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    Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

    Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit

    ​Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits (RITC) - also known as historic tax credits - are the most widely used historic preservation incentive program. Certain expenses incurred in connection with rehabilitating an old building are eligible for a tax credit. RITCs are available to own

    Accessing PA-SHARE

    PA-SHARE is online platform that makes it easy for you to submit your plans online. You can register for this platform and submit projects for PA SHPO review, under Section 106 and the State History Code.

    How to Apply

    Eligibility for the 20% Tax Credit

    1. The building must be listed on the National Register, either individually or as a contributing building within a National Register Historic District, or be a contributing building to a Certified Local District (a locally designated historic district that has been certified by the National Park Service).
    2. Building must be used for income producing purposes, for example office, retail, residential rental, bed and breakfast, and light manufacturing uses. The building must be a depreciable building and not used as a private residence.
    3. Rehabilitation work itself must be undertaken according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
    4. The project must meet the "substantial rehabilitation test." This test is where the amount of money to be spent on the rehabilitation must exceed the adjusted basis of the building or $5,000, whichever is greater. Generally, projects must be finished within a 24-month period.
    5. After rehabilitation, the building must be owned by the same owner and operated as an income producing property for five years. 

    How to Apply

    Two government agencies, the PHMC serving as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service (NPS), must review the project. 

    The owner submits the application form to PA SHPO using PA-SHARE. 

    The project is reviewed and passed on to the NPS for their review and comment and final certification decision. Application forms are available from the NPS website

    The application is a three part process:

    Part 1 - Evaluation of Significance

    Part 1 documents the building as a certified historic structure and one that is eligible to receive the tax credit. Buildings that are individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places are automatically designated as "certified historic structures." If a building is located within a National Register Historic District, a Part 1 must be submitted.

    Part 2 - Description of Rehabilitation

    Part 2 explains the scope of the rehabilitation work and should be filed before work begins. The Part 2 must provide drawings to show the existing conditions and the proposed rehabilitation work and any new additions or new construction. All projects are reviewed and evaluated in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

    Part 3 - Request for Certification of Completed Work

    Part 3 documents the completed work and is proof (for the IRS) that the rehabilitation is "certified."

    The application is substantiated by "before" and "after" photographs and plans. The SHPO provides ongoing technical assistance throughout the application process and encourages early communication with our office.

    Additional Information

    Additional information, tax application forms, and instructions are available from the PA SHPO upon request. As with any tax law, there are restrictions which may affect your ability to make use of these tax benefits, particularly Passive Activity rules and Alternative Minimum Tax rules, so you should seek the advice of a tax accountant.

    The National Park Service website is the best resource for information on the federal historic preservation tax credit program. Below are a number of useful links to both t

    Contact Information

    John Wood, Preservation Incentives Division Manager

    jpwood@pa.gov

    (717) 214-8650

    Shawn Massey, Historic Tax Credit Reviewer

    shmassey@pa.gov

    (717) 787-9920

    Internal Revenue Code

    Public Law No: 115-97 (December 22, 2017)  amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Section 13402: 

    • modifies the 20% Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit,
    • repeals the 10% tax credit for the rehabilitation of non-historic buildings, and
    • provides transition rules for both credits.

    These and other changes to the Internal Revenue Code may affect a taxpayer's ability to use the 20% tax credit.

    Applicants requesting historic preservation certifications by the National Park Service and those interested in the use of the credits are strongly advised to consult an accountant, tax attorney, legal counsel, or the Internal Revenue Service regarding the changes to the Internal Revenue Code related to Public Law No: 115-97.