Articles Archives

Capital Briefs

3 min read

Tax Credit Advisor, August 2010:

HUD Revises FHA Multifamily Underwriting Standards, Policies

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a new mortgagee letter (2010-21) making significant changes to underwriting standards, policies, and procedures for Federal Housing Administration multifamily mortgage insurance programs, including Sections 221(d)(4), 221(d)(3), 223(a)(7), and 223(f). For most programs, the letter, among other things, increases minimum debt service coverage ratios and reduces maximum loan value/cost ratios, both for market-rate and affordable projects.

A New Lesson Plan Historic Rehabilitation May Be Part of Solution to Vacant, Unneeded Schools in Detroit

3 min read

Tax Credit Advisor, August 2010: It’s no secret that the city of Detroit has been ravaged economically by a seemingly endless recession and declining manufacturing base. In response, many residents have reacted with their feet. As of July 1, 2006, the city had an estimated population of 871,121, a decline of 8.4% from January 2000. Once the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Detroit is now No. 11.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Audits Are Increasing

3 min read

Tax Credit Advisor, August 2010: Internal Revenue Service agents are conducting a greater volume of audits of tax returns for low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) issues.

More Investors Ahead? IRS Issues Favorable New Guidance on NMTC

3 min read

The Internal Revenue Service has issued favorable new guidance for the federal new markets tax credit program, including clearing a roadblock to the entry of individuals as investors.

A New Trend? New Players Invest in Housing Deals for Tax Losses

2 min read

In what could be a new trend, some new affordable rental housing deals without low-income housing tax credits have attracted corporate investors interested in purchasing the tax losses.

How’s Your Green Improvement? Compared to What?

4 min read

Nowhere is the multifamily owner’s uncertainty greater than in green or energy conservation improvements. We’ve all been offered green roofs, electrochromic glass, and on-site wind turbines Ð all with vendor promises of future energy savings.

Free Money: Building Owners May Be Overlooking Valuable Tax Deduction

3 min read

Developers and owners may be overlooking a valuable federal tax deduction for energy-efficient systems installed in their buildings, according to officials at Engineered Tax Services, an engineering firm headquartered in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Preserving History: Historic, New Markets Tax Credits Help Create Civil Rights Museum

5 min read

Usually a tax credit project generates local economic activity and jobs. In one case in Greensboro, N.C., it has preserved a chapter in history as well.

Capital Briefs

3 min read

Extenders Tax Legislation Still Pending in Congress

At press time, Congress still had not net completed approval of the tax extenders bill (H.R. 4213). In May, leading lawmakers forged a compromise bill for votes on final passage. But cost concerns led the House to modify and trim the package before approving an amended version on May 28.

The Best Projects in the Nation

5 min read

Tax Credit Coalition Presents Excellence Awards

The Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition recognized winners of the 16th Annual Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards at a Capitol Hill luncheon ceremony on June 2 in Washington, D.C.

Congress Closes A Door But White House Opens A Window

4 min read

By Thom Amdur, NH&RA

August is always slow for Congressional watchers, but especially so this election year. Complicated by extreme partisanship, many key pending Congressional initiatives critical to our industry, including tax extenders legislation and small business legislation, are in limbo. With few legislative days left before the November elections, critical housing legislation may not be passed before then ““ or even in a lame duck session.

Creative Deal Structuring Georgia Development Gets Critical Boost from New Issue Bond Program

7 min read

Woodbridge at Parkway Village, a new solar-powered affordable senior rental development under construction near Atlanta, Ga., embodies the twin spirits of pioneering and determination.

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