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The purpose of the meeting will be to introduce Julie Carmelich, historian from the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.
Carmelich will present a Connecticut Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program available on July 1, 2015, to homeowners statewide with the incentive to preserve the state’s historic residential communities.
“For years historic residential property owners have been asking the HDC about available tax incentives that might help offset the costs of restoring and preserving old houses in our community. Now homeowners may find they can take advantage of this new tax credit program presented in this informative meeting,” said Francis Henkels, chair of the Historic District Commission.
Here are the highlights of the tax-credit program:
- Eligible applicants are Connecticut State Tax paying individuals, including private homeowners, and non-profit housing development corporations.
- The program allows for a tax credit of 30 percent of the eligible rehabilitation expenditures.
- Project expenditures must total at least $15,000 as of July 1, 2015.
- All work must be approved prior to the start of the project.
- The tax credit cannot be taken on personal income tax, but can be assigned to a qualified corporation providing funds in the form of cash.
- After the rehabilitation, the property must be owner-occupied.
- Structure must be listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places. (All local historic district and local landmark properties are listed on the State Register.)
Following the presentation, Carmelich will answer questions from the public about the program and new home ownership opportunities for assistance to existing homeowners with the maintenance and renovation of their properties.
Citizens with questions or comments should contact Carol Leahy, HDC staff administrator, by email at cleahy@westportct.gov, by phone at (203)-341-1184, or in room 108 at Town Hall.
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