The Maine Substantial Rehabilitation Credit

Maine’s "Substantial Rehabilitation Credit" is a 25% state credit for any rehabilitation that also qualifies for the Federal Tax Incentive Program. This credit is so named because a rehabilitation under the Federal program is required to meet the "substantial rehabilitation" threshold, meaning the rehabilitation expenditures must exceed the adjusted basis of the property or $5,000, whichever is greater.

The Substantial Rehabilitation Credit is a "piggyback" onto the Federal credit, does not require a separate State application, and cannot be claimed unless the Federal credit is also claimed. In order to apply for this state credit, the applicant must follow the requirements of the Federal tax incentive program.

The three-part federal Historic Preservation Certification Application (HPCA) forms and supplemental materials must be submitted in accordance with the Federal application instructions, along with Parts A and B of the Maine State Rehabilitation Tax Credit Reporting Form.  Please carefully review the Internal Revenue Service information and Maine's Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Rules (Chapter 813) prior to application.

The Federal application process has changed to an all-electronic submittal as of August 15, 2023. See the link below regarding updated Federal Application Forms & Instructions. As of August 15, 2023, applicants and consultants who do not already have an electronic HTC project file established must contact Mike Johnson, at mike.d.johnson@maine.gov; 207-287-2949, prior to submitting applications so that a project file can be created. Applicants and consultants who have HTC project files established can continue to use those files for project submittals in accordance with the instructions on the Federal Application Forms & Instructions link below. In addition to the procedures established for the Federal application process, our office will continue to require one printed hard copy of all application materials for our record retention purposes and to assist our reviews.

Federal Application Forms & Instructions

Maine State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Reporting Form Page

Internal Revenue Service Info

National Park Service Tax Credit Basics