Historic Tax Credit programs are going digital
By Gwen Davis, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ deputy state historic preservation officer, and Emily Whaley, architectural historian
State and federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit programs will soon make major innovations in the way applications are received and reviewed. Separately, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service are developing electronic submission guidelines and processes to be implemented later this year. Going digital will provide a more user-friendly experience for applicants and streamline the review process.
On the state side, applicants and consultants will digitally submit applications through an online portal. Users will be able to check the status of their applications in real time and request technical assistance through the online portal. This project has been more than a year in the making, and the team is working through the last technical details.
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program review process will remain the same, but applicants will be able to submit electronic applications directly to the SHPO for review, eliminating physical paperwork requirements. SHPO staff will then electronically send applications to the National Park Service. Applicants will also receive electronic communications from the National Park Service regarding their application statuses.
State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service staff plan to offer multiple training sessions in preparation for the launch of the new online systems. Check back often for updates and launch dates!