Charitable Contribution Deduction

Summary

The charitable contribution deduction is taken in the form of a conservation easement, and enables the owner of a “certified historic structure” to receive a one-time tax deduction. A conservation easement ensures the preservation of a building’s facade by restricting the right to alter its appearance.

Qualified professionals should be consulted on the matters of easement valuations and the tax consequences of their donation. To be eligible for the charitable contribution deduction, a property must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing building within a historic district. If located in a National Register Historic District, a Part 1 must be submitted to HPD for review and certification by NPS.

For more information on state and federal historic preservation incentives.