The tax credit property is a type of investment property that allows investors to receive tax credits for a portion of their investment. Investors can utilize the credits to offset other taxes, such as income taxes, resulting in large tax savings. The most common type of tax credit property is the low-income tax credit (LIHTC). LIHTC properties are usually apartment buildings that are rented to low-income tenants.
If you’re thinking about investing in a tax credit property, you should know a few things. This article covers everything from what tax credit properties are to how they can help you save money on your taxes.
What Is Tax Credit Property?
Tax Credit Property is a type of investment property that offers tax breaks to investors who develop or rehabilitate the property for low- or moderate-income housing. To encourage developers to build this form of housing, the federal government and many state and local governments offer tax credits.
Investors can claim the tax credits when they file their taxes. The amount of the credit depends on the size of the investment and the type of property. For example, an investor who spends $1 million to develop a Tax Credit Property may be able to claim a tax credit worth $500,000
What Are the Benefits of Tax Credit Property?
There are several benefits of investing in tax credit properties, including:
- Federal and state tax breaks: As an investor, you can receive federal and state tax credits for investing in a tax credit property. These credits can offset the cost of your investment and make it more profitable.
- Improved quality of life for residents: Tax credit properties often provide safe and affordable housing for low-income families, leading to improved quality of life for those families.
- Increased property value: By improving the quality of life in a community, tax credit properties can also help to increase the value of nearby properties.
- Economic development: Tax credit properties can spur economic growth in underserved communities by creating jobs and attracting new businesses.
- Increased tax revenue: The development of tax credit properties can generate new tax revenue for local governments.
There are also some risks associated with investing in tax credit properties, including:
- Loss of tax credits: The federal and state governments can change the rules regarding tax credits, which could eliminate or reduce the benefits of investing in a tax credit property.
- Complicated paperwork: Applying for and receiving tax credits can be complex and time-consuming.
- High investment costs: Tax credit properties often require a significant investment of time and money.
- The risk of default: There is always the risk that tenants will default on their rent payments, leading to financial losses for the property owner.
- The risk of fraud: There have been instances of fraud associated with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. Ensure to do your due diligence when considering an investment in a tax credit property to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
- The risk of changes in government policy: Changes in government policy could impact the viability of tax credit properties. For example, if the government eliminates the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, the value of tax credit properties may suffer.
Before investing in a tax credit property, it’s essential to do your research and understand the risks involved. Speak with a financial advisor to obtain expert advice on whether this type of investment is good for you.
Who Is Eligible for the Tax Credit Property?
Rental property owners, developers, and any legal entity, including individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and other types of partnerships that provide affordable housing that fulfills the program’s specified requirements, may be eligible for the tax credit. Single-family homes, apartment buildings, townhouses, and duplexes are among the many properties that qualify for the program.
While low-income families do not qualify for the tax credit, they may be able to reside in a property that is part of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. To be able to live there, they must submit an application for residency and meet certain requirements.
How Do Tax Credit Properties Work?
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) scheme is the major means of financing tax credit properties. Under the LIHTC program, developers can receive a tax credit for creating or rehabilitating affordable housing units. The tax credit is computed as a percentage of the overall project cost and can be claimed over a 10-year period.
The amount of tax credit that a developer can receive depends on several factors, including the state of the property and the type of housing being built or renovated. In general, projects that serve lower-income families or are located in rural areas receive more generous tax credits.
The tax credit rates are as follows:
9% credit rate for new construction
4% credit rate for acquisitions and rehabilitation
Example computation for the federal tax credit:
Total project cost: $10,000,000
Tax credit percentage for new construction: 9%
Total tax credit amount: $900,000
The developer can claim the tax credit over a period of 10 years. This means that the developer would receive a tax credit of $90,000 per year for 10 years.
The developer must first apply for the tax credit in order to get it. The application process can be complicated and time-consuming. Once the developer is approved for the tax credit, they must comply with specific rules and regulations to maintain their eligibility.
How Do Property Owners Become Eligible for the Tax Credit Property?
The credit is available to apartment complexes, single-family homes, townhouses, and duplexes. Owners and developers must meet the revenue and gross rent requirements listed below.
To qualify, the owner or developer must:
- A minimum of 20% of the units must be occupied by tenants earning 50% or less of the area median income (AMI)
- A minimum of 40% of the units are occupied by tenants earning 60% or less of the area median income (AMI).
- A minimum of 40% of the units must be occupied by tenants earning no more than 60% of the AMI, and no units may be leased by tenants earning more than 80% of the AMI.
Owners or developers who receive the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) must meet a gross rent requirement. These criteria stipulate that rent cannot exceed 30% of either 50% or 60% of the AMI.
For example , if an area’s AMI is $30,000, then 50% of that is $15,000 and 60% is $18,000. The gross rent test stipulates that rent cannot be more than 30% of the total amount of those figures. Consequently, rent cannot exceed $450 (30% of $15,000) or $540 (30% of $18,000).
What Are the Conditions for Filing a Tax Credit?
The property owner or developer must file an application with the state housing agency to receive the tax credit. The application must include:
- A description of the planned project, including the number and type of units available
- An explanation of how the project will meet the needs of low-income renters
- Information about the financing for the project, including the sources of funding and the amount of money that will be invested
- A schedule for the construction of the project
The state housing agency will review the application and determine whether the project meets the requirements for the tax credit. If the proposal is approved, the agency will issue a tax credit certificate. The certificate can then be used to offset the cost of the project.