2018 Theses Master's

The Further Potential of the Federal Historic Tax Credit and Critical Analysis of its Roadblocks

Doherty, Melissa

The Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit ("HTC") Program has been considered successful since its inception, but it possesses various layers of limitations that inhibit its capabilities for greater success. Its requirements are embodied in a three-part application process that has frequently been cited as notoriously complicated and time-consuming, as well as a deterrent for seeking the HTC. Not only does this aspect discourage the use of this program in the first place, but also it delays the progress of those tax credit-based rehabilitation projects that do move forward. Based on a lack of critical analysis of the subject, it is difficult to determine the precise cause of the problem: whether the underuse arises predominantly from a problem with the administration of the credit, a lack of education about the process itself, or a combination of these problems. Understanding the answer to this question demands further analysis. This thesis explores the evolution of the HTC program and analyzes the challenges of the application process as a layer of limitation in the greater context of the program as a whole. This thesis identifies trends between past challenges and current challenges of the application process and proposes practical recommendations to mitigate its limitations.