Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Rocky Mountain News: Business-Congress uneasy over easements

Rocky Mountain News: Business: "Congress uneasy over easements
Abuses cited in use of tool to reduce taxes while preserving land
By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News
June 14, 2005
Conservation easements, which offer landowners tax breaks for giving up development rights on their properties, are among the charitable deductions facing scrutiny in Congress.
The tax-planning technique has grown increasingly popular in Colorado, where dozens of land trust groups and government agencies handle donations for property owners. But while the easements can protect open space, ranches and farms from future development, lawmakers say it's an area that's become ripe for abuse. "

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