Tag Archives: Birmingham Historic Districts

Alabama Historical Commission, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month

Learn How Easements Safeguard Historic Properties

It’s often after the fact that the public regrets the demolition of an historic building. At this last lecture of Birmingham’s Historic Preservation Month, David Fleming discusses easements and how they can protect historic buildings.

The Alabama Historical Commission has prepared a worksheet for property owners HERE who are interested in safeguarding their private property and/or receiving appropriate tax incentives.

Generally, a building or site must possess historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance to the state or its locale in order to qualify. However, if it’s contributing to an existing historic district, it may also qualify. Detailed maps HERE show historic districts in Birmingham.

The National Park Service provides more information about tax incentives HERE. But for more information or with questions for David Fleming, the lecture is at NOON at Sloss Furnace, West Room on Thursday, May 29th.

Event announcement for a presentation on Historic Preservation and Easements by David Fleming, highlighting their benefits for protecting historic buildings.
Birmingham Historical Society, Historic Preservation, Planning, Engineering, and Permits

Is Your Commercial Property Eligible for Historic Tax Breaks?

Click on the interactive map above to locate your property. The State of Alabama encourages owners of historic income-producing properties to maintain them by providing tax credits for rehabilitation. Properties built before 1960 and in an historic district would most likely be eligible for the credit. Owners of income-producing historic properties can use this program to improve and repair their properties while receiving tax credits against income tax they owe to the State of Alabama.

1) Property must be at least 60 years old…

2) Property must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing resource in a listed National Register district.

OR

3) Property must be eligible for the National Register either individually or as a contributing resource in an eligible National Register district.

Information on Alabama’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit HERE

2017 Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit

The Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit is a 25% refundable tax credit available for owners of income-producing properties who substantially rehabilitate historic properties that are listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and are 75 years old or older.

What expenses qualify for the credit?

Repair of exterior materials; repair of structural systems; repair of interior finishes like floors, walls, and ceilings; upgrades to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing; and architectural, engineering, and land surveying fees.

The Process of applying

Advalorem Tax Break

The Wallace Property Relief Constitutional Amendment (“Lid Bill”) Code of Alabama 40-8-1 Section 2. allows all historic property, regardless of use, to be assessed at 10% of the assessed value for ad valorem tax purposes.