The Heritage Council administers the Kentucky Historic Preservation Tax Credit program in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program in partnership with the National Park Service. Both of these credits are intended as incentives for private investment in historic buildings throughout the Commonwealth.

Tax Credit Information

After many years of encouragement by the Kentucky preservation community, the Kentucky General Assembly has approved a state tax credit in exchange for investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. First proposed by Governor Ernie Fletcher in his JOBS for Kentucky Tax Modernization Plan, Governor Fletcher signed the tax credit into law when he signed historic tax modernization legislation on March 18, 2005.

Residential and Commerical Historic Properties are eligible for the Kentucky Tax Credit

30% of qualified rehabilitation expenses is offered as a state tax credit for owner-occupied residential properties. A minimum investment of $20,000 is required, with the total credit not to exceed $60,000

20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses is available for all other properties, requiring a minimum investment of $20,000 or the adjusted basis, whichever is greater, with the total credit not to exceed $400,000

The legislation caps total tax credit expenditures at $3 million annually

The following are pdf files, you will need Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view them.

Kentucky Historic Preservation Tax Credit Instructions and Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Part 1 Application – Evaluation of National Register Status

Part 2 Application – Description of Rehabilitation

Part 3 Application – Certification of Completed Work

Amendment Form

Summary of Investment

Who do I contact for more information?

Midway School, Woodford County

The Heritage Council manages one of the most successful tax credit programs in the United States.  In fact, the Council ranks third in the country for the number of historic properties rehabilitated using this incentive.  In 1998, the Council reviewed 72 projects in 23 counties for a total investment of over $33 million.  David Morgan, Director of the Heritage Council, says of the program, “We are pleased with the results of the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program in Kentucky.  This program has stimulated private restoration investments in all areas of the state.  We have seen major improvements in downtown areas that would have otherwise been demolished.  Revitalized structures have now become fully functioning businesses, and all are income-producing properties.”