Sometimes landowners donate their land to us outright. More frequently, landowners sign an easement agreement with us that allows them continued ownership but limits future development. They can still use it in other ways, like farming or hunting. We agree to monitor the land annually to be sure their wishes are followed.
In 2015 Congress enacted one of the most powerful conservation measures in decades: the enhanced federal tax incentive for conservation easement donations. If a landowner places a conservation easement on his or her land, and limits future development, the value of the land is reduced. An appraiser will determine this difference in value, which is the value of the conservation easement donation. Under the 2015 law, a landowner can deduct the value of that easement donation over a 16 year period from his or her federal income taxes.
Learn about various Tax Incentives relating to Land Donation and Conservation below:
The Land Trust for Louisiana is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN is 35-2239029