The tax extender bill pushed through Congress in the final days of the lame duck session included some housing-related provisions, but an extension of the Tax Credit Exchange Program wasn’t one of them. When asked if the exchange is needed or not and whether it should be part of Congress’ agenda in 2011, readers were almost evenly split on their opinions.
A little more than half—53.6%—said they didn’t think the credit exchange needed to be extended. “The equity market is rebounding, and the credit exchange was artificially affecting pricing for credits in the market place. Equity pricing is now becoming more predictable without the exchange program, which can lead to a quicker stabilization,” noted one respondent.
However, 46.4% said they were disappointed that it was left out of the tax extender bill. Another respondent said, “In many areas of the nation, LIHTC prices are not sufficient as a robust source to support the overall costs of an affordable housing deal in the year in which it must be syndicated and funded. The exchange program is a necessary tool until the economy gets back on track to generate LIHTC investors who will pay prices that can actually support the costs.”
On whether it should return to the 112th Congress’ agenda, 51.9% of respondents said no, 40.7% said yes, and the remaining 7.4% said they were unsure.
