Land conservation is the process of protecting natural land and returning developed land to its natural state.
Landowners who want to protect their land well into the future can enter into a conservation easement with a land trust, government agency, tribe or other qualified organization. Conservation easements offer effective and flexible protection, and are one of the most frequently used tools for conserving private land.
Conservation easements are conveyed by deed, have a conservation purpose, are in perpetuity (legal term meaning forever), require stewardship and monitoring, may only be extinguished by a court of law, are permanent and may offer tax benefits. It is difficult to remove a conservation easement.
A conservation easement is just one of many options. You may also donate or sell property, donate or sell development rights, or do a bargain sale with a land trust. The opportunity of a permanent conservation easement can protect a family farm or ranch, allowing for future generations to continue in agriculture.
Real Estate Donation A landowner may be interested in gifting a property to a charity or land trust. When a charity or land trusts accepts a real estate donation, the landowner can deduct the fair market value of the land from his or her federal taxes.
A popular fundraising program is the sale of donated property. Charities may also use donated property in their tax-exempt programs.
Contact land trusts and government agencies that work to assist landowners in your community who are interested in conservation. Get to know their policies and services, and discuss what you'd like to accomplish on your land and what rights you'd like to keep.
Determining the value of donated property de- pends upon many factors. You should consider all the facts and circumstances connected with the property, including any recent transactions, in determining value. Value may also be based on desirability, use, condition, scarcity, and mar- ket demand for that property.
Individuals may deduct qualified contributions of up to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income. A corporation may deduct qualified contributions of up to 25 percent of its taxable income. Contributions that exceed that amount can carry over to the next tax year.