2026 Housing Credit Application Due Dates
Due dates for 2026 Federal Ceiling Credit and State Credit applications are as follows. Federal Bond Credit projects not pursuing State Rental Credits can be processed on a rolling basis. State Homeownership Credit applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning in 2026.
| Credit Type: | Pre-Application Meeting Due Date: |
Application Due Date: | Award Decision Date: |
| Federal Ceiling Credits (9%) | January 23, 2026 | March 2, 2026 | May 2026 |
| Federal Bond Credits (4%) | N/A | Rolling | Rolling |
| State Rental Credits | January 23, 2026 | March 2, 2026 | May 2026 |
| State Homeownership Credits | N/A | Rolling | Rolling |
Housing Credit - Pre-Applications & Applications
- Pre-applications: Pre-applications are required for Federal Ceiling Credits and State Rental Credits. More information is available on the pre-application page.
- Applications: For all Federal Ceiling Credits, Federal Bond Credits, and State Rental Credits, apply by using the Common Application. State Rental Credit applications must include an application for VHFA Tax-Exempt financing and 4% Bond Credits.
- NEW! VHFA will implement a new application portal by the end of 2025. More information and instructions on how to use the new portal will be posted at that time.
- Other resources: Additional materials relevant to Housing Credit applications can be found on the following pages:
Background on Housing Credits in Vermont
The Housing Tax Credit was designed by Congress to help create and preserve affordable rental housing for lower income households. It provides a direct cost-based reduction in federal tax liability over a 10-year period for owners of qualifying rental housing who agree to conform to certain operating restrictions for a 15-year period or longer.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 set a maximum housing credit allocation for each state based on population. Vermont’s 2023 allocation is $3.19 million.
Housing Tax Credits (also known as federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits {LIHTC}) bring substantial equity investment into Vermont's housing market. Housing Tax Credits have produced most of Vermont's affordable rental housing developed since the program's inception in 1987. Since Vermont is a rural state with little development capital available, the credits allocated have been an effective means of raising equity capital for the construction and rehabilitation of rental housing. Thousands of apartments have been created or preserved to target households earning 60% of the median income or less.
Housing Tax Credits benefit Vermont's economy. Credits allocated in Vermont have resulted in millions of dollars in acquisition, development, and construction activity, benefiting local and regional economies statewide.