- 27 - LTC also helps the landowner find an appraiser to value the contributed property by furnishing the landowner with a list of appraisers, all of whom attended a seminar on the subject sponsored by LTC. LTC also usually gives the landowner some brochures explaining the mechanics of a conservation easement and a guide detailing the tax ramifications of a conservation easement and the contribution thereof. LTC does not value any easement that it receives from a landowner, and LTC does not acknowledge or accept any valuation of the easement. LTC usually verifies its receipt of a contributed easement by signing Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions. LTC does not on an annual basis formally monitor each conservation easement that it receives to ensure compliance but occasionally monitors them informally. LTC maintains a file for each of these easements. OPINION We decide whether petitioners’ contributions of the conservation easements are qualified conservation contributions under section 170(h)(1). Petitioners argue they are.13 According to petitioners, the conservation easements prohibit any construction, development, or disturbance of the natural state of 13 While petitioners filed the lawsuit to reform the deeds underlying the conservation easements, we decide this case on the basis of the specific property that petitioners actually contributed to the trust in 1992 and 1993.Page: Previous 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011