Colorado offers a state income tax credit to property owners for preservation and rehabilitation work on designated historic properties.

When is Review Required?

Historic Preservation review is required at the start and end of a project when owners of designated historic properties apply for the State Historic Preservation Tax Credits.

The Residential Tax Credit is equal to 20% of the qualified rehabilitation costs, up to $100,000. The credit may be applied over a 10-year period.

Owners of both commercial and residential properties are eligible for the tax credit. Properties must be designated as an individual landmark or as a contributing resource in a local, state or national historic district.

As a Certified Local Government, the City of Boulder reviews the residential (non-income producing) tax credit. For commercial (income producing) projects, visit the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade website to apply. Owners are advised to get appropriate tax advice to ensure that all requirements are met.

Starting in 2025 per state statute, owners cannot submit a preliminary (Part 1) tax credit application for a project that has already been completed. However, applications may include qualified rehabilitation costs incurred within 24 months.

What Are the Application Requirements?

  • Residential Tax Credit Part I Application - Available on History Colorado's website, Preservation Tax Credits
    • DO NOT include social security number(s) on the application form. Staff will contact you for this information.
  • Photographs - Take "before" photos that show all sides of the building. Also provide close-up photos of any details of the building. Number each photo and write a caption (e.g. "10. South side, window detail"). Reference photos in your project description. Later, you will take "after" photos from the same spots as the "before" photos so they can be compared. If you are making changes to the interior of the building, provide photos.

  • Drawings - If available, provide drawings of the proposed work. Reference drawings in project description in the application.

How Do I Apply?

Prepare

Review “What Are the Application Requirements?” to learn what materials you will need to provide.

Apply

Log in and apply through the Customer Self-Service Portal. Upload the required materials and submit the Part I Application. As soon as your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to access your plan.

Completeness Check

Staff will review the materials and contact you to collect any missing or incomplete information.

Pay Part I Application Fee

Staff will invoice the $250 Part I Application fee after all required materials are submitted. Payments can be made through the Customer Self-Service Portal.

Check Application Status

Visit the Customer Self-Service Portal to follow the status of your application.

  • Log in to your account.
    • Open the Dashboard and click on “View My Plans”.
    • Click on the historic preservation application.

Submit Part II Application

Within 120 days of the completion of the project, submit the Part II application by logging into your CSS account and uploading the application materials.

Pay Part II Application Fee

Staff will invoice the Part II Application fee after all required materials are submitted. The fee is based on the final project cost, and ranges from $0 to $750.

What is the Review Process?

Apply for a Landmark Alteration Certificate (LAC) for all exterior work

Landmark Alteration Certificate is required for all exterior work prior to submitting a State Tax Credit Application. See the Landmark Alteration Certificate webpage for information.

Submit Part I Application

Provide a Rehabilitation Plan, “before” photographs, estimated project cost and the application fee to begin the review process.

Application Review

Once a complete application is received and the application fee is paid, staff will review the application to assess whether it meets the program’s eligibility requirements. The review may take up to 90 days.

Part I Certification

Once staff has found the application to meet the tax credit eligibility requirements, you will receive a Part I Certification.

Project Completion

Complete the project, take “after” photographs and compile all of your project invoices. Typically, a project is considered complete when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, or when a final invoice is paid.

Submit Part II Application

Within 120 days of the completion of the project, you must submit the Part II Application. The application will document the actual project scope and cost through photographs, a written narrative and invoices.

Application Review

Staff will review the Part II application and contact you with any questions. The State Statute provides 90 days for this review.

Certification

Once staff has found the application to meet the tax credit eligibility requirements, you will receive a Part II Certification and a form to file with your taxes.

File Your Taxes

You will claim the credit for the tax year your project was complete.

What are the Review Criteria?

More Information

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