Contact land trusts and government agencies that work to assist landowners in your community who are interested in conservation. Get to know their policies and services, and discuss what you'd like to accomplish on your land and what rights you'd like to keep.
Determining the value of donated property de- pends upon many factors. You should consider all the facts and circumstances connected with the property, including any recent transactions, in determining value. Value may also be based on desirability, use, condition, scarcity, and mar- ket demand for that property.
Real Estate Donation A landowner may be interested in gifting a property to a charity or land trust. When a charity or land trusts accepts a real estate donation, the landowner can deduct the fair market value of the land from his or her federal taxes.
A popular fundraising program is the sale of donated property. Charities may also use donated property in their tax-exempt programs.
Individuals may deduct qualified contributions of up to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income. A corporation may deduct qualified contributions of up to 25 percent of its taxable income. Contributions that exceed that amount can carry over to the next tax year.
A conservation easement is just one of many options. You may also donate or sell property, donate or sell development rights, or do a bargain sale with a land trust. The opportunity of a permanent conservation easement can protect a family farm or ranch, allowing for future generations to continue in agriculture.
The accepted way to record in-kind donations is to set up a separate revenue account but the expense side of the transaction should be recorded in its functional expense account. For example, revenue would be recorded as Gifts In-Kind – Services, and the expense would be recorded as Professional Services.
Taxpayers may be able to claim a charitable deduction for donating real property, or certain interests in real property that restrict how land or buildings can be used.
It involves drafting key legal paperwork, having your land appraised, finding an eligible land trust or nonprofit to enforce the easement, and consulting with a CPA to maximize your tax deduction. Fortunately, Giving Property specializes in working with donors to make the process as easy as possible.