Massachusetts § 38BB - Credit against taxes imposed for a certified housing development project
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 38BB — Credit against taxes imposed for a certified housing development project, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38BB. Credit against taxes imposed for a certified housing development project
Section 38BB. (1) A credit shall be allowed against the tax liability imposed by this chapter, to the extent awarded by the executive office of housing and livable communities, in this section referred to as ''EOHLC'', established in chapter 23B, for a certified housing development project, as defined in chapter 40V, in an amount up to 25 per cent of the cost of qualified project expenditures of the market rate units within the project, as defined in section (1) of chapter 40V. The credit under this section shall be allowed for the taxable year in which EOHLC gives the commissioner of revenue written notification of completion of the certified housing development project.
(2) Taxpayers eligible for the this credit may, with prior notice to and under regulations adopted by the commissioner of revenue transfer the credits, in whole or in part, to any individual or entity, and the transferee shall be entitled to apply the credits against the tax with the same effect as if the transferee had incurred the qualified project expenditures itself.
(3) If the credit allowable for any taxable year exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability for that tax year, the taxpayer may carry forward and apply in any subsequent taxable year, the portion, as reduced from year to year, of those credits which exceed the tax for the taxable year; provided, however, that in no event shall the taxpayer apply the credit to the tax for any taxable year beginning more than 10 years after the taxable year in which EOHLC gives the commissioner written notification of completion of the certified housing development project. If the credit is transferred by the taxpayer, the carry over provisions applicable to the transferee shall apply.
A transferee shall use the credit in the year it is transferred. If the credit allowable for any taxable year exceeds the transferee's tax liability for that tax year, the transferee may carry forward and apply in any subsequent taxable year, the portion, as reduced from year to year, of those credits which exceed the tax for the taxable year; provided, however, that in no event shall the transferee apply the credit to the tax for any taxable year beginning more than 10 years after the taxable year in which EOHLC gives the commissioner of revenue written notification of completion of the certified housing development project.
(4) For any certified housing development project, qualified project expenditures applicable to this credit shall be treated for purposes of this section as made on the date that EOHLC gives the commissioner of revenue written notification of completion of the certified housing development project.
(5) EOHLC may authorize up to $30,000,000 in credits annually under this section and subsection (q) of section 6 of chapter 62. EOHLC may authorize annually any credits under this section or said subsection (q) of said section 6 of said chapter 62 returned to EOHLC by a certified housing development project. The total amount of credits authorized during a year shall include: (1) credits granted during the year under this section or said subsection (q) of section 6 of chapter 62; and (2) carry forwards of credits from prior years under this section or said subsection (q) of section 6 of chapter 62, to the extent that such credit carry forwards are estimated by the commissioner of revenue to offset tax liabilities during the year. Any portion of the $30,000,000 annual cap not authorized by EOHLC during a calendar year shall be added to the amount EOHLC may authorize in subsequent years. EOHLC shall provide the commissioner of revenue with any documentation that the commissioner deems necessary to confirm compliance with the annual cap and the commissioner shall provide a report confirming compliance with the annual cap to the secretary of administration and finance and the secretary of housing and livable communities.
(6) The commissioner of revenue, in consultation with EOHLC, shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 38BB
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 38BB cover?
Section 38BB ("Credit against taxes imposed for a certified housing development project") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 38BB?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 38BB" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 38BB apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.