The Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit was established by Montgomery County to assist owners of locally-designated properties with routine maintenance and repairs exceeding $1,000 in cost.

How much is the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

25% of all eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 in cost. For example, if your project included eligible expenditures of $100,000, you would receive a credit on your property tax bill for $25,000. Any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years.

Can you extend any unused portion of the tax credit past the 5 year threshold?

Unfortunately, at this time it is not possible to extend any unused portion of the tax credit past the 5 year threshold.

What are eligible expenditures?

Eligible expenditures include, but are not limited to: repairing gutters, repairing chimneys, repairing masonry, repainting siding/trim, restoring windows,replacing storm windows, and replacing porch flooring. These examples were expenditures certified eligible by the Historic District Commission in 2013.

When are Historic Preservation Tax Credit Applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed by the City of Gaithersburg Historic District Commission for eligibility annually (typically between the months of April and June). Following the HDC’s determination of eligibility, the applications are forwarded to the Montgomery County Department of Finance/Division of Treasury for final approval.

So who ultimately decides whether or not I receive the Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

The Montgomery County Department of Finance/Division of Treasury makes the final determination on your application.

When do I receive my tax credit?

The tax credit will appear on your first property tax bill that you receive following the submission, review and eligibility determination of your Historic Preservation Tax Credit Application (typically in the late summer/early fall).

How do I apply for the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

Simply complete the one page Historic Preservation Tax Credit Application and submit it, along with the one page Historic Preservation Tax Credit Receipts Transmittal Form, to the City of Gaithersburg. Links to both forms can be found in the Related Documents section.

When do I apply for Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

Once the eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 in cost have been completed.

How do I document the eligible expenditures?

You will need to document the work with before/after photographs, receipts and/or cancelled checks.

How much does it cost to apply for a Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

There is no fee to apply.