What are the tax benefits of conservation easements?
When a conservation easement is in place, the value of property decreases because its development potential has gone down. If the landowner has donated the conservation easement to a nonprofit land trust, the difference between the value of the land before and after the easement represents a charitable donation and is treated that way on the landowner s income tax return. In addition, the decreased value of the land represents decreased estate taxes for the landowner s heirs. Some property tax benefits may also be available.
