Gifts of Real Estate
Mahoosuc Land Trust Real Estate Gifts
for Conservation Program
Mahoosuc Land Trust has accepted donations conserving thousands of acres through gifts of land and conservation easements. These gifts—of mountaintops, islands, river and lake frontage, waterfalls, farms, and more—have been conserved permanently.
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The Real Estate Gifts for Conservation Program provides donors with an alternative way to further Mahoosuc Land Trust’s mission to conserve land for the benefit of the natural areas and communities of the Mahoosuc Region. The program provides for the acceptance of gifts of other types of property, such as homes, undeveloped house lots, and commercial properties. With the donor’s permission, these properties are then re-sold at fair market value, and the net proceeds are dedicated to other conservation projects in the Mahoosuc Region.
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If the property includes undeveloped land with significant conservation values, Mahoosuc Land Trust will place conservation restrictions when it sells the property, to ensure permanent protection of the land.
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The income tax deduction on gifts of real estate is generally based on the fair market value of the property as determined by an independent appraisal if the donor has held the property for more than one year. Gifts of real estate often exceed the limits of deduction for a single year. You can carry over the excess contribution amount that you are unable to deduct for the initial year of the gift for a specified number of additional years, depending on the type of donation you are making. We strongly urge those considering gifts of real estate to consult professional legal and tax advisors before making the gift to be sure that you understand the legal and tax implications of these gifts in relation to their circumstances.
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To discuss a potential donation or if you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Mahoosuc Land Trust's Executive Director, Kirk Siegel, at 207-824-3806 or email kirk@mahoosuc.org. If the property appears to be suitable, we can arrange an on-site visit and provide more detailed feedback and guidance for the next steps to take.
If the property includes undeveloped land with significant conservation values, Mahoosuc Land Trust will place conservation restrictions when it sells the property, to ensure permanent protection of the land.
The donation to Mahoosuc Land Trust allows the donor to liquidate an asset, receive a potential tax deduction, and advance important land conservation efforts in the Mahoosuc Region.
The income tax deduction on gifts of real estate is generally based on the fair market value of the property as determined by an independent appraisal if the donor has held the property for more than one year.
