Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program

The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development and is designed to encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings across the state. The program operates as a competitive tax credit initiative that leverages private investment to preserve historically significant structures while stimulating economic development. Over multiple funding rounds, the program has supported hundreds of projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to revitalizing communities and maintaining Ohio’s architectural heritage. The primary objective of the program is to incentivize the rehabilitation of buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contribute to a registered historic district, or are recognized as local landmarks by certified governments. Eligible applicants include property owners and long-term lessees who undertake qualified rehabilitation projects. However, the program excludes properties intended for single-family residential use or condominium developments, focusing instead on projects that contribute to broader economic and community development goals. Funding is provided in the form of a state tax credit equal to up to 25 percent of qualified rehabilitation expenditures, with a maximum award of five million dollars per project. In certain smaller municipalities or unincorporated areas, the credit may increase to 35 percent, still capped at five million dollars. Qualified expenditures include costs directly associated with rehabilitating historic structures, such as architectural and engineering services, but exclude acquisition costs, new construction, and site improvements like landscaping. The tax credit can be applied against several types of state tax liabilities, making it a flexible financial tool for developers. The application process is multifaceted and requires coordination between the Ohio Department of Development and the State Historic Preservation Office. Applicants must first submit an Intent to Apply and schedule a required pre application meeting with the preservation office. They must also submit detailed historic documentation, including certification forms that demonstrate the building’s eligibility and outline the proposed rehabilitation work. The final application is submitted through an online portal and must include financial data, project scope, and supporting documentation such as proof of ownership or leaseholder interest. Applications are evaluated through a competitive scoring system based on regional distribution, economic impact, financing readiness, and project scale. Applicants must achieve a minimum score threshold to remain eligible. Additional factors such as local support, job creation potential, and end use commitments can improve competitiveness. The program also includes set asides for small and intermediate projects to ensure equitable access across project sizes and geographic regions. For Round 37, key deadlines include a pre application meeting request deadline of July 31, 2026, an Intent to Apply deadline of August 14, 2026, and a final application submission deadline of September 30, 2026. The review process extends through December, with award announcements expected by the end of the year. Applicants must also pay an application fee equal to 0.1 percent of the requested tax credit and provide proof of payment at submission. Program oversight is managed by designated staff within the Ohio Department of Development, with a named program manager serving as the primary contact for applicants. The program operates on a biannual cycle, with application rounds typically occurring in the spring and fall, providing recurring opportunities for eligible projects to seek funding. The structured timeline and detailed submission requirements ensure that only well prepared and financially viable projects receive tax credit allocations, supporting long term preservation and economic growth outcomes.

Ensure strong financing commitments and maximize leveraged investment ratio; secure local support and tenant commitments; complete all pre application steps early to remain eligible