How does a landowner qualify for a federal income tax deduction?
To qualify, a donated conservation easement must be considered a charitable gift by the Internal Revenue Service. It is essential for the landowner to consult with his or her attorney and/or accountant to verify that their donation will meet the IRS requirements. Generally, this means that a donation must be made to an IRS-qualified non-profit organization; the easement must be granted exclusively for conservation purposes such as the preservation of natural resources or historic sites; and the gift must be motivated by charitable intent and not granted as a requirement for getting something in return.
