Home/Tax Planning/Conservation Easement
Tax Planning
Land preservation · charitable deduction

Structure a conservation easement. Land preservation + tax deduction.

A conservation easement is a permanent restriction on the use of land, typically donated to a qualified land trust to preserve the land's natural or open-space character. The donor (landowner) gets a charitable deduction equal to the diminished value of the land. Donations can be substantial (often 30-70% of land value). The IRS scrutinizes conservation easements aggressively due to abuses; legitimate easements with proper engineering and appraisal hold up. We coordinate the technical work.

All 50 states + DC 60-day money-back SOC 2 Type II
How it works

How we handle Conservation Easement, end-to-end.

A conservation easement is a permanent restriction on the use of land, typically donated to a qualified land trust to preserve the land's natural or open-space character.

1

Eligibility review

Land must have conservation value: scenic, ecological, historic, open-space, or recreational. We assess whether your land qualifies. Most rural and undeveloped properties do; urban properties rarely.

2

Land trust selection

Donation must be to a qualified land trust (501(c)(3)). We refer to local and national land trusts (Land Trust Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, regional trusts). They accept the easement and hold the restriction in perpetuity.

3

Engineering + appraisal

Engineering work documents the conservation value. Qualified appraisal determines diminished land value (the deduction amount). IRS scrutinizes appraisals; we use highly credentialed appraisers with conservation easement experience.

4

Legal documentation + closing

Easement document recorded with county recorder. Permanent restriction runs with the land. Donor receives appraisal-supported deduction. Coordination with attorney specializing in conservation easements.

What we'll set up for you

A clean handoff, in four steps.

You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.

01 · Name + Brand

A name that's actually available.

Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.

02 · State filing

Filed with the Secretary of State.

We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.

03 · Federal IDs

EIN + the right tax setup.

Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.

04 · Stay compliant

Registered Agent + deadline tracking.

Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.

Pricing

Transparent conservation easement pricing.

Government fees pass through at cost. No upsells.

Multi-parcel easement

$19999
Multiple parcels coordinated.

Multiple parcels under one easement program. Common for ranches or large land holdings. Coordinated engineering and appraisal across parcels.

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Conservation strategy

$29999
Multi-year program.

Strategic conservation program: phased easements over multiple years to optimize AGI deductibility, integration with charitable remainder trust, coordination with estate plan. For large landowners ($10M+ land value).

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FAQ

About the Conservation Easement Service.

What is a conservation easement?
A permanent restriction on land use, donated to a qualified land trust. The trust holds the restriction in perpetuity; the landowner retains compatible uses. The donation creates a charitable deduction equal to the diminished land value.
How much can I deduct?
Equal to the diminished value of the land caused by the easement (determined by qualified appraisal). Typically 30-70% of land value depending on property. Deduction subject to AGI limits (50% for most donors, 30% for landowner-developers). Excess carries forward 15 years.
Will the IRS audit me?
Conservation easements have been an audit focus. Legitimate easements with quality engineering, MAI-credentialed appraiser, and reputable land trust hold up. We use the highest-quality service providers to minimize audit risk.
Can I still use my land?
Yes, in ways compatible with the easement. Typically: agriculture, ranching, residential use within limits, hunting and fishing. Restricted: development, subdivision, commercial operations not present at easement. Each easement is custom-designed.
Does the easement run with the land?
Yes, in perpetuity. All future owners are bound by the same restrictions. The land trust monitors compliance and can enforce against violations.
What about syndicated conservation easements?
Syndicated easements (where investors buy into a partnership that donates an easement) have been heavily targeted by the IRS. Many syndicated easements have been disallowed. We do not work on syndicated easements; only direct landowner donations with legitimate conservation value.
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