Historic properties in a Cultural District or Downtown Development District, if qualified, can earn 25% in tax credits for rehabilitation projects. The State Commercial Tax Credit Program, originally created in 2002 to encourage redevelopment of income-producing historic buildings, is still in place today and helping downtown Shreveport save its historic building inventory. The enabling program legislation has been amended several times to encourage the redevelopment of historic buildings in certified Cultural Districts and to include National Register-listed buildings.
Rehabilitation projects must exceed $10,000 in qualified rehabilitation expenses (QRE) and be completed according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Once earned, the credits are fully transferable (can be sold) and may be carried forward for up to five years. The Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation (SHPO) acts as the first point of contact. The SHPO staff reviews applications for compliance. The program has an annual statewide cap of $125 million. The HTC program sunsets on December 31, 2028. The DDA staff can assist property owners with the program. For more information, contact the DDA at 318-222-7403 or SHPO at 225-342-8200 or https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/historic-preservation/tax-incentives/state-commercial-tax-credit/index
