Historic Rehabilitation and Restoration Tax Credit (CHAP Tax Credit)
In 1996, the Mayor and City Council established Baltimore City’s Historic Rehabilitation and Restoration Tax Credit Program (CHAP Tax Credit), which fosters the rehabilitation of historic structures throughout Baltimore. This program supports the City's mission to preserve Baltimore's historic neighborhoods by encouraging property owners in historic districts to complete major rehabilitation projects.
The program is a 10-year property tax credit that is granted on the increased property value that results from the qualifying rehabilitation work. The tax credit is computed once and used for the entire 10-year life of the credit. The Department of Finance is responsible for calculating the credit and all questions regarding the calculation should be addressed to them. Both residential and commercial properties are eligible for the tax credit.
To date, over $1.3 billion dollars has been invested in historic properties through this program since 1997, with over 4,300 projects completed throughout the City.
- Ten-year tax credit for all renovations, interior, and exterior, is the most generous in Baltimore City, and among the most comprehensive in the country.
- Credit benefits both homeowners and businesses.
- The goal of the program is to preserve Baltimore's neighborhoods by encouraging restoration and rehabilitation.
- Credit is fully transferrable to a new owner for the remaining life of the credit.
Learn more about the credit in the 2020 Analysis of the Tax Credit.
If you are interested in applying for this tax credit, follow these steps:
1. Read the Tax Credit FAQ
2. Read the Program Rules and Regulations
3. Review the CHAP Design Guidelines
4. Send any questions about the process to historictaxcredit@baltimorecity.gov
5. Apply for the Historic Rehabilitation and Restoration Tax Credit