Governor Signs Bill by Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Barrett to Resurrect the Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit

ALBANY, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) and Assemblymember Didi Barrett (AD-106) today announced that their bill (S.6042/A.6947) to create a tax program to help landowners restore historic barns across rural and upstate New York has been signed into law by Governor Hochul. Thanks to the legislation, property owners will soon be eligible to apply with the state Historic Preservation Office for a 25% tax credit to restore barns constructed before 1945 back to productive use or into small businesses such as craft breweries, event spaces, and the like, to foster economic growth. 

The Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit, once a federal program, was eliminated in 2018 as a result of changes in the federal tax code under the Federal Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017. The Hinchey/Barrett bill revives this tax incentive by placing it in state Tax Law and expanding eligibility so that more historic barns throughout the state may qualify.

“Historic preservation is a pivotal strategy for rural revitalization and by instituting the Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit we are making it more affordable for New Yorkers to save these beloved buildings from disrepair and explore new uses in agritourism, arts and culture,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “This incentive will help preserve thousands of historic barns across rural and upstate communities, allowing us to trace back New York’s rich agricultural heritage, boost community pride, and capitalize on valuable opportunities to revive local economies. I thank Assemblymember Barrett for her partnership on this legislation and Governor Hochul for signing our bill into law so we can inspire a new era of investment in rural New York.”

“Our iconic historic barns embody the Hudson Valley’s rural and agricultural roots, and the preservation, restoration and repurposing of these barns is critical to maintaining the region's bucolic character, as well as the regional economy,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “By resurrecting the New York State Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit, we are incentivizing a new generation of farmers, architecture enthusiasts, and business owners to reconnect with the state’s past while building for their own future. I thank Senator Hinchey for sponsoring this important legislation in the Senate, and thank Governor Hochul for signing our bill into law!”

“The Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit will be a boon to rural areas throughout New York State,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of NYS. “Our team at the Preservation League hears directly from historic barn owners more than any other type of property owner, and the renewal of the barn tax credit will provide a much-needed resource. The historic barns that dot our landscape provide a tangible link to our state’s agricultural past, but they also represent opportunities to revitalize communities — either through adaptive reuse or a reinvestment in agricultural uses. We are grateful to Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Barrett for their leadership on this issue and thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing the bill into law.”

Dr. Michael Tomlan, President of the New York State Barn Coalition, said, “The need to rehabilitate the barns across the Empire State has never been greater. The support of the Senate and Assembly members and the Governor is a tremendous step forward, energizing the economy and assisting property owners and thousands of rural communities.”

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