The Metropolis of Chicago levies a tax on lease transactions involving non-real property, similar to gear, autos, and equipment. As an illustration, a enterprise leasing a forklift inside metropolis limits would sometimes incur this levy. This tax applies to agreements categorized as leases beneath the Municipal Code, even when titled in a different way, and customarily encompasses transfers of possession or proper to make use of private property for consideration.
This income stream contributes considerably to town’s finances, supporting important public companies like infrastructure upkeep, public security, and academic applications. Traditionally, it has served as a vital funding mechanism for town, enabling sustained funding in public items. Understanding its software is important for companies working inside Chicago to make sure correct monetary planning and compliance with native rules.
The next sections will delve deeper into particular facets of this levy, together with its calculation, exemptions, reporting necessities, and potential implications for companies.
1. Leases
The character of the lease settlement is prime to figuring out applicability of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax. Not all agreements involving using private property qualify as taxable leases beneath the Municipal Code. A transparent understanding of what constitutes a lease for tax functions is essential for correct compliance.
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Lease Definition:
Town defines a lease as a switch of possession or proper to make use of private property for consideration. This definition extends past conventional lease agreements and should embody contracts labeled as leases, licenses, or different related preparations. The figuring out issue is the switch of possession or proper to make use of, reasonably than the precise terminology employed.
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True Leases vs. Conditional Gross sales:
Distinguishing between true leases and conditional gross sales agreements is essential. Conditional gross sales, usually structured to resemble leases, in the end switch possession to the consumer. These agreements will not be thought-about leases for tax functions. Key components in distinguishing the 2 embrace whether or not the consumer assumes possession on the finish of the time period for nominal consideration or whether or not the entire funds approximate the property’s honest market worth.
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Lease Time period:
The size of the lease time period can have an effect on tax implications. Brief-term leases could also be topic to totally different guidelines or exemptions. Conversely, longer-term leases may necessitate concerns relating to adjustments in tax charges or rules over the lease period.
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Lease Funds:
The consideration paid for the lease, together with periodic funds and any upfront charges, kinds the idea for calculating the tax. Understanding what constitutes a lease cost and the way varied cost buildings are handled is important for correct tax computation.
Correct classification of an settlement as a lease beneath the Chicago Municipal Code is step one in figuring out tax legal responsibility. Mischaracterizing an settlement can result in incorrect tax assessments, potential penalties, and compliance points. Completely inspecting the phrases and circumstances of any settlement involving using private property inside Chicago is important for correct tax administration.
2. Private Property
The Chicago private property lease transaction tax applies particularly to leases of non-public property, distinguishing it from actual property transactions. Understanding the definition and scope of “private property” is due to this fact essential for figuring out whether or not a lease settlement falls beneath the purview of this tax. The next sides elaborate on the important thing traits of non-public property related to this tax.
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Tangible vs. Intangible Property:
The tax usually applies to tangible private property, which incorporates bodily property like autos, gear, and equipment. Intangible property, similar to copyrights, patents, and logos, is usually not topic to this tax. A transparent distinction between tangible and intangible property is important for correct tax evaluation.
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Leased vs. Owned Property:
The tax applies solely to leased private property. Possession of the property is a key determinant. If the settlement transfers possession, it might be thought-about a conditional sale reasonably than a lease, falling exterior the scope of this tax.
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Property Location:
The situation of the non-public property through the lease time period is a big issue. The tax applies to property leased and used throughout the metropolis limits of Chicago. Even when the lessor is positioned exterior Chicago, the tax nonetheless applies if the leased property is used throughout the metropolis.
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Exempt Property:
Sure classes of non-public property are exempt from the tax, even when leased inside Chicago. These exemptions could embrace particular forms of gear utilized in manufacturing or analysis and improvement, or property leased by non-profit organizations. Understanding these exemptions is essential for correct tax compliance.
Correctly figuring out leased private property topic to the Chicago tax requires cautious consideration of those sides. Misclassifying property can result in incorrect tax calculations and potential penalties. Companies working inside Chicago ought to rigorously assess the character and use of leased property to make sure correct compliance with tax rules.
3. Transactions inside Chicago
The Chicago private property lease transaction tax hinges on the placement of the transaction itself. The tax applies solely to lease agreements the place the leased private property is positioned and used inside Chicago metropolis limits. Understanding the “Transactions inside Chicago” element is due to this fact crucial for figuring out tax legal responsibility.
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Bodily Location of Property:
The first issue figuring out tax applicability is the bodily location of the leased private property. If the property is used predominantly inside Chicago, the lease transaction is usually topic to the tax, even when the lessor or lessee is positioned exterior town. For instance, an organization headquartered in suburban Cook dinner County leasing a supply truck operated solely inside Chicago could be topic to the tax.
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Figuring out Metropolis Limits:
Exactly defining Chicago’s metropolis limits will be essential in borderline circumstances. Official metropolis maps and data function definitive references for figuring out whether or not the property’s location falls throughout the taxable jurisdiction. Leases of property used even partially exterior Chicago is probably not absolutely topic to the tax, requiring cautious evaluation of utilization patterns.
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Short-term Relocation of Property:
Short-term relocation of leased property exterior Chicago could influence tax legal responsibility relying on the period and objective of the relocation. Brief-term relocations, similar to for upkeep or restore, sometimes don’t have an effect on the tax applicability. Nevertheless, prolonged relocations could necessitate changes to the tax calculation.
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Nexus Concerns:
The idea of nexus, or a ample connection between a enterprise and a taxing jurisdiction, will be related, particularly for companies working each inside and outdoors Chicago. Even when an organization shouldn’t be bodily positioned in Chicago, leasing private property to be used throughout the metropolis could set up nexus, triggering tax obligations. That is notably necessary for companies with cellular property or distant staff working throughout the metropolis.
The “Transactions inside Chicago” facet underscores the significance of location in figuring out tax legal responsibility. Companies leasing private property should rigorously contemplate the place the property is used to make sure correct compliance with Chicago’s tax rules. Overlooking this important aspect can result in vital tax discrepancies and potential penalties. An intensive understanding of jurisdictional boundaries and nexus rules is important for correct tax administration.
4. Tax Fee
The tax fee is a vital element of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax, straight influencing the ultimate tax legal responsibility. Understanding the present fee, its software, and potential variations is important for correct monetary planning and compliance. This part explores the important thing sides of the tax fee and its influence on lease transactions inside Chicago.
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Present Fee and Applicability:
The Chicago private property lease transaction tax fee is at the moment set at 9%. This fee applies to the entire lease funds made for using private property throughout the metropolis. As an illustration, a month-to-month lease cost of $1,000 would incur a tax of $90, leading to a complete month-to-month price of $1,090.
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Potential Fee Changes:
The tax fee is topic to alter based mostly on legislative choices made by the Metropolis of Chicago. Companies ought to monitor official bulletins and publications from town’s Division of Finance for any changes to the tax fee. Modifications within the fee can considerably influence budgeting and monetary projections for lease agreements.
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Impression on Lease Agreements:
The tax fee straight impacts the general price of leasing private property in Chicago. Companies should issue the tax into their monetary calculations when evaluating lease agreements. Negotiating lease phrases with the tax fee in thoughts will help mitigate the monetary influence and preserve cost-effectiveness. Ignoring the tax fee can result in sudden bills and finances overruns.
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Comparability with Different Tax Jurisdictions:
Evaluating Chicago’s tax fee with these of surrounding municipalities or states can present helpful context for companies contemplating lease preparations in numerous areas. This comparability can inform choices about the place to find operations and easy methods to construction lease agreements to optimize tax liabilities.
The tax fee’s interaction with different facets of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax, similar to exemptions and cost schedules, determines the general tax burden. Cautious consideration of the tax fee is important for companies working inside Chicago to make sure correct compliance and efficient monetary administration.
5. Exemptions
Particular exemptions exist throughout the framework of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax, providing potential reduction from tax legal responsibility beneath sure circumstances. Understanding these exemptions is essential for companies working throughout the metropolis, permitting for correct tax calculations and potential price financial savings. The next sides element key exemptions and their implications.
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Governmental Entities:
Leases to governmental our bodies, similar to federal, state, or native authorities companies, are sometimes exempt from the tax. This exemption acknowledges the general public service perform of those entities and avoids imposing further tax burdens on public assets. As an illustration, a lease of laptop gear to a Chicago public college would doubtless qualify for this exemption.
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Charitable Organizations:
Certified charitable organizations, usually outlined beneath particular sections of the Inside Income Code, might also be exempt from the tax. This exemption helps the work of non-profit organizations contributing to the neighborhood. A lease of workplace furnishings to a registered charity working inside Chicago might fall beneath this exemption.
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Manufacturing and Analysis and Growth:
Sure forms of gear used primarily for manufacturing or analysis and improvement actions could also be exempt. This exemption goals to encourage financial improvement and innovation throughout the metropolis. For instance, a lease of specialised equipment for a producing plant positioned in Chicago might qualify for exemption.
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Brief-Time period Leases:
Leases with phrases falling beneath a specified period, sometimes lower than 30 days, could also be exempt. This exemption simplifies tax administration for short-term leases and acknowledges the totally different nature of those agreements in comparison with longer-term leases. A automobile rental for every week inside Chicago would usually fall beneath this exemption.
Navigating these exemptions requires cautious examination of the precise standards outlined within the Municipal Code. Companies ought to seek the advice of official documentation or search skilled recommendation to find out eligibility for exemptions and guarantee correct tax compliance. Correctly making use of these exemptions can considerably influence the general price of leasing private property in Chicago, making it a significant facet of monetary planning for companies working throughout the metropolis.
6. Registration
Compliance with the Chicago private property lease transaction tax usually necessitates registration with town’s Division of Finance. This registration course of establishes the lessee’s tax obligations and facilitates correct reporting and cost. Understanding the registration necessities is essential for companies leasing private property inside Chicago to keep away from penalties and preserve compliance.
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Figuring out Legal responsibility:
Registration is usually required for entities leasing private property inside Chicago and topic to the tax. Figuring out legal responsibility necessitates an intensive understanding of the tax’s applicability, together with concerns of lease kind, property kind, and utilization location. Companies should assess their leasing actions to find out if registration is required. Misinterpreting these standards can result in non-compliance and potential penalties.
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Registration Course of:
The registration course of sometimes entails submitting an software to the Division of Finance, offering details about the enterprise, its leasing actions, and make contact with particulars. This course of could also be accomplished on-line or by way of paper kinds. Adhering to the required procedures and offering correct info are important for a easy registration expertise. Failure to register correctly may end up in delays and problems.
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Sustaining Correct Data:
Registered entities should preserve correct data of their lease transactions, together with lease agreements, cost particulars, and property info. These data are essential for demonstrating compliance throughout audits and guaranteeing correct tax reporting. Organized record-keeping facilitates a streamlined course of and minimizes the danger of discrepancies.
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Updating Registration Info:
Any adjustments to the enterprise’s info, similar to handle, contact particulars, or leasing actions, must be promptly reported to the Division of Finance to take care of correct registration data. Holding this info up to date ensures efficient communication and avoids potential points with tax reporting and funds. Failure to replace info can result in missed notifications and potential penalties.
Registration serves as a vital first step in complying with the Chicago private property lease transaction tax. A transparent understanding of the registration necessities, course of, and ongoing obligations is important for companies leasing private property throughout the metropolis. Correct registration facilitates correct tax reporting, avoids penalties, and contributes to a clear and compliant enterprise setting.
7. Returns and Funds
Correct and well timed submitting of returns and funds is essential for compliance with the Chicago private property lease transaction tax. This course of ensures town receives the proper tax income and permits companies to take care of a transparent monetary document of their tax obligations. Understanding the intricacies of return submitting and cost procedures is important for companies leasing private property inside Chicago.
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Submitting Frequency:
The frequency of return submitting is determined by the amount of lease transactions. Companies with greater transaction volumes could also be required to file returns month-to-month, whereas these with decrease volumes may file quarterly or yearly. The Division of Finance gives particular pointers on submitting frequency based mostly on transaction thresholds. Adhering to the prescribed submitting schedule is important for sustaining compliance and avoiding penalties.
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Cost Strategies:
Numerous cost strategies are sometimes obtainable, together with on-line funds, mail-in checks, and digital funds transfers. The Division of Finance outlines acceptable cost strategies and gives directions for every. Selecting probably the most handy and environment friendly cost technique can streamline the method and guarantee well timed cost.
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Due Dates and Penalties:
Returns and funds are topic to particular due dates. Late submitting or cost may end up in penalties, together with curiosity expenses and potential authorized motion. Understanding the due dates and potential penalties of late submitting is important for avoiding monetary repercussions. Sustaining a calendar of tax deadlines will help guarantee well timed compliance.
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Document Holding Necessities:
Sustaining complete data of all lease transactions, together with lease agreements, cost particulars, and exemption documentation, is essential for supporting filed returns and demonstrating compliance throughout audits. These data present a verifiable audit path and facilitate correct reporting. Organized record-keeping practices decrease the danger of discrepancies and potential penalties.
The returns and funds course of is integral to the administration of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax. Correct and well timed submitting, coupled with meticulous record-keeping, ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and contributes to the environment friendly functioning of town’s income system. Understanding and adhering to those procedures is a basic accountability for companies leasing private property inside Chicago.
8. Penalties
Penalties related to the Chicago private property lease transaction tax function a deterrent towards non-compliance and make sure the integrity of town’s income assortment system. These penalties can come up from varied violations, together with failure to register, late submitting of returns, inaccurate reporting of lease transactions, and delinquent tax funds. The severity of penalties sometimes correlates with the character and extent of the violation. For instance, a minor oversight in reporting may lead to a smaller penalty than intentional tax evasion.
Understanding the potential penalties is essential for companies leasing private property inside Chicago. Late submitting penalties usually contain a percentage-based cost utilized to the excellent tax quantity, accruing every day or month-to-month. Failure to register or vital discrepancies in reported info can result in substantial fines. In circumstances of deliberate tax evasion, prison expenses could also be pursued. Sensible implications for companies embrace potential disruption of operations, injury to status, and vital monetary burdens. Think about a state of affairs the place an organization neglects to file returns for a number of quarters; the collected penalties and curiosity might considerably influence profitability. One other instance entails a enterprise misclassifying leased gear to keep away from the tax; if found throughout an audit, the ensuing penalties and again taxes may very well be substantial.
Navigating the complexities of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax requires diligent consideration to element and adherence to rules. Proactive measures, similar to implementing strong inside controls, participating tax professionals for steering, and sustaining correct data, can mitigate the danger of incurring penalties. The results of non-compliance underscore the significance of prioritizing correct and well timed tax administration. Finally, understanding and complying with the tax rules safeguards companies from monetary and authorized repercussions, contributing to a secure and compliant working setting.
9. Audits
Audits play a vital function in guaranteeing compliance with the Chicago private property lease transaction tax. Performed by town’s Division of Finance, these audits confirm the accuracy of reported lease transactions and tax funds. Understanding the audit course of and its potential implications is important for companies leasing private property inside Chicago.
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Scope and Choice:
Audits can cowl particular intervals or the whole lot of a lease settlement. Choice for audit will be random or based mostly on particular danger components, similar to discrepancies in reported info or trade developments. Companies must be ready for the opportunity of an audit no matter their measurement or perceived compliance standing. For instance, an organization persistently reporting low lease funds in comparison with trade averages may set off an audit.
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Documentation Necessities:
Throughout an audit, companies should present documentation supporting reported lease transactions and tax funds. This documentation could embrace lease agreements, cost data, exemption certificates, and property info. Sustaining organized and readily accessible data is essential for facilitating a easy audit course of. Failure to offer requested documentation can result in unfavorable assumptions and potential penalties.
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Potential Outcomes:
Audit outcomes can vary from affirmation of compliance to identification of discrepancies and evaluation of further taxes, penalties, and curiosity. If discrepancies are discovered, companies have the chance to current supporting proof and contest the findings. Cooperation with auditors and a proactive method to resolving points can mitigate potential destructive penalties. As an illustration, if an audit reveals underreported lease funds, the enterprise may face again taxes, penalties, and curiosity.
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Submit-Audit Actions:
Following an audit, companies ought to overview the findings and take corrective actions if crucial. This will likely contain updating inside processes, enhancing record-keeping practices, or searching for skilled tax recommendation. Studying from audit experiences can strengthen compliance efforts and decrease the danger of future points. An organization may implement new software program to trace lease transactions extra precisely or present further coaching to workers answerable for tax compliance.
Audits characterize a crucial element of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax enforcement framework. Understanding the audit course of, sustaining correct data, and proactively addressing any recognized points are important for minimizing danger and sustaining a constructive relationship with the Division of Finance. By viewing audits as a chance to refine inside processes and strengthen compliance, companies can contribute to a good and environment friendly tax system.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the Chicago private property lease transaction tax, offering readability on key facets of this levy.
Query 1: What constitutes a “lease” beneath the Chicago private property lease transaction tax ordinance?
A lease is outlined as a switch of possession or proper to make use of private property for consideration. This encompasses agreements past conventional leases, together with leases and licenses, the place possession or utilization rights are transferred for cost.
Query 2: Is all private property topic to this tax?
No. The tax applies to tangible private property, similar to gear, autos, and equipment, positioned and used inside Chicago. Intangible property like patents and copyrights are sometimes exempt. Particular exemptions additionally exist for sure property utilized in manufacturing, analysis and improvement, and by qualifying non-profit organizations.
Query 3: How is the tax calculated?
The tax is calculated by making use of the present tax fee (9% as of October 26, 2023) to the entire lease funds. This consists of periodic funds and any upfront charges related to the lease settlement.
Query 4: What if leased property is used each inside and outdoors of Chicago?
The tax applies solely to the portion of lease funds attributable to the property’s use inside Chicago metropolis limits. Correct data documenting utilization areas are essential for correct tax calculation.
Query 5: What are the registration necessities for this tax?
Entities leasing private property topic to the tax are usually required to register with the Chicago Division of Finance. This entails offering details about the enterprise and its leasing actions. Particular necessities and procedures can be found by way of official metropolis assets.
Query 6: What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties for non-compliance can embrace curiosity expenses on unpaid taxes, fines for late submitting or inaccurate reporting, and potential authorized motion in circumstances of great violations. Understanding and adhering to the rules minimizes the danger of penalties.
Completely understanding these facets of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax ensures correct compliance and knowledgeable monetary planning. Consulting official metropolis assets and searching for skilled tax recommendation can present additional clarification and steering tailor-made to particular circumstances.
For additional particulars relating to particular eventualities or distinctive circumstances, please seek the advice of the Chicago Division of Finance or a professional tax skilled.
Ideas for Navigating the Chicago Private Property Lease Transaction Tax
Cautious consideration of the next suggestions can help companies in successfully managing their obligations beneath the Chicago private property lease transaction tax.
Tip 1: Keep Meticulous Data: Complete data of all lease agreements, cost particulars, and property utilization areas are essential. These data substantiate reported transactions throughout audits and facilitate correct tax calculations. Organized documentation minimizes disputes and potential penalties.
Tip 2: Perceive Lease Classifications: Not all agreements involving using private property qualify as taxable leases. Distinguishing between true leases and conditional gross sales agreements is important. Conditional gross sales, the place possession ultimately transfers to the consumer, will not be topic to this tax.
Tip 3: Decide Property Location and Utilization: The tax applies solely to property positioned and used inside Chicago. Exactly figuring out the property’s location and documenting its utilization inside metropolis limits are important for correct tax evaluation. Partially used exterior Chicago? Allocate the lease funds accordingly.
Tip 4: Discover Relevant Exemptions: A number of exemptions exist, together with these for presidency entities, charitable organizations, and particular gear utilized in manufacturing or analysis and improvement. Completely researching and documenting eligibility for exemptions can considerably scale back tax legal responsibility.
Tip 5: Calculate Tax Precisely: Apply the present tax fee to the portion of lease funds attributable to the property’s use inside Chicago. Make the most of obtainable on-line assets or seek the advice of tax professionals for help with advanced calculations.
Tip 6: File Returns and Pay Well timed: Adhere to prescribed submitting frequencies and cost deadlines to keep away from penalties. Make the most of digital submitting and cost choices for environment friendly and well timed compliance. Keep a calendar of tax deadlines to keep away from late submitting and cost.
Tip 7: Search Skilled Steering: Advanced lease buildings or distinctive circumstances could necessitate skilled tax recommendation. Consulting with tax consultants specializing in Chicago tax rules ensures correct interpretation and software of the tax legal guidelines.
Adhering to those suggestions empowers companies to proactively handle their tax obligations, decrease dangers, and contribute to a smoother, extra compliant operational setting inside Chicago.
Following these pointers permits companies to method the Chicago private property lease transaction tax with readability and confidence. The following part concludes this complete overview.
Chicago Private Property Lease Transaction Tax
This exploration has supplied a complete overview of the Chicago private property lease transaction tax, encompassing its definition, software, and related procedures. Key facets lined embrace the definition of taxable leases, the scope of non-public property inclusion, the significance of transaction location inside Chicago, the present tax fee, obtainable exemptions, registration necessities, return submitting and cost procedures, potential penalties for non-compliance, and the function of audits in guaranteeing compliance. Understanding these components is essential for companies working inside Chicago and fascinating in lease agreements involving private property.
Correct administration of this tax is important for each companies and the Metropolis of Chicago. Compliance ensures town receives crucial funding for public companies, whereas correct tax planning permits companies to function inside authorized parameters and keep away from monetary penalties. Remaining knowledgeable about evolving rules and searching for skilled steering when crucial are essential for navigating the complexities of this tax and contributing to a clear and environment friendly enterprise setting.
