Help Is Available!
Maintenance or rehab work on historic structures can do more harm than good if you don’t have a good understanding of what you’re doing.
Thinking of replacing those old windows? They probably can be repaired, and with a good-fitting storm window can provide as much thermal efficiency as a modern window. Thinking of a new addition? How can it be designed so as not to overpower your existing structure or confuse someone as to which part is historic or which is new?
Answers are available from the National Park Service, particulary in the more than 40 “Preservation Briefs” that provide specific information regarding almost any maintenance task you could think of for your historic building. Knowledgeable help is a click away.
If you own a property that is on the State or National Register, you should consider visiting Kansas of Olde, a group created with the intent of connecting historic property owners for collaboration. You can visit their site here: http://www.kansasofolde.com/
Tax Credits for Rehabilitation Projects
Owners of State or National Registered properties, or contributing properties in Historic Districts, are eligible for tax credits for rehab and maintenance work performed on their properties!
The federal program provides an income-tax credit equal to 20% of qualified expenditures on income-producing properties. The state program provides a tax credit equal to 25% of qualified expenditures on both income and non-income producing properties.
Projects must be for a minimum of $5,000, and must be completed in the calendar year for which the credit is approved. Two or more projects can be combined to meet the minimum (for instance a new roof and an exterior paint job).
Your project must be approved by the cultural resources office of KSHS before work begins. You will need to photo-document the approved work process and verify completion. Call Cultural Resources at 785-272-8681 or email culturalresources@kshs.org, or visit their web page on tax credits.
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