The Barn Tax Credit Returns!

Old barns have been given a lifeline with the new Historic Barn Tax Credit, signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The state tax credit program has been revised to make it more responsive and more directly beneficial to the owners of historic agricultural buildings.

Barns built prior to 1946 are eligible and do not need to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The tax credit is equal to 25% of the cost to repair the barn or adapt it for a nonresidential use that involves no change to the historic appearance. The minimum project cost is $5,000 and the tax credit can be applied to expenses incurred within the five years prior to filing for the credit.

For more information, contact the Division for Historic Preservation of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, 518-237-8643.