If you’re interested in the tax benefits relating to conservation, or are a member of a land conservation organization, then you need to be familiar with conservation easement appraisals.
What Is a Conservation Easement?
A conservation easement protects land and water features in a particular location. The property owner and the easement holder (usually the government or a qualified charity) establish these easements by mutual agreement. But why are they interesting?
Usually, conservation easements preserve significant scenic, cultural, historical or cultural sites. The agreement outlines the specific public benefits (also known as the conservation values) and establishes usage restrictions to protect them.
Even though the property owner retains their rights, they are granting permission to the easement holder to enforce the conservation values. And to qualify for federal or state tax incentives, easement periods are usually designated “in perpetuity” (forever).
Specific Rights Restricted by an Easement
When it comes to the details of usage, easements are quite flexible. It boils down to a combination of landowner needs, conservation goals and the objectives of the proposed easement holder. Typical clauses include:
● Subdivision limitations
● Additional development restrictions
● Commercial and industrial use prohibitions
● Transfer of water rights
Please note: The above is not a comprehensive list, and actual specifics will vary based on property details.
Conservation Benefits
When it comes to preservation, conservation easements are both convenient and cost-effective. Many private individuals own land areas important to local populations. For example, a wetlands area that provides a rich environment for waterfowl could be a prime candidate. It’s not that they should necessarily have a public lands designation, but they should enjoy certain protections to prevent loss and damage.
For landowners themselves, they can rest easier knowing their property receives protected status forever. Plus, it’s likely they qualify for additional financial incentives like:
● Federal conservation program purchases
● State or local conservation program purchases
● Federal and state tax incentives including:
o Income offsets
o Reduced estate taxes
o State income tax credits
Qualifications for these programs vary. Before signing anything, it’s best to understand the requirements in detail and ensure your conservation agreement meets the standard.
To Appraise or Not to Appraise
The question of whether to get conservation easement appraisals comes up often. The general rule is that if you intend to claim any benefit from the agreement (either in the form of incentives or later land sale), you need an appraisal. Just be sure that when you do get the appraisal, your appraiser is familiar with applicable state and local guidelines regarding valuation. Many areas have additional rules beyond the federal mandates.
Conservation Easement Appraisals and Valuation
In most cases, an appraisal is necessary to determine the easement’s value. There are two basic approaches to doing this, outlined below:
1. Sales comparisons. The appraiser determines a value based on the sale of similar easements in areas with comparable rules and restrictions. This is the government’s preferred approach, but very few markets have sufficient data to provide an accurate valuation.
2. “Before and after.” By looking at the property’s fair market value (FMV) before an easement, and comparing it to the FMV after an easement designation, the appraiser can determine the value based on the difference between the two numbers.
While these are the most common methods, there are a few exceptions. Determination of the proper way to value a specific piece of land may vary depending on the location, use, and other factors. A qualified appraiser will be able to tell you about the right methodology based on the market and your goals.
Defining “Qualified Appraiser”
IRS Publication 561 clearly outlines the term “qualified appraiser.” It describes a qualified appraiser as someone who:
1. “Has earned an appraisal designation from a recognized professional appraiser organization or has otherwise met minimum education and experience requirements…”
2. “Regularly performs appraisals for which he or she is paid.”
3. “Demonstrates verifiable education and experience in valuing the type of property being appraised…”
4. “The individual has not been prohibited from practicing before the Internal Revenue Service by the Secretary under section 330(c) of title 31, United States Code, at any time during the 3-year period ending on the date of the appraisal.”
In recent years, the IRS ramped up appraiser oversight to ensure appraisals provided are valid. The easiest way to ensure your appraisal is in the hands of a qualified professional is by contacting the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).
Going Beyond Qualified
Even if a company meets all the IRS requirements, it doesn’t necessarily make them good appraisers. Here are a few more accreditations to be on the lookout for:
1. Familiarity and compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) – These guidelines set the quality control standards applicable for real property, personal property, intangible assets, and business valuation appraisal analysis and reports.
2. Adherence to the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (aka- the Yellow Book) – These guidelines have been developed, revised, approved, and adopted on behalf of the Interagency Land Acquisition Conference. The Conference is entirely responsible for the content of the Standards, although the Appraisal Foundation has published the Yellow Book on their behalf. All publications are done in cooperation with the United States Department of Justice. (NOTE: While the Appraisal Foundation provided editing and technical assistance to the Standards, it does not undertake nor assume any responsibility whatsoever for the content.)
3. Membership with the Partnership for Compliance (P4C) – Members of P4C seek to find common ground between all impacted parties involved in conservation. They believe in effective, fair and proper implementation of conservation efforts, to ensure the land continues to benefit future generations.
Global Valuation Services: Experienced and Qualified Appraisers
The experts at Global Valuation Services have over twenty years of industry experience and are certified members of the ASA and the Partnership for Conservation (P4C). Global Valuation Conservation Easement Appraisals are completed in accordance with:
1. IRS Publication 561
Guidelines for a qualified appraisal completed by a qualified appraiser
2. Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Considered the quality control standards applicable for real property, personal property, intangible assets, and business valuation appraisal analysis and reports in the United States and its territories.
3. Yellow Book – UNIFORM APPRAISAL STANDARDS FOR FEDERAL LAND ACQUISITIONS
The Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions have been developed, revised, approved, adopted and promulgated on behalf of the Interagency Land Acquisition Conference. The Conference is solely and exclusively responsible for the content of the Standards. The Appraisal Foundation provided editing and technical assistance to the Standards, but neither undertakes nor assumes any responsibility whatsoever for the content of the Standards. The Appraisal Foundation has published the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions on behalf of the Conference and in cooperation with the United States Department of Justice.
Also, our appraisers have completed additional training in conservation education. Conservation Courses:
1. Yellow Book Course
2. Conservation Easement Course
3. Practical Interest Courses
Additional Services Provided by Global Valuation
We belong to the Partnership for Conservation (P4C).
We 20 years’ experience appraising:
● Land and Infrastructure
● Subdivision Analysis
● Assisted Living Facilities
● Active Adult Communities
Global Valuation also completes review appraisals.
We utilize a variety of appraisal methodologies to ensure the job is done right. Selecting the correct one depends on the project, but we are qualified to perform appraisals using the following:
● Sales Comparison Approach
● Allocation
● Subdivision Development Approach
● “Before and After” Method
If you’re looking to obtain conservation easement appraisals, review appraisals or a second opinion, give us a call today at 772-215-5738.
