Massachusetts

MapSpectrum has been supporting and promoting affordable housing in Massachusetts for over 12 years. We’re proud of our commitment to serve your communities and we’re proud to work both for you and with you to meet the needs of those most at risk. Our job is to ensure affordable apartments are rented to households truly qualified for them, and to ensure these homes are as safe, secure, and well maintained as they can be.

The Massachusetts portfolio of Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties consists of over 600 hundred properties covering all parts of the state. Almost 40,000 apartments have been made available to persons and families in need of a place to call home.

There are over 100 Management companies involved.

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees the LIHTC program.

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Massachusetts Contacts

Edward Clark, Director of Massachusetts State Monitoring
eclark@spectrumlihtc.com or (207) 767-8000 x204

Cathy Turner, Compliance Analyst
cturner@spectrumlihtc.com or (207) 767-8000 x216

Wil Whalen, Compliance Analyst
wwhalen@spectrumlihtc.com or (207) 767-7000 x212

News

(04/08/2010)

With passage of the HR 3221, HUD is required to gather demographic information for LIHTC properties. It is optional on tenants’ past but management must make a ‘best guess’ if not provided. Please begin using this TIC immediately.

End Of Year Reporting

EOY 2011 materials due March 15, 2012

  • Spectrum Status Software XML (Version 3.5.2)

    All versions up to and including 3.5.1 have an issue with entering dates in 2011 for the Building Placed in Service date and the Reporting Period (From and To) on the Property screen. If you are currently using version 3.5.1 you don’t need to download 3.5.2. It’s OK to leave the Building Placed in Service date BLANK and leave the Reporting Period set to last year. Please read the End of Year Instructions (below) for complete details especially if you’re using the XML import feature.

  • End of Year Instructions (02-16-12) (please read first)
  • MA End of Year Letter to Owners  Word Doc
  • UPDATED Owner’s Certification  Word Doc

Massachusetts Compliance Guide

  • Complete 8823 Guide PDF
  • Chapter 5 Changes (4350) PDF

Massachusetts Compliance Guide


Recommended Tenant Forms

  • Application PDF
  • Certification Worksheet  PDF
  • Employment Verification PDF
  • Recertification Update PDF
  • Student Verification PDF
  • Tenant Income Certification PDF
  • Tenant Interview Checklist PDF
  • Under $5k Asset Statement PDF
  • Zero Income Statement PDF


Massachusetts Income Limits

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State News!

Revised Policy for Assisted Living Properties!

Several Directors of Assisted Living Properties in Massachusetts felt our interpretation of the regulations in regard to meals was inaccurate.  As a result, we contacted both DHCD and the IRS.  The initial response we received from the IRS was that our reading of the regulations was the correct one. After prolonged discussion, that opinion was modified and we can now conclude that charging LIHTC occupants a fee for any and all meals is allowable under Section 42 regulations as long the following conditions are present:

1) Potential LIHTC residents are informed prior to occupancy that obtaining meals is not required as a condition of occupancy.

2) A reasonable alternative is present for obtaining or preparing meals on their own. The presence of a refrigerator/microwave/stovetop/oven etc all contribute to that conclusion.

Thank you for your patience. We are happy to report it has paid off with a favorable conclusion!

2012 LIMITS PUBLISHED

You can go to our link or straight to huduser.

They are only early in the sense that they are not late.

You can use them immediately you HAVE to use them by JANUARY 14th 2012

3.6% COLA adjustment for 2012.

The Social Security Administration announced the first increase since 2009 today.

Go to www.ssa.gov for more information.

Have a question about how to document something?

Feel free to contact us with questions related to LIHTC compliance. That's what we are here for.

Ed Clark- eclark@spectrumlihtc.com

Cathy Turner - cturnerspectrumlihtc.com

Wil Whalen- wwhalen@spectrumlihtc.com

Or you can call at 207-767-8000

Ed- x204

Cathy- x216

Wil- x 212

Mass Monitor runs World Renowned Road Race

Congratulations to Cathy Turner For completing her first ever Beach To Beacon 10K road race. Cathy crossed the finish line in just under 66 minutes. Cathy wasn't the only Spectrum employee to run the race this year. Katie Rawson also ran the race and finished in just under an hour. The speed of physical inspections is not expected to change.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD has revised income limits.

As of 6/30/11 HUD has modified the income limits for Dukes County.

Be sure to check and confirm you're using the right limits.

CONGRATULATIONS!

We're happy to acknowledge some affordable housing developments that have distinguished themselves at the national level.

Worthington Commons of Springfield was recognized under the HOME program by HUD for being a financially stable project that is helping turn around a difficult neighborhood.

Trolley Square in Cambridge was noted for sustainable and innovative building design.

Together with the Gordon H. Mansfield development in Pittsfield, these properties demonstrate just how effective public/private partnerships can be in making our communities stronger and better places to live.