Tax Credits & Loans: Overview

Exterior rehab of Honan Block completed under Woonsocket's Main Street Facade Restoration Program with partial funding from a Federal Income Tax Credit. The deteriorated cast iron facade was cleaned and restored, new matching wood windows were installed, and a fresh paint scheme applied.

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission administers programs to help owners meet the costs of maintaining their historic properties. Among the mechanisms that the Commission uses are tax incentives, preservation easements, and low-interest loans. In addition to these financial incentives, restoration architects on the Commission staff help owners to plan their projects and make sure that the work meets preservation standards.

As of June 1, 2011, the Homeowner Tax Credit has been suspended and is no longer available to new applicants or to taxpayers who have outstanding credits. Please visit the Homeowner Tax Credit page for more information.

Commercial Tax Credits are available to property owners who rehabilitate their properties according to preservation guidelines.

The Historic Preservation Loan Program provides low-interest loans to public, non-profit, or private owners. Loan money may be used for needed restoration work, or for acquiring and rehabilitating an endangered historic property.

The Commission also operates a Preservation Easement program which protects a historic property from destruction by future owners and may qualify the current property owner for tax benefits.