Michigan State Historic Tax Credit program applications opening June 15

New program will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced that applications for the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program will open on June 15 at 9 a.m. The application will close once all tax credits have been allocated for 2022.

Approved in May 2021 by the Michigan Strategic Fund board, the draft rules for the new State Historic Tax Credit Program, as signed into law by the Governor on December 30, 2020, will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources in communities throughout every county of the state.

“Throughout Michigan, we are fortunate to have many historic buildings that provide a sense of community history and opportunity for growth and investment. However, unused buildings often contribute to blight and further disinvestment. In many cases, a stimulus can often ensure that these important structures are maintained and rehabilitated. The new State Historic Tax Credit Program will assist in the revitalization of Michigan’s historic resources, resulting in vibrant, unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play,” said Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer Mark A. Rodman. “We are excited to be able to offer this additional source for investment for both commercial and residential properties across the state.”

The State Historic Tax Credit Program will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources. The credit has a $5 million cap per calendar year.

The following general requirements apply for State Credit program consideration:

1. A property must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Sites, or be in a local historic district, and either be individually listed or contribute to a listed district to be eligible for the State Credit.
2. The State Credit has a $5 million cap per calendar year, which will be divided as follows:
   
   
   • $2 million for commercial projects with expenses of $2 million or greater.
   • $2 million for commercial projects with expenses of less than $2 million.
   • $1 million total for owner-occupied residential projects.
     
     
3. Credit reservations will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. A three-part online application is used to apply for the State Credit. It is similar to the parts used for the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, but is a completely independent and separate program and application.

The following resources are available to help prepare to submit an application:

• Sample Web Applications in PDF format
• Web Application Overview Recording
• New State Credit program FAQs
• Required Application Materials

Potential applicants are encouraged to review the New State Credit program FAQs to learn more details about the program. It is also recommended that potential applicants review the legislation, PA 343 of 2020, and associated rules, R 206.201 – R 206.212.

SHPO will host two overview webinars on June 13, followed by live Q&A. Each webinar will be recorded and published online on June 14:

• Session 1: Commercial Tax Credit | 2-3 p.m.
• Session 2: Residential Tax Credit | 5-6 p.m.
• Click here to register for one or both sessions.

Many answers on the State Credit program may be found in the New State Credit program FAQs. Additional questions can be emailed to preservation@michigan.gov. The full Public Act can be reviewed by visiting here.

About the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
Focused on the historic preservation of culturally or archaeologically significant sites throughout the state, Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office’s main function is to provide technical assistance to local communities and property owners in their efforts to identify, evaluate, designate, interpret and protect Michigan’s historic above- and below-ground resources. SHPO also administers an incentives program that includes state and federal tax credits and pass-through grants available to Certified Local Governments.

To learn more about the State Historic Preservation Office and Historic Preservation Tax Credits, visit https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.