Olivia Brazee from the New York State Historic Preservation Office and Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, will walk participants through the requirements for receiving the new Historic Barn Tax Credit. Click here to register.

Owners of historic barns (built before 1946) may be eligible for New York State’s new Historic Barn Tax Credit program for qualifying expenses to rehabilitate or maintain their barns.

The 25% credit, available to barn owners who pay New York State income tax, can be applied to qualifying barn rehabilitation and/or maintenance expenses incurred in the previous five years.

Owners must spend at least $5,000 to claim the credit, and the historic exterior appearance of the barn may not be altered.

The credits also do not apply to barns that have been converted or will be converted to residential use, though other commercial uses are permitted.