An application for tax credits must be submitted before the project is completed, although work may begin prior to the application or approval. Ideally, the application should be submitted during the planning stages of the work so the owner can receive the necessary guidance to ensure that the project meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and therefore may qualify for the credits. The application process consists of three parts, all of which are submitted directly to THC.
For both Federal and Texas tax credits, the application process is overseen primarily by the THC. THC staff may visit the property and/or request additional information from the applicant during review. Complete applications for the Federal credits are then sent to NPS with a recommendation as to whether the project meets the Standards for Rehabilitation. NPS makes all final determinations. . Please allow at least 60 days for processing and review of any newly submitted information or application materials: this includes 30 days by THC, and 30 days by NPS.
- Part 1: Evaluation of Significance (Corresponds to state Part A)
The first part of the application determines if the building is eligible for the National Register or contributes to the significance of a National Register historic district. Part 1 of the application is not needed if the property is already individually listed in the National Register, since these properties are already "certified historic structures" for the purposes of the tax credit program.
- Part 2: Description of Rehabilitation(Corresponds to state Part B)
This part of the application describes the existing condition of the building and the proposed work. Photographs are required showing the major character-defining features of the building prior to the start of work. The proposed work is evaluated using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
- Part 3: Request for Certification of Completed Work (Corresponds to state Part C)
The final part of the application is submitted upon completion of the rehabilitation and documents that the work was completed as proposed. Once the National Park Service determines that the completed work meets the Standards and approves Part 3 of the application, the project is a “certified rehabilitation” and qualifies for the tax credits.