(a) A taxpayer is allowed a Growing Alabama Credit to be applied against the tax levied by this chapter. In no event shall the Growing Alabama Credit cause a taxpayer’s income tax liability to be reduced by more than 50 percent. Unused credits may be carried forward for no more than five years.

(b) Growing Alabama Credits shall be granted to taxpayers using an online system administered by the Department of Revenue. The online system shall allow taxpayers to agree to make a cash contribution to a local economic development organization which was approved by the Renewal of Alabama Commission, as provided in Section 40-18-412. The online system shall ensure that credits are not granted for contributions to a local economic development organization in excess of the amounts approved by the Renewal of Alabama Commission, as provided in Section 40-18-412.

(c) In no event shall Growing Alabama Credits be allowed in excess of five million dollars ($5,000,000) for fiscal year 2016. In no event shall Growing Alabama Credits be allowed in excess of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) per year for fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

(d) The Renewal of Alabama Commission shall reserve at least 25 percent of the amounts specified in subsection (c) for projects in targeted counties described in Section 40-18-376.1.

(e) To the extent that a Growing Alabama Credit is used by a taxpayer, the taxpayer shall not be allowed any deduction which would have otherwise been allowed for the taxpayer's contribution. Credits may only be claimed by the donating individual or corporate entity and may not be assigned or transferred to any other taxpayer. A taxpayer may not claim a credit for a donation made by any other entity, including an entity taxed under subchapter S or subchapter K of which the taxpayer is an owner, shareholder, partner, or member.