[Meglion]

We are considering a property that has more land than we need, and higher taxes as a result. Is anyone familiar with the process of "gifting" land to the town and thereby both protecting it and not having to pay taxes on it or be responsible for it? How does this work and what should we know? Thanks in advance.

[Stylo]

Doesn't sound like a great idea. Taxes are just based on 70% of the assessed value, and for the most part smaller lots aren't worth significantly less. If it's 4 acres and you want to reduce to 2 acres for instance, don't expect a significant amount off your taxes. In the long run, it would be better to keep the land to appeal to buyers in the future.

[willow wind]

You can make a charitable contribution or gift to the town. Actually it would not be to the town itself but to whatever land conservation trust the town might have.

There are tax benefits, both state & federal that may benefit the donor when such a land gift is made.

However, there are things to consider. Does the town want the land ? If it's a small portion, like a couple of acres, most towns could care less about getting such a gift. It does not benefit the town, especially if it's landlocked. If it's 10+ acres or adjacent to already protected land, or if it's environmentally sensitive, then they might be interested. They would also want you to give them an easement to get to the land if it's landlocked and if the only way to reach it is over your land you retain for yourself.

You would need a survey to split the land you keep from the land you want to give away. This is not cheap. You'll need an appraisal on the land if you intend to ask for any tax benefit from the state or federal government. The appraisal is to find a basis in value and is required.

Does it sound involved ?- It is. You need to consult a good real estate attorney who can guide you through the process.

Another thing you could to reduce taxes, is to see if your town has an " open space" tax abatement program. This lets you take excess land and place it into a minimal tax category known as open space.
Lots of hops to jump through on this too. The link may help. But again, consult an attorney who knows what they're doing.

DOAG: Public Act 490 - The Basics

[JayCT]

Many towns will not accept land if it is not useable to them or if it does not have a significant environmental impact. They do not want to reduce their tax rolls any more than they have to so you will likely not be able to just give it away.

You might be able to resubdivide the property and give some land to an adjacent property owner if they are willing to accept it. Just be sure that you are still going to have a legal lot for your neighborhoods zoning. Also keep in mind that the cost to do this would be probably more than you would save on taxes. You will need to pay a surveyor to draw up maps showing the change in lot lines and then for the zoning permits to make the change. Your will also need to pay for a lawyer to change deeds and property descriptions. It does not really sound like it is worth it. JMHO, Jay

[andthentherewere3]

I have heard you can give land to the National Audubon Society.

[chris410]

not sure if CT does it, but in NH you can put your un-used land into "current use" (must do at least 10 acres to qualify) this will reduce your property taxes but you still own the land, it just cannot be developed and must be open up to recreation.