for out-of-state shipment, as well as aircraft or repair parts used by a certified air carrier.
Exclusions: Oil, natural gas, and related petroleum products are excluded from this exemption.
Application Requirement: Companies must file Form 50-193 (Freeport Exemption Application) annually with the local appraisal district, typically by April 30th.
Goods-in-Transit Exception: Depending on specific local adoptions under HB 621, similar tax exemptions may extend to qualified inventory shipped within Texas, provided it leaves the taxing location within 175 days.

Tax Assistance Resources

Navigating local, state, and federal tax environments is essential to optimizing your business operations and maximizing profitability. These resources help businesses of all sizes take advantage of Texas's business-friendly tax structure and local financial incentives.