The following numbers are purely hypothetical and are not to be relied on by anyone as a representation
or guarantee of tax results. These numbers have been simplified and approximated and do not represent
predictions for any individual. They are also do not constitute legal advice. Donors are encouraged
to obtain independent legal advice before proceeding with a donation.
 Example One -- Donation of Property
- Frank and Eleanor own 137 acres of Maine forestland. The land is appraised at $1,314/acre for a total of $180,000.
The land is also assessed for property taxes at $180,000, and the town’s property tax rate is 1.5%. Frank and Eleanor
have steady annual taxable income of $100,000.
In 2003, Frank and Eleanor decide to donate their property to a Maine land trust.
| Amount of Charitable Contribution: | $180,000 |
| Estimated Income Tax Savings: (over 6 years) | $46,200 |
| Estimated Estate Tax Savings: | 0 - $88,200 |
| Estimated Property Tax Savings:(per year) | $2,700 |
Explanation:Frank and Eleanor have made a charitable contribution of $180,000. However, they may not
claim this entire amount on their 2003 federal income tax return. The deduction is allowed to the extent of
30% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI, line 36 of their Form 1040), $30,000, in 2003, and an additional 30% of
their AGI over each of the next 5 years. Assuming that Frank and Eleanor’s income remains at $100,000, then
they will be able to claim deductions of $30,000 each in years 2004 through 2008. A deduction of $30,000 in
2003, assuming a marginal rate of 27%, results in a tax savings of $8,100. Because of lower income tax rates
that take effect in 2004 and 2006, this amount will likely drop to a savings of $7,800 in 2004 and 2005 and
$7,500 in 2006 - 2008. Adding these savings up, Frank and Eleanor will save a total of $46,200 over 6 years
on their federal income taxes.
Frank and Eleanor’s estate tax savings can vary greatly, according to when they die and the value of
their estate. The estate tax is currently in a period of great flux, so it is impossible to provide the
full range of possibilities. However, if they are very wealthy, Frank and Eleanor could save as much as
$88,200 on estate taxes. Because they no longer own the property, it will not be taxed as part of their estate.
Because Frank and Eleanor no longer own the property, they will not have to pay any property taxes.
Based on a tax rate of 1.5%, which is about average for Maine, they will save $2,700 per year.
 Example Two -- Donation of Property, Higher Income
- Let’s take the same set of facts as in Example One, except now Frank and Eleanor have annual taxable
income of $600,000.
| Amount of Charitable Contribution: | $180,000 |
| Estimated Income Tax Savings:(over one year) | $69,480 |
| Estimated Estate Tax Savings: | $0 - $88,200 |
| Estimated Property Tax Savings:(per year) | $2,700 |
Explanation: The overall deduction remains at $180,000, but now Frank and Eleanor may
claim the entire amount in the first year. Also, because of their higher marginal tax rate, they
wind up saving even more in taxes. Thus, they may be able to save 38.6% of $1800,000, or $69,480 in 2003.
(Note: This amount may be reduced by up to $3,000 under the high-income phaseout under § 68 of the
Internal Revenue Code.)
 Example Three – Bargain Sale of Property
- Let’s say that instead of donating their property, Frank and Eleanor decide to sell it at a
reduced value. Assume that they purchased the property in 1990 for $40,000 and that it is now
valued at $180,000. Frank and Eleanor sell it for $90,000. Their annual taxable income is $100,000.
| Amount of Charitable Contribution: | $90,000 |
| Estimated Income Tax Savings:(over 3 years ) | $6,080 |
| Estimated Estate Tax Savings: | $0 - $88,200 |
| Estimated Property Tax Savings:(per year) | $2,700 |
Explanation: Frank and Eleanor may claim a charitable contribution deduction of $89,000
on their 2003 federal income tax return. This deduction is allowed to the extent of 30% of their
AGI, or $30,000 in 2003, and an additional 30% of AGI over each of the next 5 years. Assuming that
Frank and Eleanor continue to earn $100,000 each year, then they will be able to claim the last of
the $89,000 deduction in 2005. A deduction of $30,000 in 2003, assuming an average marginal rate of
27%, results in a tax savings of $8,100. Because of lower income tax rates that take effect in 2004,
this amount will likely lead to a savings of $7,800 in 2004 and 2005. Adding these savings up, Frank
and Eleanor will save an estimated total of $23,700 over 3 years.
At the same time, they will have to pay state and federal capital gains tax on the sale portion of
the transaction. Assuming that $70,000 of the $90,000 consideration will be a taxable gain, then the
capital gains tax would be $18,550 ($70,000 X assumed combined state and federal rate of 26.5%).
 Example Four – Donation of conservation easement.
- As with the previous examples, assume that Frank and Eleanor have owned 137 acres of Maine land
for several years and that it is appraised at $180,000 in 2003. Suppose that instead of donating
their entire interest in the property, Frank and Eleanor choose to donate a
conservation easement..
The conservation easement. is appraised at one-half the value of the
property, or $90,000. Frank and Eleanor have steady annual income of $100,000.
| Amount of Charitable Contribution: | $90,000 |
| Estimated Income Tax Savings:(over 3 years) | $23,700 |
| Estimated Estate Tax Savings: | $0 - $44,100 |
| Estimated Property Tax Savings:(per year) | $1,350 |
Explanation: The appraisal places the value of the conservation easement.
at $90,000, so this is the amount of the charitable contribution made by Frank and Eleanor. They will be able
to claim a $30,000 deduction in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Assuming an average marginal tax rate of 27%, this results
in a tax savings of $8,100 in 2003. Because of lower income tax rates that take effect in 2004, savings will be
$7,800 in 2004 and 2005. The total income tax savings will thus be $23,700 over 3 years.
As with the previous examples, Frank and Eleanor may also save on estate taxes, depending on when they die
and the size of their estate. In addition, their property taxes are reduced. Instead of paying tax on $180,000
worth of property, they are now taxed on only $90,000.
Article Courtesy of:
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PLN Library
Conservation Easement Tax Benefits Abound for Owners of Large Acreage
