If you own land with important natural or historic resources, donating a voluntary conservation easement (also called conservation agreement) can be one of the smartest ways to conserve the land you love, while maintaining your private property rights and possibly realizing significant federal tax benefits. A taxpayer who donates land, an easement or other personal or real property to a public charity or government agency may generally deduct its full fair market value (less any bargain sale payments) up to 30 percent of the donor’s adjusted gross income in any given year (10 percent for C corporations), with the remaining value carried forward for up to five additional years.
