Federal and State Programs

Tax credits provide a great incentive to preserve, restore and rehabilitate historic buildings.  Almost any building 50 years old or older can qualify for these incentives.  Owners of historic homes can be reimbursed for 25-30% of the amount that they spend on rehabilitation of the home and freeze their property taxes at the value before they conduct the work.  Owners of income-producing or depreciable property can realize these savings plus a 20% federal tax credit.  All of these programs can be used together, so that owners can be reimbursed for 40-65% of the costs of rehabilitating a historic building.

Case Studies

Historic Home- The historic home at 1295 Ross St. in Macon provides a typical example of the savings possible through the state tax incentives for historic preservation.

Income Producing Property- The warehouse at 503 Fifth St. in Macon saved $180,000 rehabilitating a historic warehouse for lofts through federal and state tax incentive programs.

Tax Credit Presentation

More Information

Fact Sheet- Historic Macon Foundation produced a one-page, printable fact sheet to help explain the various tax incentive programs.

Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits- The National Park Service operates a comprehensive website with illustrated guides, frequently asked questions and case studies from around the country.

State of Georgia Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property- The Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provides technical assistance and details about state tax credits.

State of Georgia Preferential Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property- The Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provides technical assistance and details about the state property tax freeze.