Incentives
A GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES PROGRAM FOR INCOME-PRODUCING PROPERTIES
Program Essentials Application Basics The Review Process Meeting the Standards for Rehabilitation Avoiding Incompatible Work

Complete application requirements

What comprises a complete Historic Preservation Certification Application?

Answer
Two (2) sets of the application—an original and a copy—and accompanying materials are required. Both sets are sent to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which retains one and forwards one to the National Park Service (NPS).

A complete Historic Preservation Certification Application includes:

  • Original, signed and dated Part 1 form (if applicable), Part 2 form and Part 3 form.
  • Owner’s original signature and Social Security Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, or an indication that the number has been applied for.
  • All information requested on the application form provided, including the number of phases, costs, starting and completion dates and square footage.
  • Appropriate accompanying materials, including photographs and plans. Photographs must document the building and its surrounding as they appeared before rehabilitation (for Parts 1 and 2) and after (for Part 3). Photographs must show all elevations of the building, views of the building in its setting, on the street, and representative interior spaces and features. Plans showing the building as it exists before rehabilitation and plans showing the proposed work must also be provided.
  • Photographs should be conventional 35 mm color prints and should be labeled on the back. Photocopies, instant or digital images are generally not sufficiently clear or detailed to permit the NPS to review an application.
  • Continuation/Amendment sheets with the name and address of the property and the NPS number assigned to the project should be submitted promptly if a change occurs in the proposed work.

Application Basics: Sending your application to SHPO

A historic shoe factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was rehabilitated for office use. Photo: NPS files

A historic shoe factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was rehabilitated for office use.
Photo: NPS files

National Park Service