Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible for a 20 percent investment tax credit for the certified ehabilitation of income-producing certified historic structures such as commercial, industrial, or rental residential buildings. Federal tax deductions also are available for charitable contributions for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land areas or structures. Historic properties are given consideration in the planning for Federal, federally licensed, and federally assisted projects. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires that Federal agencies allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on all projects affecting historic properties either listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register. An example might be the impact on historic properties of a new or enlarged highway.
Property owners qualify for Federal grants for historic preservation, when funds are available.
Funds are not available at this time. Owners of private properties listed in the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided that no Federal monies are involved. Generally, properties eligible for listing in the National Register are at least 50 years old. Properties less than 50 years of age must be exceptionally significant to be considered eligible for listing. The criteria are designed to guide State and local governments, Federal agencies, and others in evaluating potential entries in the National Register.