Donate or Sell Land

Donating land with conservation value is one of the most impactful legacies a person can leave for future generations. When you donate your land, 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. 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). 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.

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 York Land Trust. 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 Land Trust, which has limited funding, but offers several benefits to you. A bargain sale provides you with cash and also may allow you to avoid some capital gains tax. It may also 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 York Land Trust

The land trust may consider the outright purchase of your land if it has exceptional natural resources or agricultural or scenic value. The purchase is contingent on the Land 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 land trust can sell these properties in order to acquire land with high conservation value or to use in other ways that further the Land Trust’s conservation goals.

Please contact Amelia Nadilo, Executive Director of York Land Trust to discuss a donation or sale of land or a conservation easement.