280-RICR-20-20-3
280-RICR-20-20-3. Historic Structures Tax Credit (version Adoption, 04/15/2008 to 11/09/2008)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
THE DIVISION OF TAXATION
HISTORIC PRESERVATION INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT
Adopted by the Tax Division on April 15, 2008
EMERGENCY REGULATION
ARTICLE I FINDINGS
In response to the current fiscal budgetary crisis, the General Assembly enacted
House Bill 8016 Sub A and Senate Bill 2846 Sub A, that make significant
amendments to Rhode Island's Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit under
Chapter 33.2 of Title 44. These changes take effect immediately.
Because of imminent due dates for certain elections or actions under the amended
statutes, the existence of previously certified tax credits, and the existence of
pending applications for the tax credit, there is imminent peril to the public welfare
in that some persons involved with ongoing projects may unknowingly fail to take
necessary measures to properly certify tax credits and consequently declare tax
deficiencies. It is further found that due to the current fiscal budgetary crisis and
time constraints, an emergency rule or regulation needs to be promulgated without
prior notice and hearing in order to advise affected persons as to how the changes
in the tax credit will be implemented.
Accordingly, in accordance with R.I.G.L. §42-35-3(b) and R.I.G.L. §44-33.2-4(f), as
amended by the General Assembly, the Tax Administrator of the Division of
Taxation, Department of Revenue and the Executive Director of Historical
Preservation and Heritage Commission (the Commission), hereby promulgate the
following emergency regulation, on a joint basis, to implement the provisions of
House Bill 8916 Sub A and Senate Bill 2846 Sub A.
ARTICLE II GENERAL OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
House Bill 8016 Sub A and Senate Bill 2846 Sub A divide projects into three (3)
groups and afford them different treatment depending upon what stage the project
has reached as of January 1, 2008.
1. All projects placed in service prior to January 1, 2008 will receive the current
30% tax credit provided that their Part 3 applications are submitted to the
Commission and processing fees paid to the Division of Taxation (Tax
Division) on or before May 15, 2008. Projects that fail to submit Part 3
application or fail to make payment by May 15, 2008 will not be
eligible to receive tax credits.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
2
2. Most projects that are already in progress may continue but with a reduced
credit amount and higher fee. Projects who have submitted Part 1 of their
application to the Commission prior to January 1, 2008 will have the option
of continuing under the new rules.
• Projects that wish to continue in the program must pay a processing
fee ranging from 3% to 5% of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures,
with 2.25% of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures due on or
before May 15, 2008, and the balance due on or before March 5,
2009.
• Projects may opt for one of the following combinations of processing
fees and tax credits:
i. 27% credit with a 5% processing fee
ii. 26% credit with a 4% processing fee
iii. 25% credit with a 3% processing fee
• All projects continuing in the program will enter into a contract with
the Tax Division stating the estimated amount of Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures for the project, the tax credit
percentage, and the amount of fees. The contract will constitute a
State guaranty that the stated amount of tax credits will be available
when earned. Projects will not be allowed to claim additional tax
credits based on an increase in the Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures. If final Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures should
be less than the amount stated in the contract, overpayment of fees
will be refunded by the Tax Division.
• Upon completion of the project, Part 3 of the application must be
submitted to Commission for certification that the rehabilitation is
consistent with specified standards and a detailed statement of costs,
which must be certified by a certified public accountant licensed in
Rhode Island, must be filed with the Tax Division.
3. A moratorium on new projects would go into effect as of January 1, 2008.
Projects that submitted a Part 1 application to the Commission after
December 31, 2007 will not be eligible for tax credits.
ARTICLE III DEFINITIONS
1. “Accountant’s Certification” means the certification of a certified public
accountant licensed in the State of Rhode Island containing the information
required in the Application for a Certificate of Completed Work. The Accountant’s
Certification includes but is not limited to certification of the Adjusted Basis at the
beginning of the Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation costs properly capitalized to the
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
3
building, and project costs incurred but not eligible for the Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit such as costs for new construction and other costs not
chargeable to capital account.
2.
“Act” means Chapter 33.2 of Title 44 of the Rhode Island General
Laws, as amended.
3.
“Adjusted Basis” means the Owner’s basis in a building, adjusted by
depreciation and other adjustments that impact basis, computed in accordance with
federal income tax law. In general, adjusted basis is determined with reference to
the cost of the building (excluding land) in the hands of the Owner at the time of
acquisition, decreased by depreciation and other deductions that reduce basis, and
increased by costs incurred in connection with the building and capitalized to the
building, such as the cost of improvements to the building.
4.
“Affiliate” means any entity controlling, controlled by or under common
control with such person, firm, partnership, trust, estate, limited liability company,
corporation (whether profit or non-profit) or other business entity that incurs
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures for the substantial rehabilitation of a
certified historic structure of some identifiable portion thereof.
5.
“Allocation Agreement” means an executed agreement among all
Participants of a Pass-Through Entity, or among all Owners of a building having
multiple owners, setting forth the method for allocation of the Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit agreed upon among the Participants or Co-owners. An
Allocation Agreement may include, without limitation, a partnership agreement, an
operating agreement of a limited liability company, a shareholders agreement, or
any other instrument executed by all Participants or Co-owners.
6.
“Applicant” means a Person submitting an application for a
Commission determination under Article V hereof.
7.
“Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate”
means a certificate issued by the Commission and/or Tax Division to the Owner of a
Certified Historic Structure or an identifiable portion thereof who has incurred
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures that have been approved by the Commission
as consistent with the Standards for Rehabilitation, and which Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures have been Placed in Service. If the Owner of the
Certified Historic Structure is a Pass-Through Entity, an Assignable Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate may be issued to each Participant
in the Pass-Through Entity. The Certificate shall specify the amount of the Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit allocable to such Participant, determined
pursuant to this Regulation.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
4
8.
“Assignee” means a Person to whom the Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit Certificate is assigned pursuant to this Regulation.
9.
“Bills” means House Bill 8016 Sub A and Senate Bill 2846 Sub A which
were enacted and signed in April of 2008. The Bills are effective upon passage.
10.
“Certified Historic Structure” means a building which is located in the
State of Rhode Island and is:
(i)
listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places;
(ii)
listed individually in the State Register of Historic Places; or
(iii)
located in a Registered Historic District and certified by either
the Commission or Secretary of the Interior as being of historic
significance to the district.
11.
“Certified Rehabilitation” means any Rehabilitation of a Certified
Historic Structure consistent with the historic character of such building or the
district in which such building is located as determined by the Commission in
accordance with the Standards for Rehabilitation.
12.
“Certificate of Completed Work” means the written approval issued by
the Commission that the Rehabilitation is consistent with the Standards for
Rehabilitation.
13.
“Certification of Proposed Rehabilitation” means the Certification
issued by the Commission that the proposed Rehabilitation is consistent with the
Standards for Rehabilitation.
14.
“Commission” means the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and
Heritage Commission created pursuant to Section 42-45-2.
15. “Contract” means a contract entered between Persons and the Tax
Division, on behalf of the State, which guarantees that the stated estimated tax
credits will be available when earned.
16.
“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Commission.
17.
“Exempt from Real Property Tax” means, with respect to any Certified
Historic Structure, that the building is exempt from taxation pursuant to
Section 44-3-3 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
5
18.
“Historic Preservation Certification Application” means Parts 1, 2 and
3 of the Commission’s application forms for each stage of the certification process,
as more fully set forth herein.
19.
“Holding Period” means twenty-four (24) months after the Commission
issues a Certificate of Completed Work to the Owner. In the case of a
Rehabilitation reasonably expected to be completed in phases as described in
Section 44-33.2-2(8) of the Rhode Island General Laws, “Holding Period” shall be
extended to include a period of time beginning on the date of issuance of a
Certificate of Completed Work for the first phase or phases for which a Certificate is
issued and continuing until the expiration of twenty-four (24) months after the
Certificate of Completed Work issued for the last phase.
20.
“Initial Certificate Holder” means an Owner or Participant named by
the Owner to receive the Historic Tax Credit Certificate.
21.
“Inspection” means a visit by an authorized representative of the
Commission or Tax Division to a property for the purposes of reviewing and
evaluating the significance of the building and the proposed, ongoing or completed
Rehabilitation work.
22.
“Measuring Period” means the 24-month period selected by the Owner
ending within the taxable year in which a Certified Historic Structure is Placed in
Service. In the case of a Rehabilitation which may reasonably be expected to be
completed in phases set forth in architectural plans and specifications completed
before the Rehabilitation begins, this definition shall be applied by substituting
“sixty (60) month period” for “twenty-four (24) month period.”
23.
“Notification of Assignment” means the notification filed with the
Division of Taxation of the assignment of all or a portion the State Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit.
24.
“Owner” means a Person or Persons who hold legal fee or leasehold
title to the historic building or an identifiable portion thereof.
25.
“Participant” means a partner in a partnership, member of limited
liability company, shareholder of an S-corporation, beneficial owner of a trust, or
any other Person having an interest in a Pass-through Entity.
26.
“Pass Through Entity” means a partnership, limited liability company,
S-corporation, association, nominee trust, or any other entity, the tax attributes of
which are passed through to the Participants in such entity.
27.
“Percentage Interest” means the Percentage Interest in the Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit allocated to an Owner, a Participant, a
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
6
co-Owner of a multiple-Owner building or identifiable portion thereof, or another
Person pursuant to the terms of the applicable Allocation Agreement.
28.
“Person” means any person, partnership, firm, corporation, (including
both business and non-profit corporations), limited liability company, trust, estate,
association, or other business entity.
29.
“Placed in Service” means that Substantial Rehabilitation work has
been completed which would allow for occupancy of the entire building or some
identifiable portion of the building, or the Owner has commenced depreciation of the
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures, whichever occurs first. Issuance of a
certificate of occupancy or similar permit authorizing occupancy of the entire
building or some identifiable portion by the municipal authority having jurisdiction
shall constitute sufficient evidence for purposes of the Act that the building or the
identifiable portion thereof that is the subject of the certificate of occupancy has
been placed in service. However, a building or identifiable portion thereof may be
treated as Placed in Service without a certificate of occupancy if the building or
identifiable portion thereof is placed in a condition or state of readiness and
availability for a specifically defined function, or upon the commencement of the
period for depreciation with respect to the building under the Owner’s depreciation
practice, whichever occurs earlier.
30. “Principal Residence” means the principal residence of the Owner within
the meaning of Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor provision.
31. “Processing Fees” means any of the fees set forth, defined and imposed in
Section 44-33.2-3(b) or Section 44-3.2-4(d) of the Act, as amended by the Bills.
32.
“Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures” means any amounts expended
in the Rehabilitation of a Certified Historic Structure properly capitalized to the
building and either (i) depreciable under the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) made
with respect to property (other than the principal residence of the Owner) held for
sale by the Owner. Processing fees paid to the Division of Taxation are not
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except in the
case of a nonprofit corporation, there will be deducted from Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures for the purposes of calculating the Historic Preservation Investment
Tax Credit any funds made available to the Person incurring the Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures in the form a direct grant from a federal, state or local
governmental entity or agency or instrumentality thereof.
33.
“Registered Historic District” means any district listed in the National
Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic Places.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
7
34.
“Rehabilitation” means the preservation of a historic building, its
component elements, and its structural system by means of repairs and/or selective
replacement of worn out materials and alterations to the building generally which
are consistent with the building’s documented historic appearance without
destroying historically significant later additions.
35.
“Standards for Rehabilitation” or “Standards” means the United States
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
36.
“State Register of Historic Places” means the state register of
historical, architectural, and cultural sites, buildings, places, landmarks, or areas
compiled by the Commission pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 42-45-5.
Properties are listed on the State Register in accordance with the Commission’s
Procedures for Registration and Protection of Historic Properties.
37.
“Substantial Rehabilitation” means, with respect to a Certified Historic
Structure, that the Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures incurred with respect to
the Certified Historic Structure during the twenty-four (24) month period selected
by the Owner ending within the taxable year in which the Certified Historic
Structure is Placed in Service exceed fifty percent (50%) of the Adjusted Basis in
such building and its structural components as of the beginning of such period. In
the case of any Rehabilitation which may reasonably be expected to be completed in
phases set forth in architectural plans and specifications completed before the
Rehabilitation begins, the above definition shall be applied by substituting “sixty
(60) month period” for “twenty-four (24) month period”.
38. “Tax Division” means the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
37. “Trust Fund” means the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Trust fund
created by Section 2 of the Bills. The Trust Fund is a fund outside the State’s
general fund for the purpose of reserving funds for tax credits issued under the Act.
ARTICLE IV TAX CREDIT
Section 1. General. A Person that incurs Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures for the Substantial Rehabilitation of a Certified Historic Structure
certified in accordance with these Regulations is entitled to a credit against the tax
imposed on such Person pursuant to Chapter 11, 12, 13 (other than the tax imposed
under Section 44-13-13), 14, 17 or 30 of Title 44 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
The Initial Certificate Holder or the Assignee of such Person may also claim the
Credit in accordance with these Regulations.
Section 2.
Amount of Credit.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
8
a. For Certified Historic Structures or some identifiable portion
thereof that are Placed in Service prior to January 1, 2008, the
Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit is equal to thirty
percent (30%) of the Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures.
b. For Certified Historic Structures or some identifiable portion
thereof that are Placed in Service after December 31, 2007 for
which a Part 1 Application was recorded as received by the
Commission before January 1, 2008, the Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit can range between twenty five percent
(25%)
and
twenty
seven
percent
(27%)
of
the
Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures depending upon the Contract entered
into between the Person and the Tax Division.
Section 3.
When Claimed. The Historic Preservation Investment Tax
Credit shall be claimed for the year in which the Certified Historic Structure or an
identifiable portion thereof is Placed in Service.
Section 4.
Minimum Expenditure. In order to qualify for the Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit, an Owner must meet the Substantial
Rehabilitation test.
ARTICLE V. APPLICATION GUIDELINES.
Section 1. Certifications of Significance and Rehabilitation – General.
A.
Application. Requests for designation of a building as a Certified
Historic Structure and of a proposed Rehabilitation shall be made on the Historic
Preservation Certification Application forms. Part 1 of the Application, Evaluation
of Significance, is used to request certification of historic significance. Part 2 of the
application, Description of Rehabilitation, is used to request Certification of a
proposed Rehabilitation as meeting the Standards for Rehabilitation. Part 2 of the
application must be filed with the Commission prior to the Certified Historic
Structure being Placed in Service. Part 3 of the application, Request for
Certification of Completed Work, is used to request certification of a completed
Rehabilitation project. The application process is administered jointly by the
Commission and the Tax Division. Generally, the Part 1 and Part 2 Applications
are reviewed by the Commission. Part 3 Applications are reviewed by the
Commission in order to determine compliance with the Standards and by the Tax
Division in order to determine the amount of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures.
The Participant must also enter into a Contract with the Tax Division on or before
May 15, 2008 in order to qualify for tax credits.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
9
B.
Forms. Application forms are available from the Commission at the
Old State House, 150 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903; Tel: (401) 222-2678;
website www.preservation.ri.gov. and from the Tax Division at One Capitol Hill,
Providence, RI 02908; Tel. (401) 574-8729; website www.tax.ri.gov.
C.
Coordination with Federal Filings. If the applicant also seeks to claim
the federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, application may be made on Parts 1,
2 and 3 of the Historic Preservation Certification application used by the National
Park Service, with such additional forms and certifications as may be requested by
the Commission.
D.
Commission Review. The Commission and the Tax Division generally
completes reviews of certification requests within 30 business days of receiving a
complete, adequately documented application. Where adequate information is not
provided, the Commission and/or the Tax Division will notify the Applicant of the
additional information needed to complete the review. The Commission and the Tax
Division will adhere to this time period as closely as possible, but failure to
complete a review within the designated period does not waive or alter any
certification requirement or imply approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Commission and/or the Tax Division must issue (i) a written determination either
granting or denying a Certificate of Completed Work and (ii) a certification of the
amount of Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit for which the Substantial
Rehabilitation qualifies within 90 days after receipt of a complete, adequately
documented application for a Certificate of Completed Work.
E.
Commission Decisions; Reliance on Application. Certifications are only
given in writing by the Executive Director or other duly authorized representative
of the Commission or the Tax Division. Decisions with respect to certifications are
made on the basis of the information contained in the application form and other
available information. The Applicant’s signature on any application form is a
representation to the Commission and the Tax Division that the facts contained
therein are true and correct, and the Commission is entitled to rely thereon. If
information comes to the attention of the Commission or the Tax Division at any
time up to and including the last day of the applicable Holding Period, that is
materially inconsistent with representations made in an application, the
Commission may deny the requested certification or revoke a certification
previously given or the Tax Division may terminate the Contract and any
Processing Fees paid thereunder will be forfeited. Such denial or revocation may be
appealed pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article V, Section 6.
Section 2. Certification of Historic Significance.
A.
Consultation. Any Owner may consult with the Commission to
determine whether a property is a Certified Historic Structure.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
10
B.
Part 1-Application for Certification of Historic Structure. The
Applicant shall prepare Part 1 of the Historic Preservation Certification Application
and such form shall be recorded as received at the Commission prior to January 1,
2008. Such application form shall be filed according to the instructions
accompanying the application, including:
1.
Name and mailing address of the Owner and, if the Owner holds
leasehold title to the building or an identifiable portion thereof,
the name and mailing address of the holder of the fee interest;
2.
Name and address of the property;
3.
Name of the historic district (if located in a historic district);
4.
Current color photographs of the building and its site, showing
exterior and interior features and spaces adequate to document
the property’s significance;
5.
Brief description of the appearance of the property, including
alterations, characteristic features, and estimated date(s) of
construction;
6.
Brief statement of significance, including a summary of how the
property reflects the recognized historic values of any historic
district in which it is located;
7.
Map showing the location of the property; and
8.
Signature of the Applicant.
C .Review of Application for Certification of Historic Structure.
1.Scope of Review. The Commission will determine if the property is:
(i)
listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places; or
(ii)
listed individually on the State Register; or
(iii)
located in a registered historic district and is of historic
significance to the district.
2. Physical Integrity. The Commission will determine if the property
possesses sufficient physical integrity to convey its historical significance.
3. Multiple Buildings or Complex. For purposes of a determination of
historic significance, properties containing more than one building, where the
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
11
Commission determines that the buildings have been functionally related
historically to serve an overall purpose, such as a mill complex or a residence and
carriage house, will be treated as a single certified historic building, whether the
property is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the
State Register of Historic Places or is located within a registered historic district.
Buildings that are functionally related historically are those which have functioned
together to serve an overall purpose during the property’s period of significance.
4. Determination of Significance to District. Properties within Registered
Historic Districts will be evaluated to determine if they contribute to the historic
significance of the district by application of the standards set forth in Section 3 of
this Article V.
5. Preliminary Determination of Eligibility for Listing a Structure. Owners
of properties that are not listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the
State Register of Historic Places may request a written opinion from the
Commission as to whether the property meets the criteria for listing on the
Register. Owners of properties that the Commission considers to be eligible for
listing may apply for preliminary certification of their properties, pursuant to
Section 3 of this Article V. Preliminary certifications will become final, and the
properties will become Certified Historic Structures, as of the date of listing on the
National Register of Historic Places or the State Register. Issuance of preliminary
certification does not obligate the Commission to nominate the property. Applicants
proceed with Rehabilitation projects at their own risk; if the historic property is not
listed prior to completion of the project, the preliminary certification will not
become final..
6. Preliminary Determination of Eligibility for Registering a District.
Owners of properties that are located in potential historic district may request a
written opinion from the Commission as to whether the potential historic district
meets the criteria for being listed as a Registered Historic District. Owners of
properties located in districts that the Commission considers to be eligible for listing
may apply for preliminary certification of their properties, pursuant to Section 3.
Applications for preliminary certification of buildings within eligible historic
districts must show how the district meets the criteria for being listed as a historic
district, and how the property contributes to the significance of that district,
pursuant to Section 3 of this Article V. Preliminary certifications will become final,
and the properties will become Certified Historic Structures, as of the date of listing
the district as a Registered Historic District. Issuance of preliminary certification
does not obligate the Commission to nominate the potential district. Applicants
proceed with Rehabilitation projects at their own risk; if the historic district is not
listed as a Registered Historic District prior to completion of the project, the
preliminary certification will not become final.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
12
D. Application for Certification of Rehabilitation of Buildings in Districts
with Preliminary Historic Certification. Owners of properties that have received
preliminary certifications may apply for certification of a proposed Rehabilitation,
pursuant to Section 4 of this Article V. Final certifications of Rehabilitations will be
issued only for Certified Historic Structures.
Section 3. Standards for Evaluating Significance within Registered Historic
Districts
A.
Evaluations of Significance. Some historic districts are
resources whose concentration or continuity possesses greater historical significance
than many of their individual component buildings and buildings. These usually are
documented as a group rather than individually. Accordingly, this type of
documentation is not conclusive for the purposes of an evaluation of the significance
of an individual component. The applicant shall supplement this documentation
using Part 1 of the Historic Preservation Certification Application, providing
information on the significance of the specific property, as set forth in Section 2(B)
of this Article V.
B.
Standards for Evaluation. The Commission evaluates properties
located within Registered Historic Districts to determine if they contribute to the
historic significance of the district by applying the following standards:
1.
A property contributing to the historic significance of a district is
one which by location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling, and association adds to the district’s sense of time and
place and historical development.
2.
A property not contributing to the historic significance of a
district is one which does not add to the district’s sense of time
and place and historical development; or one where the location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association
have been so altered or have so deteriorated that the overall
integrity of the building has been irretrievably lost.
3.
Ordinarily buildings that have been built within the past 50
years shall not be considered to contribute to the significance of
a district unless a strong justification concerning their historical
or architectural merit is given or the historical attributes of the
district are considered to be less than 50 years old.
C.
If a nonhistoric surface material obscures a building’s facade, it may be
necessary for the Owner to remove a portion of the surface material before
requesting certification so that a determination of significance can be made. After
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
13
the material has been removed, if the obscured facade has retained substantial
historic integrity and the property otherwise contributes to the significance of the
historic district, it may be determined to be a Certified Historic Structure.
Section 4. Certifications of Rehabilitation.
A.
Certification of Proposed Rehabilitation or of Completed Work.
Applicants requesting certification of a proposed Rehabilitation shall comply with
the procedures listed in Paragraph 1 below; Applicants requesting a Certificate of
Completed Work shall comply with the procedures listed in Paragraph 2, below.
Processing Fees, described in Article IX, are charged by the Commission or the Tax
Division for reviewing all proposed, ongoing, and completed Rehabilitation work. No
certification decisions shall be issued to any Applicant until the applicable fees are
received.
1. Part 2 – Application for Certification of Proposed Rehabilitation. An
application for certification of a proposed Rehabilitation shall be submitted to the
Commission prior to the Certified Historic Structure being placed in service.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to request the Commission review before
beginning a Rehabilitation project. To request review of a proposed Rehabilitation,
the Applicant shall submit Part 2 of the Historic Preservation Certification
Application form according to the instructions accompanying the application. This
documentation includes but is not limited to:
(i)
Name and mailing address of the Owner and, if the Owner holds
leasehold title to the Certified Historic Structure or an
identifiable protion thereof, the name and mailing address of the
holder of the fee interest;
(ii)
Name and address of the property;
(iii)
Color photographs of the property adequate to document the
appearance of the building, both on the interior and the exterior,
and its site and environment before Rehabilitation;
(iv)
The Applicant’s estimate of projected Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures and of Adjusted Basis in the Certified Historic
Structure as of the date of application;
(v)
Signature of the Applicant and, if the Applicant is not the holder
of the fee interest in the Certified Historic Structure, the
signature of the fee owner as to the Adjusted Basis in the
Certified Historic Structure as of the date of application.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
14
Other documentation, including but not limited to plans, specifications, surveys
and/or structural reports may be required to evaluate rehabilitation projects.
Where necessary documentation is not provided, review and evaluation will be
delayed and a denial of certification may be issued on the basis of lack of
information. Because the circumstances of each Rehabilitation are unique,
certifications that may have been granted to other Rehabilitations are not
specifically applicable and may not be relied on by Applicants as applicable to other
projects.
2. Part 3 – Request for Certification of Completed Work. To request
certification of a completed Rehabilitation, the Applicant shall submit Part 3 of the
Historic Preservation Certification Application, “Request for Certification of
Completed Work,” to the both the Commission and the Tax Division according to
the instructions accompanying the application, and provide documentation to the
Commission that the completed project is consistent with the work described in
Part 2. In addition, the Applicant must submit additional detailed documentation
for the final costs attributed to the Rehabilitation the Tax Division in a form
prescribed by the Tax Administrator This documentation includes but is not limited
to:
(i)
Name and mailing address of the Owner and, if the Owner holds
leasehold title to the Certified Historic Structure or an
identifiable portion thereof, the name and mailing address of the
holder of the fee interest;
(ii)
Name and address of the property;
(iii)
Color photographs of the property showing the completed
Rehabilitation work, including exterior and interior features and
spaces, sufficient to demonstrate that the completed work is
consistent with the Standards for Rehabilitation. Photographic
views after Rehabilitation should correspond with photographic
views submitted in Part 2;
(iv)
Final costs attributed to the Rehabilitation;
(v)
Accountant’s Certification of the actual Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures attributed solely to the Rehabilitation of the
Certified Historic Building and the satisfaction of the
Substantial Rehabilitation Test;
(vi)
The Placed in Service date; and
(vii)
Signature of the Applicant.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
15
3. Certification by Commission of Proposed Rehabilitation. The Commission
shall issue to the Applicant a written determination either denying or certifying the
Proposed Rehabilitation within the timeframe described in Article V, Section 1(D)
hereof..
4. Certification of Completed Work. Within 90 days after the Commission’s
and the Tax Division’s receipt of an application for Certification of Completed Work,
the Commission and/or the Tax Division shall issue to the Applicant (i) a written
determination either denying or certifying the Rehabilitation (a “Certificate of
Completed Work”) and (ii) a certification of the amount of Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit for which the Rehabilitation qualifies (an “Assignable
Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate” pursuant to the
procedures of Article VIII hereof).
B.
Scope of Rehabilitation; Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures. For
purposes of Commission reviews and certification, a Rehabilitation project
encompasses all work on the interior and exterior of the certified historic building(s)
and its site and environment, as well as related demolition, new construction or
rehabilitation work that may affect the historic qualities, integrity, site, landscape
features, and environment of the property. The Commission will determine if such
work is consistent with the standards for Rehabilitation whether or not a Credit is
claimed for those costs. However, only those costs that constitute Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures may be included in the calculation of the Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit. The Commission and the Tax Division are
entitled to rely on the Accountant’s Certification regarding the Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures actually incurred included with the Application
without independent investigation. However, the Tax Division reserves the right to
request additional documentation and supporting detail to verify Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures, including but not limited to, the original documents of
entry, vendor lists, payroll record, accounts, and other records.
1. All elements of the Rehabilitation project shall be consistent with the
Standards for Rehabilitation. Portions of a project that are not in conformance with
the Standards may not be exempted from review. In general, an Applicant
undertaking a Rehabilitation will not be held responsible for rehabilitation work not
part of the current project that occurred more than five years before the current
project began, or Rehabilitation work not part of the current project that was
undertaken by previous owners.
2.
Consistency with the Standards for Rehabilitation will be determined
on the basis of the application documentation and other available information by
evaluating the property, as it existed before the beginning of the Rehabilitation.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
16
C.
Determination of Consistency with Standards for Rehabilitation. The
Commission, on receipt of the complete application describing the Rehabilitation
project, shall determine if the project is consistent with the Standards for
Rehabilitation. If the project does not meet the Standards for Rehabilitation, the
Commission shall advise the Applicant of that fact in writing. Where possible, the
Commission will advise the Applicant of necessary revisions to meet the Standards
for Rehabilitation.
D.
Determination of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures. The Tax
Division, upon receipt of the complete application describing the Rehabilitation
Project, shall determine if the costs attributed to the Rehabilitation meet the
criteria of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures. If any costs of a project are denied
as Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures, the Tax Division shall advise the
Applicant of that fact in writing briefly setting forth the grounds for said denial.
E.
Changes after Determination. Once a proposed or ongoing project has
been approved, substantive changes in the work as described in the application
shall be brought promptly to the attention of the Commission and the Tax Division
by written amendment to the application to ensure continued consistency to the
Standards for Rehabilitation.
F.
Standards for Rehabilitation. The Standards for Rehabilitation are
the criteria used to determine if a Rehabilitation qualifies as a Certified
Rehabilitation. The intent of the Standards for Rehabilitation is to return a historic
property to a state of utility through repairs or alterations which make possible the
efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the
property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values. The
Standards for Rehabilitation pertain to historic buildings of all materials,
construction types, sizes, and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the
interior of historic buildings. The Standards also encompass related landscape
features and the building’s site and environment, as well as attached, adjacent, or
related new construction. To be certified, a Rehabilitation shall be determined by
the Commission in its reasonable discretion to be consistent with the historic
character of the building(s) and, where applicable, the district in which it is located.
G.
Application of Standards for Rehabilitation. The Standards for
Rehabilitation shall be applied to specific Rehabilitation projects in a reasonable
manner taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
1.
A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a
new use that requires minimal change to the defining
characteristics of the building and its site and environment.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
17
2.
The historic character of a property shall be retained and
preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of
features and spaces that characterize a property shall be
avoided.
3.
Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its
time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of
historical development, such as adding conjectural features or
architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be
undertaken.
4.
Most properties change over time; those changes that have
acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained
and preserved.
5.
Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or
examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property
shall be preserved.
6.
Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than
replaced.
Where
the
severity
of
deterioration
requires
replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature should
match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities
and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing
architectural features must be substantiated by documentary,
physical, or pictorial evidence.
7.
Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that
cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The
surface cleaning of buildings, if appropriate shall be undertaken
using the gentlest means possible.
8.
Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be
protected and preserved. If these resources must be disturbed,
mitigation measures shall be undertaken.
9.
New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction
shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the
property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and
shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and
architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the
property and its environment.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
18
10.
New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be
undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the
essential form and integrity of the historic property and its
environment would be unimpaired.
H.
Quality
of
Materials
and
Work.
The
quality
of
materials,
craftsmanship, and related new construction in a Rehabilitation project should be
commensurate with the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design of the
Certified Historic Structure in question. This standard will be applied in a
reasonable manner taking into account economic and technical feasibility. Certain
treatments, if improperly applied, or certain materials by their physical properties,
may cause or accelerate physical deterioration of historic buildings. Inappropriate
Rehabilitation measures include, but are not limited to: excessively abrasive paint
removal; improper masonry repointing techniques; improper exterior masonry
cleaning methods; improper introduction of insulation where damage to historic
fabric would result; and incompatible additions and new construction on historic
properties. In almost all situations, these measures and treatments will result in
denial of certification.
I.
Structural Matters. In certain limited cases, it may be necessary to
dismantle and rebuild portions of a Certified Historic Structure to stabilize and
repair weakened structural members and systems. In these cases, the Commission
will consider this extreme intervention as part of a Certified Rehabilitation if:
1.
The necessity for dismantling is justified in supporting
documentation;
2.
Significant architectural features and overall design are
retained; and
3.
Adequate historic materials are retained to maintain the
architectural and historic integrity of the overall structure.
These standards will be applied in a reasonable manner taking into account
economic and technical feasibility.
Section 5.
All Available Information Used in Determination. The qualities
of a property and its environment which qualify it as a Certified Historic Structure
are determined taking into account all available information, including information
derived from the physical and architectural attributes of the building; these
determinations are not limited to information contained in the State Register of
Historic Places nomination reports.
Section 6.
Appeals.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
19
A.
Appeal Procedures. An Applicant may appeal any denial or revocation
of certification. A request for an appeal shall be made in writing to the
Commission, within 60 days of receipt of the decision which is the subject of the
appeal. It is not necessary for the Applicant to present arguments for overturning a
decision within this 60-day period. The Applicant may request an opportunity to
meet with the Commission or a Sub-Committee thereof, but all information that the
Applicant wishes the Commission to consider shall be in writing. If the appeal
disputes a determination of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures or other
accounting or tax related issues, agents or employees of the Tax Division may be
joined in the appeal to present written evidence and testimony on the issues. The
Commission shall consider the record of the decision in question, and further
written submissions by the Applicant, and other available information, and shall
provide the Applicant a written decision as promptly as circumstances permit. The
appeal process is an administrative review of decisions made by an authorized
representative of the Commission.
B.
Decisions. In considering appeals, the Commission may take into
account new information not previously available or submitted; alleged errors in
professional judgment; or alleged prejudicial procedural errors. The Commission’s
decision may:
1.
Reverse the appealed decision; or
2.
Affirm the appealed decision; or
3.
Resubmit the matter to the Commission program staff for
further consideration.
C.
Final Administrative Remedy. The decision of the Commission shall
be the final administrative decision on the appeal. No person shall be considered to
have exhausted his or her administrative remedies with respect to the certifications
or decisions described in this part until the Commission has issued a final
administrative decision in response to this section. The Commission shall notify the
Tax Division in writing of any denial or revocation of a certification and of the final
administrative decision on the appeal.
ARTICLE VI SUBSTANTIAL REHABILITATION; QUALIFIED
REHABILITATION EXPENDITURES
Section 1. Substantial Rehabilitation.
A.
A Rehabilitation of Certified Historic Structure shall be deemed a
Substantial Rehabilitation only if the Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures
incurred in the 24-month period selected by the Owner ending within the taxable
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
20
year in which the Rehabilitation is Placed in Service shall equal or exceed fifty
percent of the Adjusted Basis of the Certified Historic Structure as of the beginning
of the 24-month period. In the case of projects involving multiple buildings (except
for phased Rehabilitations addressed in Section B below), the Substantial
Rehabilitation Test must be met with respect to each building separately based on
the Adjusted Basis attributable to each such building and the Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures attributable to each such building. The 24-month
period is a measuring period for testing whether the Rehabilitation is a Substantial
Rehabilitation. Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures incurred in connection with
the Rehabilitation either before the beginning of the 24-month period or after the
Rehabilitation is Placed in Service but prior to the end of the taxable year in which
the Rehabilitation is Placed in Service may be included in the calculation of the
Credit provided the Substantial Rehabilitation Test is met.
B.
In the case of any Rehabilitation that may reasonably be expected to be
completed in phases set forth in architectural plans and specifications prepared
before the physical work on the Rehabilitation begins, at the election of the Owner,
paragraph (A) of this section may be applied by substituting “60 month period” for
“24-month period.” A Rehabilitation may reasonably be expected to be completed in
phases if it consists of two or more distinct stages of development. The Commission
may review each phase as it is presented, and may issue a Certificate for Completed
Work upon completion of each Phase. However, an Assignable Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate may be issued only upon
satisfaction of the Substantial Rehabilitation Test for the entire phased project.
Thereafter, Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificates
may be issued upon issuance of a Certificate of Completed Work for later phases
without again having to meet the Substantial Rehabilitation Test. The Applicant
may elect to claim the Credit allowable for each completed phase of a phased
project, upon receipt from the Commission of an Assignable Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit Certificate. Any Credit claimed prior to final certification of
the completed Rehabilitation will be contingent upon final certification of the
completed Rehabilitation.
Section 2.
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures.
A.
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures are those expenses incurred in
connection with a Substantial Rehabilitation of a Certified Historic Structure that
are properly capitalized to the building and either (i) depreciable under the Internal
Revenue Code or (ii) made with respect to property (other than the Principal
Residence of the Owner) held for sale by the Owner.
B.
Amounts are properly capitalized to the building if they are properly
includible in computing the depreciable basis of real property under federal income
tax law. Amounts treated as an expense and deducted in the year paid or incurred
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
21
or amounts that are otherwise not added to the basis of real property do not qualify.
Amounts incurred for soft costs, including without limitation architectural and
engineering fees, survey fees, legal expenses, insurance premiums, development
fees and other construction related costs that are added to the depreciable basis of
real property satisfy this requirement.
C.
Expenses that do not qualify as Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures
include, without limitation:
1. The cost of acquiring a building, an interest in a building (including a
leasehold interest) or land. For this purpose, interest incurred on a construction
loan, the proceeds of which are used for Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures (and
which is added to the basis of the Certified Historic Building) is not treated as a cost
of acquisition.
2.
Any expense attributable to an enlargement of a building. A building
is enlarged to the extent that the total volume of the building is increased. An
increase in floor space resulting from interior remodeling is not considered an
enlargement. If expenditures only partially qualify as Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures because some of the expenditures are attributable to the enlargement
of the building, the expenditures must be apportioned between the original portion
of the building and the enlargement. The expenditures must be specifically
allocated between the original portion of the building and the enlargement to the
extent possible. If it is not possible to make a specific allocation of the expenditures,
the expenditures must be allocated to each portion on a reasonable basis. The
determination of a reasonable basis for an allocation depends on factors such as the
type of improvement and how the improvement relates functionally to the building.
Example: Historic Rehabilitation project includes a new rear wing. A new
air-conditioning system and a new roof are installed on the building. A reasonable
basis for allocating the expenditures between the historic building and the new rear
wing generally would be the volume of the historic building (excluding the new
wing), served by the air-conditioning system on the roof, relative to the volume of
the new wing that is served by the air-conditioning system and the roof.
3.
Any expense attributable to the rehabilitation of a Certified Historic
Structure, or a building located in a Registered Historic District, which is not a
Certified Rehabilitation.
4.
Any site work expenses.
5.
Any costs of demolition of adjacent structures.
6.
Processing Fees imposed under Section 44-32.2-3(b) and Section 44-
33.2-4(d) the Act.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
22
D.
Public Grants. Except in the case of nonprofit corporations, there shall
be deducted for purposes of calculating the Historic Preservation Investment Tax
Credit any funds made available to the Person incurring the Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures in the form of a direct grant from a federal, state or
local governmental entity or agency or instrumentally thereof.
Section 3. Step in the Shoes. The Owner may take into account Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures incurred in connection with the same plan of
Rehabilitation by any other Person who has or had an interest in the building.
Where Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures are incurred with respect to a
building by a Person (or Persons) other than the Owner, and the Owner acquires
the building or a portion of the building (including a leasehold interest in the
building or a portion thereof) to which the expenditures were allocable, the Owner
acquiring such property will be treated as having incurred the Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures actually incurred by the transferor, provided that
(i) the Rehabilitation was not Placed in Service by the transferor and (ii) no Credit
with respect to such Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures is claimed by anyone
other than the Owner acquiring the property or that Owner’s Assignee(s). In such
instances, the Measuring Period during which the Substantial Rehabilitation Test
must be met shall include the transferor’s period of ownership, and the Adjusted
Basis against which Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures are tested shall be the
Adjusted Basis of the transferor as of the beginning of the Measuring Period.
ARTICLE VII DETERMINATION OF CREDIT
A.
The amount of the Credit shall be determined by multiplying the total
amount of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures incurred in connection with the
plan of Rehabilitation times thirty percent. Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures
may include expenses in connection with the Rehabilitation which were incurred
prior to the start of Rehabilitation or of the Measuring Period. Further, Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures may include expenses incurred prior to completion of a
formal plan of Rehabilitation provided the expenses were incurred in connection
with the Rehabilitation which was completed.
B.
The Commission and/or the Tax Division shall certify the amount of
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures in the Certificate of Completed Work. In the
case of multiple building projects, a Certificate of Completed Work shall be issued
for each building. The Certificate shall be signed by an authorized representative of
the Commission and/or the Tax Division confirming that the property to be
rehabilitated is a Certified Historic Structure; that the Rehabilitation is a Certified
Rehabilitation; and specifying the amount of Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures,
based on the Request for Certification of Completed Work.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
23
C.
The Tax Division shall also issue an Assignable Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit Certificate, which shall certify as to the amount of Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit for which the Substantial Rehabilitation
qualifies as more fully provided in Article VIII.
D.
The Commission and/or the Tax Division may rely without
independent investigation on the Accountant’s Certification as to the amount of
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures actually incurred and the satisfaction of
Substantial Rehabilitation Test. However, the Tax Division reserves the right to
review such Certifications and to audit the original documents of entry, vendor lists,
payroll records, accounts or other records supporting such Certifications.
E.
If the amount of the Credit exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability for the
taxable year in which the Credit may be claimed, the amount that exceeds the tax
liability may be carried over for credit against the income taxes of such taxpayer for
the next ten taxable years or until the full Credit is used, whichever occurs first.
F.
In the case of a corporation, the Historic Preservation Investment Tax
Credit is only allowed against the tax of a corporation included in a consolidated
return that qualifies for the Credit and not against the tax of other corporations
that may join in the filing of a consolidated tax return.
ARTICLE VII ASSIGNMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION INVESTMENT
TAX CREDIT.
A.
Issuance of Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Certificate to Owner, Initial Assignee, or Participant. Upon approval by the
Commission and the Tax Division of the Substantial Rehabilitation of a Certified
Historic Structure pursuant to this Regulation, the Tax Division shall issue an
Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate to the Owner or
any eligible Initial Certificate Holder. If the Owner or the Participant is a
Pass-Through Entity, or if there are multiple Owners, the Tax Division may issue
an Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate to each
Participant in such Pass-Through Entity or each Owner, indicating on the face of
such Certificate the amount of the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
allocable to such Participant. The amount assigned to each Participant will be the
amount represented by the Applicant in the Application for a Certificate of
Completed Work.
B.
Determination of Amount of Credit allocated to Participants in
Pass-Through Entities. The amount allocated to each Participant on the Assignable
Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate issued to such Participant
must be either (i) in proportion to the number of Participants in the Owner or
(ii) determined in accordance with any allocation method set forth in an executed
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
24
agreement among all Participants, which may be without regarding to their sharing
of other tax or economic attributes of such entity (the Allocation Agreement). The
Commission and/or the Tax Division shall have no obligation to confirm the amount
stated for each Participant in the Application for Completed Work or to review the
Allocation Agreement.
C.
Assignment of Certificate. An Assignable Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit Certificate may be assigned to any Person, whether or not
such Person has an ownership interest in the Certified Historic Structure, provided
that no Credit has been claimed based on the Assignable Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit Certificate being assigned. The Certificate may be assigned
by endorsing the assignment clause set forth on the Certificate and delivery of the
original certificate to the Assignee.
D.
Assignee Recognition of Credit. The Assignee may use the Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit only to offset the tax imposed for the taxable
year in which the Certified Structure or an identifiable portion thereof is Placed in
Service, or for taxable years to which the Credit is carried forward. The Assignee
may apply the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit against taxes imposed
on the Assignee until the end of the tenth (10th) calendar year after the year in
which the Substantial Rehabilitation is Placed in Service or until the full Credit
assigned is used, whichever occurs first. Fiscal year Assignees may claim the
Credit until the expiration of the fiscal year that ends within the tenth (10th) year
after the year in which the Substantial Rehabilitation is Placed in Service.
E.
Filing with Tax Return. An original executed copy of the Assignable
Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate shall be attached to the tax
return of the Owner, Participant or Assignee who desires to claim the Credit. A
Participant of a Pass-Through Entity who transfers its interest in the entity must
also endorse and deliver the Assignable Historic Preservation Tax Credit Certificate
to the transferee if the transferee desires to claim the Historic Preservation
Investment Tax Credit.
F.
Notification of Assignment to Tax Division. An Assignor of all or any
portion of the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit, shall notify the State of
Rhode Island Division of Taxation in writing within 30 calendar days following the
effective date of such assignment. Attached to such written notification (the
Notification of Assignment) shall be:
1.
A copy of the Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax
Credit Certificate, endorsed to the Assignee. The original
Certificate shall not be included with the Notification of
Assignment, which must be retained by the Assignee and
attached to the Assignee’s tax return for the year with respect to
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
25
which the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit is
claimed.
2.
A copy of the Certificate of Completed Work issued by the
Commission.
3.
The name, address and telephone number of the Assignor and of
the Assignee.
4.
The taxpayer identification number or social security number of
the Assignor and the Assignee.
5.
For non-resident corporations, partnerships, limited liability
companies, or other entities, the name and address of such
entity’s registered agent in the State of Rhode Island and
evidence of qualification to do business in Rhode Island.
G.
Multiple Assignees; Reissuance of Certificate. If the holder of an
Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificate desires to
assign its interest in the Credit to more than one Assignee, the holder must request
the Commission to reissue the original Certificate in such number of Certificates as
the holder requires. The request must be made in writing, must specify the number
of new Certificates required and the amount to be specified on each Certificate, and
must attach the Original Certificate for cancellation by the Commission.
H.
Treatment of Proceeds of Assignment for State Tax Purposes. The
Assignor of all or a portion of the Historic Investment Tax Credit shall not recognize
any state income tax under the provisions of Title 44 of the Rhode Island General
Laws with respect to the proceeds of such assignment. The Assignor of any Credit
shall attach a copy of the Assignable Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Certificate to its tax return to evidence that such proceeds are not subject to state
income tax. If the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit is subsequently
recaptured under Section 44-33.2-3(e) of the Act, revoked or adjusted, the seller’s
tax calculation for the year of revocation, recapture, or adjustment shall be
increased by the total amount of the sales proceeds, without proration, as a
modification under Title 44, Chapter 30 of the Rhode Island General Laws. In the
event that the seller is not a natural person, the seller’s tax calculation under
chapters 11, 12, 13 (other than with respect to the tax imposed under subsection
44-13-13), 14, 17, or 30 of title 44, as applicable), for the year of revocation,
recapture, or adjustment, shall be increased by including the total amount of the
sales proceeds without proration.
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
26
I.
Administrative Fees. The Commission and/or the Tax Division may
assess reasonable administrative fees for issuing multiple Assignable Historic
Preservation Investment Tax Credit Certificates or for reissuing Certificates.
ARTICLE IX PROCESSING FEES AND CONTRACTS OF GUARANTY
Section 1. Project Currently in Progress-Contract with the Tax Division.
A.
For Certified Historic Structures or some identifiable portion thereof
that are Placed in Service after December 31, 2007:
1. The Part 1 ‘Application for Certification as a Historic Structure’ must
have been recorded as being received by the Commission by January 1, 2008;
2. The Processing Fees referenced in Section 44-33.2-3(b) of the Act shall be
paid to the Tax Division by May 15, 2008;
3. Upon the payment of those fees, the Person that will incur Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures shall enter into a Contract with the Tax Division;
4. At the signing of the Contract, the Person that will incur Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures shall select the percentage of tax credits and
Processing Fees, as outlined in Section 44-33.2-3(b), for any Certified Historic
Structure or identifiable part thereof that will be Placed in Service after December
31, 2007;
5. The Contract will guarantee the amount of tax credit as the lesser of: (1)
the amount specified in the Contract or (2) the actual Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures multiplied by the tax credit percentage selected by the Person at the
signing of the Contract;
6. Two and one quarter percent (2.25%) of the Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenses shall be paid to the Tax Division by May 15, 2008 and the remaining
percentage of the Processing Fees shall be paid on or before March 5, 2009.
Untimely payments shall accrue interest in accordance with R.I.G.L Section 44-1-7;
and
7. The Contract shall be assignable:
(i) to an Affiliate of the Person incurring the Qualified Rehabilitation
Expenditures, without consent from the Tax Division, or
(ii) to some other Person or business entity incurring Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures. Such assignments are subject to the
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
27
approval of the Tax Division, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
8. The Tax Division and the Commission shall reconcile the actual amount
of tax credits as part of the final project certification. If the Processing Fees paid
upon Contract signing are greater than required, based on the actual Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures, the appropriate difference shall be refunded to the
Person that incurred the Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures, without interest.
Section 2. Projects Near Final Certification.
A. For Certified Historic Structures or some identifiable portion thereof that
are Placed in Service prior to January 1, 2008.
1. The Processing Fees of two and one quarter percent (2.25%) of Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures as referenced in Section 44-33.2-4(d) of the Act shall be
paid, in their entirety, to the Tax Division by May 15, 2008; and
2. The Part 3 ‘Request for Certification of Completed Work’ must be recorded
as being received by the Commission by May 15, 2008.
ARTICLE X RESTRICTIVE COVENANT; RECAPTURE
Section 1. Restrictive Covenant. Upon issuance of a Certificate of Completed
Work, the Owner shall cause to be recorded in the applicable land evidence records
a restrictive covenant pursuant to which (i) during the Holding Period, no alteration
to the Certified Historic Structure will be made without the Commission’s approval
and in a manner consistent with the Standards for Rehabilitation, (ii) the Certified
Historic Structure may not become Exempt from Real Property Tax, and (iii) the
Commission and/or the Tax Division shall be granted the right to one or more
Inspections during the Holding Period to confirm matters represented in the
Historic Preservation Certification Application and to review any alterations. If the
Owner is the holder of leasehold title, the fee owner of the Certified Historic
Structure must also execute the Restrictive Covenant.
Section 2. Recapture. No Credit may be claimed with respect to property
that is Exempt from Real Property Tax. Any Credit claimed under the Act shall be
recaptured in full (by increasing the taxpayer’s tax for the year by the total amount
of Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit actually used against the tax) if,
within 24 months after the issuance of a Certificate of Completed Work, the
property becomes Exempt from Real Property Tax. The Assignor, if any, of any
recaptured Credit shall recognize income in the amount of the proceeds of the
assignment upon any recapture of the Credit. Recapture of the Credit may be
appealed to the Commission in accordance with Article V, Section 6. The
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
28
Commission shall notify the Tax Division of any recapture of the Credit and of the
final administrative decision on any appeal.
ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Administration and Examination of Records – Tax Division. The
Tax Division and its agents, for the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any
Credit claimed under the Act, may examine any books, paper, records or
memoranda bearing upon the matters required to be included in the return, report
or other statement, and may require the attendance of the Person executing the
return, report or other statement, or of any officer or employee of any taxpayer, or
the attendance of any other Person, and may examine the Person under oath
respecting any matter which the Tax Division or its agents deems pertinent or
material in determining eligibility for Credits claimed, and may request information
from the Commission, and the Commission shall provide such information in all
cases, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by statute.
Section 2. Commission’s and Tax Division’s Inspection Rights. The
Commission or the Tax Division shall have the right at reasonable times to enter
upon any property that is the subject of an application for certification, whether the
Rehabilitation is proposed, ongoing, or completed, and for the entire Holding Period
following issuance of a Certificate of Completed Work, to verify that the
Rehabilitation is as represented and that no unpermitted alterations or changes are
made after issuance of a Certificate of Completed Work.
Section 3. Commission’s and Tax Division’s Right to Deny or Revoke Credit.
If information comes to the attention of the Commission at any time up to and
including the last day of the Holding Period that is materially inconsistent with
representations made in an application, the Commission may deny the requested
certification or revoke a certification previously given. The Tax Division may cancel
a Contract for tax credits and any Processing Fees paid thereunder forfeited.
Section 4. Election Among Credits. Taxpayers who elect to claim Credits
under the Act are ineligible for any tax credits that may also be available to the
taxpayer for the Rehabilitation of that particular Certified Historic Structure under
Chapter 44-33.1, Chapter 42-64.7, and/or Chapter 44-31.
Section 5. Severability Clause. If any provision of these Rules and
Regulations, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of the
Rules and Regulations shall not be affected thereby.
DAVID M. SULLIVAN, TAX ADMINISTRATOR
Emergency Regulation: Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit
Tax Division Adoption
29
EFFECTIVE: APRIL 15, 2008