Other Incentive Proposals

The enhanced easement incentive and estate tax incentives for conservation are our top priorities, but we’re exploring other innovative tax incentives that could greatly increase the pace of land conservation.  If you’re working on a tax proposal that you think should be next on our agenda, please let us know – we’d be more than willing to post information here and will consider your idea part of our policy review process.  A longer list of potential tax incentives on our radar screen was included in our Transition Recommendations to President Obama.

State and Local Tax Incentives for Conservation

At least 16 states already have tax credits or other state incentives for conservation. Each state’s program is unique and we’ve posted some basic information on each in hopes of inspiring others to replicate their success. Read more.

Community Forestry Conservation Bonds

The Land Trust Alliance supports the Community Forestry Conservation Act (H.R. 1982/S. 1105) a bill that would allow land trusts to use funds derived from municipal revenue bond sales to purchase working forests at risk of development and keep them in production.  The bonds would be paid off with proceeds from environmentally sensitive timber harvests. Read more.

S Corporation Donation Incentive

Historically, charitable deductions by S corporation shareholders have been limited to their “basis” in company stock – a limitation that has killed many important conservation deals.  A little-noticed provision of the 2008 “bailout” package lifted this restriction, allowing most S corporation shareholders to deduct their share of the full fair market value of a contribution made by the company without regard to their “basis.”  This provision has been extended through December 31, 2013, and is retroactive through 2012.

• See our fact sheet urging its renewal.
• Learn more about using this provision