Utilizing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC) Program for Your Project

The state of Wisconsin offers substantial financial incentives to encourage the rehabilitation of historic properties. At Pioneer Masonry & Home Restoration, LLC, we work with clients to leverage these opportunities, which can significantly offset the cost of restoration projects for qualifying income-producing properties.

The Wisconsin Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC) Program provides a significant 20% state tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenditures on certified historic structures. This program is designed to complement the federal historic tax credit program, making major restoration projects financially feasible while preserving the unique character of Wisconsin communities.

Key Program Benefits for Our Clients

20% Tax Credit: Receive a transferable state tax credit equal to 20% of your qualified rehabilitation expenses.

Leverage Investment: This credit helps bridge the funding gap for extensive restoration work, reinforcing local infrastructure and supporting resource-efficient development through renovation rather than demolition.

Preserve History: Successfully completed projects revitalize historic areas and maintain community character.

Does Your Project Qualify? (Eligibility Requirements)

To utilize the HTC program with Pioneer Masonry & Home Restoration, LLC, your property and project must meet specific criteria. We can help you navigate these requirements, which are managed in coordination and cooperation with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Property Certification

Your building must be a "certified historic structure," meaning it is:

Individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic Places; OR

Located within a registered historic district and certified by the National Park Service (NPS) as contributing to the district's historic significance.

Project Requirements (Key Criteria)

Projects we undertake must adhere strictly to the program guidelines:

SHPO Approval is Crucial (Timing Matters): Crucially, all proposed preservation or rehabilitation plans must be approved by the SHPO before any physical construction or demolition work begins.

Standards Compliance: All rehabilitation work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Our team ensures all work meets these strict historic preservation standards.

Significant Investment: Qualified rehabilitation expenditures (QREs) must meet two financial thresholds: they must equal at least the building’s adjusted basis value, AND they must equal at least $50,000.

Income-Producing Use: The rehabilitated property must be used for a business or the production of rental income (e.g., apartments, commercial spaces).

No Enlargement or Acquisition Costs: The tax credits apply only to rehabilitation costs, not the cost of acquiring the building or physically enlarging its footprint.

How Pioneer Masonry & Home Restoration, LLC Helps You Navigate the Process

The application process involves coordination between you (the applicant), the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS/SHPO), and the WEDC. We provide expert masonry and restoration services that meet the rigorous standards required for certification.

Here is an overview of the typical award process:

Application Submission (Part 1 & 2): We guide clients in preparing the necessary documentation (Part I and Part II of the Historic Preservation Certification Application) for submission to the WHS.

SHPO Recommendation: The WHS provides evidence to WEDC that the planned rehabilitation is recommended for approval by the SHPO.

WEDC Certification: Upon review of the project and alignment with all eligibility criteria, the WEDC may issue an HTC Certification, officially enabling you to earn the tax credits once the project is complete and certified (via the NPS Part III process).

Tax credits are awarded on a rolling basis, and the maximum credit amount for a single project/parcel is capped at $3,500,000.

If you own a historic income-producing property in Wisconsin and are planning a major restoration project, contact Pioneer Masonry & Home Restoration, LLC today. We can determine if your project is a good fit for leveraging these valuable tax credits and help you begin the crucial pre-approval process.

Disclaimer: This information is a summary for informational purposes regarding state guidelines effective for Calendar Year 2025. Pioneer Masonry & Home Restoration, LLC provides restoration services but does not offer financial or legal advice. Clients should consult with a tax professional and a WEDC Account Manager to confirm eligibility and application details.