Conservation Easement Tax Benefits Expanded

In December of 2015, the United States Congress made permanent a federal tax incentive for conservation easements donations that can significantly help landowners who wish to protect their property. The new legislation raises the deduction a donor can take for donating a conservation easement from 30% of his or her income to 50%. It allows farmers and ranchers to deduct 100% of their income. Also the period over which a donor can take deductions is extended from five to fifteen years.

Barry Beasley, KVLT Executive Director comments that “these are very exciting changes in tax law that will greatly benefit landowners who wish to grant a conservation easement and protect the character of their land. It is a particularly valuable tool for modest-income donors to receive enhanced economic benefits for their gift.”