LIHTC tools
Do I qualify for a tax credit apartment?
You qualify for a tax credit (LIHTC) apartment if your household's yearly income before taxes is at or under the limit for the unit's level, usually 50% or 60% of your county's median income, set by household size. Choose your county, enter how many people will live with you and your income, and see which levels you fit and the most rent each can charge.
As of October 30, 2026 (HUD FY2026 limits). Sources: HUD FY2026 MTSP income limits; IRC 42(i)(3)(D) and 42(h)(6)(B)(iv) (Cornell LII); IRS Publication 5913. An estimate, not tax or legal advice.
How the check works
HUD publishes income limits for every county at seven levels, 20% to 80% of the area median, for households of one to eight people. You fit a level when your household's income is at or under its limit for your household size. Each tax credit apartment is set at one level, and the property can rent it only to a household under that level's limit.
The rent shown is the most a unit at that level can charge in a month, including an allowance for utilities you pay yourself. It comes from the same limits: 30% of the limit for a household sized to the unit (1.5 people per bedroom), divided by 12.
Example
A family of three in Travis County, Texas, earning $52,000 a year is under the FY2026 limit of $60,500 at 50% and $72,600 at 60%, but over the $48,400 limit at 40%. They fit 50% and 60% units, where a two-bedroom can charge at most $1,512 and $1,815 a month, utilities included.
What else a property checks
Properties also look at things this tool can't: assets, rental history and their own screening rules, and many set a minimum income so the rent is affordable to you. Larger households than eight follow HUD's formula, so ask the property. Fair housing law applies: a property can't turn you away because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, or because you have a voucher.
Questions people ask
What income counts?
The total yearly income, before taxes, of everyone who will live in the apartment, including adults' wages, benefits, child support and income from assets. The property checks it with documents when you apply and again at times after you move in.
What does 60% of area median income mean?
HUD sets income limits for each county from the area's median family income, adjusted for household size. A 60% limit is roughly 60% of that median for a family of four, scaled up or down for your size. Each tax credit unit is set at a level, most often 50% or 60%.
Will my rent be 30% of my income?
Not usually. In a tax credit apartment the rent is set by the unit's income level and size, and it is the same for everyone in that kind of unit. It is often lower than market rent but not tied to what you earn, unless you also have a Housing Choice Voucher or other rental help.
Can a tax credit property turn down my voucher?
No. Owners of tax credit properties may not refuse to rent to someone because they hold a Housing Choice Voucher (IRC 42(h)(6)(B)(iv)). You still have to meet the property's other screening rules.
I'm a full-time student. Can I qualify?
If everyone in your household is a full-time student, a tax credit unit generally can't count you as low-income unless one of five exceptions applies: a student receives TANF, was in foster care, is in a qualifying job training program, the household is a single parent and children who are not anyone else's tax dependents, or the students are married and file jointly (IRC 42(i)(3)(D)). If even one person in the household is not a full-time student, the rule doesn't apply.
Does this tool sign me up for an apartment?
No. It only compares your numbers with HUD's published limits. To apply, contact the properties directly; each keeps its own waiting list. This site does not own, manage or rent apartments.