Land Protection FAQ
        Conservation Easements
        Public Conservation Areas
        Donating Land
        Bargain Sales
        Tax Benefits

        New Federal Incentives

       Stewardship
        Farmland Protection

 

New Federal Law Enhances Tax Benefit for Voluntary Conservation Agreements Generous landowners who donate voluntary conservation easements, to the Columbia Land Conservancy are inspired by many things: their love of Columbia  County, their connection to their land, and their wish to leave a legacy for future generations. This inspiration is at the heart of our work to permanently protect valuable natural resources and working landscapes.  But for almost all of our donors, donating a conservation easement is a major financial decision, and the federal income tax deduction that comes with a donation helps make easements possible for landowners in our community. Congress recently passed (by overriding a presidential veto) a Farm Bill that renews the enhanced the tax benefits of protecting private land for many landowners. The legislation improves the tax incentive for conservation easements by allowing landowners who donate a conservation easement between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 to:   Deduct up to 50% of their adjusted gross income (up from 30%); Deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income if the majority of that income came from farming, ranching or forestry; and Continue to take deductions for as long as 15 years (up from 5 years) after the initial deduction.   Last year, Congress passed tighter appraisal standards for such gifts and stronger penalties for appraisers who violate the standards. The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) led the effort to get Congress to extend the conservation easement incentives. LTA is a national organization that sets national standards for conservation organizations like ours, provides training and networking opportunities, and represents the land trust community in  Washington,  DC. The Columbia Land Conservancy has been a member of LTA for many years.  The new law will make it easier for others in our community to build on their love of the land and permanently protect Columbia County .  To learn more about these new developments, call our office at (518) 392-5252 or visit: www.LTA.org.