Why Should Corporations Donate A Conservation Easement?
In addition to reinforcing the corporation’s commitment to the stewardship of the land it controls, donating a conservation easement further protects the natural resource values of the property and can provide financial advantages to the donor. The area under easement can be on unused land, such as a wetland or an area which serves as a buffer zone for manufacturing or office facilities. The donation ensures that the conservation values of the property are protected, without changing ownership. What Are The Financial Advantages? • If the donation meets federal tax code requirements, the easement’s value can be treated as a charitable gift and used to reduce income taxes to the extent the individual corporation’s tax situation allows. • The Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue allow deductibility for protecting a viewshed, e.g. preserving the open space which serves as a buffer for the company. • Easement values vary greatly, and are based on a number of factors inc
