Historic Tax Credits

Historic Building Rehabilitation

The Federal and State Historic Tax Incentive programs encourage investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings. Tax credits on qualified expenditures can sometimes make the difference in deciding to undertake renovation of an investment property.

What is a Tax Credit?

A Tax Credit is a direct, dollar for dollar reduction in the amount of money a taxpayer must pay in taxes for a given year. The amount of the tax credit ultimately awarded is based on the qualified cost of renovating and restoring a historic property, which qualifying costs do not include acquisition, additions, or landscaping. Applications must be filed with the state and/or the U.S. Department of the Interior prior to the completion of the project and approved in order the receive the credits.

What are the 2 Historic Rehabilitation Tax Programs?

Federal 20% Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit

  • Credit can be used in a single year or carried forward up to 20 years and back 1 year.
  • Must be an income producing property.
  • Building must be certified as a historic structure by the National Park Service.
  • Building must be considered a contributing element within a National Historic District.
  • Must have been built before the end of the period of significance for particular district.
  • Must be still recognized as historic.
  • Credit Cap: None
  • Rehabilitation expenditures must exceed the adjusted basis of the building (adjusted basis is typically purchase price minus value of land)

State of Louisiana 20% Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credit

The Louisiana legislature approved the extension of the state's historic tax credits to January 1, 2022.

  • Credit can be used in a single year or carried forward up to 5 years and back 1 year.
  • Must be an income producing property.
  • Building must be certified as a historic structure by the Division of Historic Preservation.
  • Building must be at least 50 years old.
  • Located within a Downtown Development District or a Certified Cultural District.
  • Must be still recognized as historic.
  • Credit Cap: $5 million per taxpayer in a particular district.
  • Rehabilitation expenditures must exceed $10,000.

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