Homeowners, Property Tax & Repairs · Surprise rank #154
Own a Qualifying Historic Home? Get a NY Tax Credit Equal to 20% of Approved Rehabilitation Costs
New York offers owner-occupants of qualifying historic homes a state income-tax credit for approved repair, maintenance and rehabilitation work.
Who
Owners who live in a home listed individually on the State or National Register of Historic Places, or contributing to a listed or certified historic district, and located in a qualifying census tract.
Where: Qualifying historic owner-occupied properties in New York State
What to do
Start here: Contact the State Historic Preservation Office and submit the project for approval before beginning work.
Eligibility: The property and owner must qualify, at least $5,000 of qualified rehabilitation expenses are generally required, at least 5% of the project must involve exterior work and the work must meet preservation standards.
What you get
The Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit equals 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures on an eligible owner-occupied historic residence.
Benefit: A state income-tax credit equal to 20% of approved qualified rehabilitation expenses.
Possible value: The credit can be substantial on a major approved rehabilitation; the exact value depends on eligible project costs and tax-credit rules.
Good to know
Important: Do not start first and ask later: project approval is required before work begins. After completion, you must obtain the program’s Certification of Completion before claiming the credit; excess credit may be carried forward.
Availability: Active
Why people miss it: Owners may know federal historic credits exist for commercial buildings but not realize New York has a separate credit for qualifying homes they live in.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026