WHEN THE ELK FOUNDATION SELLS PROPERTY TO FEDERAL OR STATE AGENCIES, DO COUNTIES STILL RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR TAXES?
Generally yes – although the way the property is taxed varies. • Federal Agencies: Federal agencies that own lands – including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service – make “payments in lieu of taxes” (PILT). The BLM administers PILT payments for all federal agencies and makes payments directly to county assessors’ offices on October 1 of each year. • State Agencies: Most state wildlife agencies that own lands make payments to the respective county treasurer’s office. However, a few do not. Most western states make PILT payments. Each state determines their payment by using their own formula. Some allocate a set amount determined by state legislation, like in Colorado. Some assign a fixed amount per acre, as with Utah. Still others will pay the same amount as a private landowner, as in Montana. For detailed information on state PILT payment formulas, contact the land department in the state’s wildlife agency. Q
