Housing Tax Credit Basics - FAQs

The HTC program is one of the primary means of directing private capital toward the development and preservation of affordable rental housing for low-income households.
 

The HTC program is funded by the U.S. Treasury Department and is overseen by the Internal Revenue Service. Federal Regulations guiding the program can be found in IRC Code Section 42 or by visiting the NOFAs and Rules page.

The HTC program was designed to:

1. Provide a source of equity financing for the development of affordable housing;
2. Maximize the number of affordable units added to the state's housing supply;
3. Ensure that the state's affordable housing supply is well maintained and operated, serving as a credit to the communities in which affordable housing is constructed and operated; and
4. Prevent losses in the state's supply of affordable housing.

Tax credits are awarded to eligible participants to offset a portion of their federal tax liability in exchange for the production or preservation of affordable rental housing. The value associated with the tax credits allows residences in HTC developments to be leased to qualified households at below market rate rents.

Yes, there are two types of HTCs: 9% HTC and 4% HTC.

9% HTC (Competitive)

• The 9% HTC program is highly competitive.
• The amount of tax credits available in each region is determined through the Regional Allocation Formula (“RAF”); there are separate set-asides for “at risk” and US Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) assisted developments.
• At least 10% of the allocation must be used for qualified non-profits.
• Applications are scored and ranked within their region or set-aside.
• Scoring criteria range from financial feasibility, various indicators of local support, size and quality of units, amenities and services to be provided to the tenants, economic health of the community, and more.
• Scoring reflects requirements found in state law and program rules; the program rules are known as the Qualified Action Plan (“QAP”).

4% HTC (Non-Competitive)

• 4% HTCs are awarded to developments that use tax-exempt bonds as a component of their financing.
• Applications are accepted throughout the year.
• 4% HTCs are available statewide; they are not subject to regional allocation.

The HTC program funds the development of affordable multifamily rental properties or rehabilitation of existing properties that are willing to maintain affordable rents for an extended period of time.

Private for-profit and nonprofit multifamily housing developers.

After the property is developed by the applicant, the applicant will affirmatively market the property in the surrounding community. Tenants earning up to 60% of the area median family income (AMFI) for the area for their household size and who meet the screening and eligibility restrictions of the property may qualify for a reduced rent unit.

HTC units offer income qualified tenants a unit at a reduced rental rate that is restricted by annually published rent guidelines. Section 8 determines the rent based on 30% of a tenant's actual income. HTC rental rates may increase or decrease annually based on published limits, but Section 8 rents increase only when the occupying household's income increases or decreases or amended budgets containing proposed rent increases are requested by the Section 8 development owner.

Nine percent (9%) credit applicants may complete a voluntary Pre-Application; 4% and 9% credit applicants must complete the Uniform Multifamily Application and any supplemental forms requested. Visit the Apply for Funds page to review application materials and guidelines.

Scoring and general threshold requirements can be found in the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), the Uniform Multifamily Rules, and state law. Visit the NOFAs and Rules page for more detail.

There are set-asides for "at risk" (affordable multifamily federally subsidized or HTC properties that are nearing the end of their contract/affordability terms) and USDA assisted developments; at least 10% of the tax credits allocated every year must be used by qualified nonprofits.

• Public comment is taken at all TDHCA board meetings and is accepted during the application review process.
• Regional public hearings are held to take public comment on 9% HTC applications (Applications for 4% HTC have hearings associated with their bond funding; no separate hearing is held for the 4% HTCs.)
• Under the 9% HTC program, the following entities may affect an application’s score by submitting comment reflecting support, neutrality, or opposition:
  • a city council and/or county commissioner’s court (through a resolution);
  • neighborhood associations that contain all or a portion of the proposed development and that are registered with the state or county;
  • and state representatives. 
• Under the 4% HTC program, the local governing body (city council and/or commissioners’ court) may submit a certified resolution to TDHCA expressing objection or no objection to the proposed development.
• Hearing schedules, TDHCA board meeting announcements, and other informational notices are posted on TDHCA’s Calendar.

Public Comment Resources

• Please visit the TDHCA Public Comment Center for general explanatory information, forms, and other resources to assist with participation in the Department’s public comment process.

Final funding decisions on all HTC applications are made by TDHCA's Governing Board. For more information or a list of members, visit the TDHCA Governing Board page.

Nine percent (9%) HTC applications are considered for approval in July. Four percent (4%) HTC applications are considered for approval throughout the year.

TDHCA monitors and physically inspects all properties that have received tax credits and/or multifamily funds from any TDHCA program. Property owners who do not follow applicable guiding program rules and regulations and property standards may be subject to certain actions designed to encourage compliance. These actions, if not promptly addressed, may lead to other more serious actions such as the assessment of administrative penalties or, in extreme instances, debarment from TDHCA's affordable multifamily programs.

The Department monitors properties on a routine schedule depending on their funding source. Properties that receive HTCs are generally monitored once every three years; additional inspections may be done as a result of complaints or to rectify serious compliance violations. TDHCA will continue to inspect and monitor properties for program compliance for up to 40 years (or the term of their affordability period).

Affordable rental properties can be searched using the Vacancy Clearinghouse. The Vacancy Clearinghouse is also linked from Help for Texans.

Please call the TDHCA Housing Resource Center (HRC) line toll free at 1-800-525-0657. An HRC Representative will connect you with the appropriate contact in the Compliance Division (if the property is in the TDHCA portfolio) or will provide you with a resource number if the property is funded by or under the jurisdiction of another entity.