The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and repurposing of historic buildings.
The federal tax incentives program for Iowa properties is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa. Each entity performs the following roles and responsibilities. Complete information is available with the Technical Preservation Services.
State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa
- Serve as first point of contact for property owners
- Provide application forms, regulations, information on appropriate treatments and technical assistance
- Maintain records of buildings and districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as well as state and local certified historic districts
- Assist anyone wishing to list a building or a district in the National Register of Historic Places
- Advise applicants on rehabilitation projects and make site visits
- Make certification recommendations to the National Park Service
National Park Service
- Reviews applications for conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
- Issues certification decisions in writing
- Transmits copies of all decisions to the Internal Revenue Service
- Publishes program regulations, Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, Historic Preservation Certification Application and information on rehabilitation treatments
Internal Revenue Service
- Publishes regulations on qualified rehabilitation expenses, time periods for incurring expenses, and all other financial matters concerning the 20% tax credit
- Answers inquiries on financial aspects of the program and publishes an audit guide to assist owners
- Audits taxpayers to ensure that only parties eligible for the 20% tax credits use them