A conservation easement is one of the most owner-friendly conservation management tools a private landowner can use. It is an increasingly important tool in the effort to protect and conserve significant habitat types and open spaces.
Top Reasons to Use a Conservation Easement on Your Land
While easements provide potentially substantial federal tax benefits, the attempt to obtain a tax benefit should never be the primary reason for granting a conservation easement.
Reasons to use a conservation easement include
- to preserve or promote a conservation ethic on your property
- to protect special features of your property such as mature trees, wildlife habitat, or historical significance
- to maintain the productivity of your land
- to reduce your tax burden
While the potential tax benefits should never be the primary reason for granting a conservation easement, estate taxes, property taxes, and the financial incentive to sell or develop are all factors that affect land-use decisions.
The federal government recognizes the potential benefit to the public of a conservation easement and, through the IRS, offers substantial tax deductions that a landowner may qualify for.
Learn about Conservation Easements
Conservation Easements:
A Handbook for Mississippi Landowners
This handbook is the guide for landowners in Mississippi who are interested in learning more about conservation easements. It provides background knowledge about easements, information about the steps involved, the tax benefits of conservation easements, and more about setting up a conservation easement.