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104 North Laurel,
Suite 104
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone (360) 417-1815
Fax: (360) 457-1089
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 Tax Benefits

Income Taxes
Potential federal income tax benefits vary with the particulars of each conservation easement. To qualify as a charitable gift, which may be deductible for federal income tax purposes, donation of development rights through a conservation easement must be granted in perpetuity to a qualified conservation organization --such as North Olympic Land Trust...[Read More] 

Estate Taxes
State and federal inheritance taxes on unrestricted land are often so high that heirs are forced to sell some or all of the land just to pay these taxes. Because a conservation easement reduces the market value of the property by reducing its development potential, inheritance taxes are also reduced. A conservation easement can enable heirs to retain property that would otherwise have to be sold.

Gift Taxes
When a gift of land is made to a family member or other person, it is subject to federal gift taxes if its value exceeds the maximum tax free amount. A reduction in the value of the property through a conservation easement may allow a landowner to give more land in any one year without creating a gift tax obligation, or it may help reduce the amount of gift tax owed.

Property Taxes
Under Washington property tax law, land subject to a conservation easement can qualify for a reduction in assessed valuation. Clallam County has adopted a public benefit rating system, which is used to determine the percentage of reduction in assessed valuation. A range of points is assigned to various factors which have been determined to be valuable to the public. A minimum number of points must be accumulated in order to receive a reduction in assessed valuation. Conservation easements earn sufficient points to classify the property as open space, making the landowner eligible for a reduction in property tax. The maximum possible reduction is 90%.