The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides a tax credit to leverage the private redevelopment of historic buildings. The program is highly competitive and receives applications bi-annually in March and September.

With 29 rounds of funding complete, tax credits have been approved for 587 projects to rehabilitate more than 819 historic buildings in 82 different Ohio communities. The program is projected to leverage more than $8.27 billion in private development funding and federal tax credits directly through the rehabilitation projects.

Round 29 Awards Announcement

Round 29 of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Awards was announced on December 20, 2022. The Ohio Department of Development awarded tax credits to rehabilitate 57 historic buildings in 21 communities. Six projects in five cities were awarded in places that have not previously had an OHPTC award.

View a list of approved Round 29 projects

What is the Tax Credit?

The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides a state tax credit up to 25% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures incurred during a rehabilitation project, up to $5 million. The tax credit can be applied to applicable financial institutions, foreign and domestic insurance premiums or individual income taxes. Projects certified on or before June 30, 2021, can apply the tax credit against applicable commercial activity taxes. Projects certified after this date will not be able to apply the tax credit in that way.

Who Can Apply?

Owners and long-term lessees of historically designated buildings who undertake a rehabilitation project may apply for the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit. A building must be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places; contribute to a National Register Historic District, National Park Service Certified Historic District, or Certified Local Government historic district; or be listed as a local landmark by a Certified Local Government to be eligible. Properties that will be used as a single-family residence or multi-family residential condominiums are not eligible.

How to Apply

Applications are received bi-annually in March and September. Applicants file an application with Development and applicable historic rehabilitation documentation with the State Historic Preservation Office. All applicants are required to schedule a pre-application meeting with the State Historic Preservation Office prior to application submission.

Round 30 Schedule: Spring 2023

• SHPO Pre-App Meeting Request Deadline: January 31, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Intent to Apply Submission Deadline and Deadline to Hold SHPO Pre-Application Meeting: February 15, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Historic Documentation (Part 1 and 2) Deadline: February 28, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Application/Fee Submission Deadline: March 31, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Application Review Period: April 1-June 1, 2023
• Approved Applications Announced: On or before June 30, 2023

Round 31 Schedule: Fall 2023

• SHPO Pre-App Meeting Request Deadline: August 1, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Intent to Apply Submission Deadline and Deadline to Hold SHPO Pre-Application Meeting: August 15, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Historic Documentation (Part 1 and 2) Deadline: August 31, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Application/Fee Submission Deadline: October 2, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
• Application Review Period: October 3 – December 1, 2023
• Approved Applications Announced: On or before December 31, 2023

Pipeline Initiative

Pipeline Initiative applications for Fiscal Year 2023 will be accepted between July 1, 2022 and June, 30 2023. The allocation for Fiscal Year 2023 has been awarded in full. Applicants will be able to apply again on or after July 1, 2023 when the allocation for Fiscal Year 2024 begins. A waiting list will not be maintained.

The primary goal of the Pipeline Initiative is to develop a pathway for properties that are eligible for redevelopment assistance through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. The initiative provides funding and technical assistance to assist in nominating buildings, districts, and areas to the National Register of Historic Places. Funding will be prioritized for projects that create the greatest potential for commercial and multi-family housing redevelopment. Four project types, as defined in the application document, will be eligible for grant funding.

Applications are accepted on an open cycle and funded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on funding availability. Please see the application document for additional funding determination guidance. Prior to applying, all applicants are required to discuss their project with program staff. Please contact Lisa Brownell at Lisa.brownell@development.ohio.gov or (614) 752-2345 for more information or to discuss a potential project. The application form can be downloaded under 'Pipeline Initiative' in the right-hand menu above.