Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Photo: Mike Zorger
The Land Preservation Tax Credit (LPTC) program is enabled by the Virginia Land Conservation Incentives Act. Through this program, Virginia allows an income tax credit for 40% of the value of donated land or conservation easements. Taxpayers may use up to $20,000 per year. Tax credits may be carried forward for up to 10 years after the year of donation. Unused credits may be sold, allowing individuals with little or no Virginia income tax burden to take advantage of this benefit.
To be eligible for tax credits, the easement must qualify as a charitable deduction under IRS Code and meet additional requirements set out in the program. To qualify as a charitable donation, the donation must be:
DCR is responsible for verifying the conservation value of LPTC donations of land or conservation easements for which the donor claims a state tax credit of $1 million or more. These applicants must meet the Conservation Value Review Criteria adopted by the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Board (VLCF). Donors claiming less than $1 million in tax credits should apply directly to the Virginia Department of Taxation (TAX).
To apply for LPTC credits, review the procedural guidelines and information on TAX's website. Also, please review this helpful guide on how to fill out a land preservation tax credit application.
Required tax forms can be downloaded from TAX’s Forms webpage and include:
Each year, DCR compiles a summary of the number, fiscal value, and conservation value of land conserved that year. Summaries for the past five years are available below:
For additional information, see DCR’s Department of Taxation Laws, Rules and Decisions, Tax Commissioner's Ruling on Credit Request Amounts, and answers to some common LPTC questions.
For information about DCR’s review of Land Preservation Tax Credit applications, call 804-371-5218 or email suzan.bulbulkaya@dcr.virginia.gov.
