Donate or Sell Land

Donate Land Donating land with conservation value is one of the finest gifts that a person can leave for future generations. The York Land Trust will assume all rights and responsibilities of ownership including taxes, and management and care of the land. Land can be donated outright or in your will. Tax Benefits:A Land Donation may provide substantial property tax reduction, income tax deductions and estate tax benefits (while avoiding any capital gains taxes that would have resulted from selling the property). Donation of a Remainder Interest You can donate land and continue to live on it and use it. At the end of the specified life interests, full title and control of the property transfers to the York Land Trust. Tax Benefits: You may be entitled to an income tax deduction when the gift is made.

Bargain Sale of Land or Conservation Easement
If you need to realize some income from your land, you can sell the property or a conservation easement to the property at a price below market value and donate the remaining value. This not only makes it affordable for the Trust, which has limited funding, but offers several benefits to you.

Tax Benefits: A Bargain Sale not only provides you with cash, but it also may allow you to avoid some capital gains tax, and may entitle you to a charitable income tax deduction based on the difference between the land’s fair market value and its sale price.

Sale of Land to the York Land Trust
The Trust may consider the outright purchase of your land if it has exceptional natural resources or agricultural or scenice value. The purchase is contingent on the Trust’s ability to secure public and private funding.

Donation of Trade Land
Properties that have little or no conservation value can be donated as trade land. The Trust can sell these properties in order to acquire land with high conservation value or to use in other ways that further the Trust’s conservation goals.

The York Land Trust strongly recommends that you consult with your financial and legal advisors to help assure the greatest benefit to you. Be sure to explore our other charitable giving options. Please contact the York Land Trust to discuss a donation or sale of land.