Advising Conservation Philanthropy
Explaining the Conservation Easement Tax Credit Program

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We help advisors understand the conservation tax credit program. This program enables Colorado taxpayers to save up to 15% on their state income taxes while accomplishing something worthwhile for the state that they live in: the preservation of important open spaces. By working with CCT, a tax credit buyer saves an additional 5% on his or her state income taxes. Moreover, CCT ensures that they buyers are matched with high-quality land conservation projects.

In brief, landowners who donate a conservation easement on their land receive a credit on their Colorado state income tax of up to $260,000. If the landowner cannot use the credit, he/she can sell it to someone who can. In general, sellers receive 80% of the credit's value and buyers pay 90%, with the remainder going to the broker and conservation organizations. Working through CCT, tax credit buyers can receive 85% of the credit's value.

In 2003, more than $40 million in tax credit transaction were completed and tens of thousands of acres preserved. This has become the largest conservation program in Colorado.

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