Sample Letter RE HR1676 or S469 to format on your letterhead and FAX (mail too slow)
The Honorable [Your Senator or Representative]
Washington, DC
Dear _______________:
I am writing as a member of the [your land trust], which works in [your community] to conserve [your mission – are you protecting farmland, wildlife habitat, parks, open space]. Our work over the past two years was greatly enhanced by a tax benefit for conservation easements that expired at the end of 2007. We urge you to support a permanent renewal of these provisions by cosponsoring [House (H.R. 1576) or Senate (S. 469)].
One of the most important tools we use is the conservation easement, which lets local landowners here in [community] protect their land from development. Landowners can donate a conservation easement to the [your land trust]. The tax benefits they receive for these generous donations are critical to our ability to conserve land. [Tell them briefly about at least one specific donation made recently, or in the works, and its value to the local community.]
The Pensions Bill passed in August of 2006 included a provision that allows family farmers, ranchers, and other moderate-income landowners get a significant tax benefit for making the charitable donation of a conservation easement. The new law:
- Raises the deduction a landowner can take for donating a conservation easement from 30% of their income in any year to 50%;
- Allows qualifying farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income; and
- Extends the carry-forward period for a donor to take tax deductions for a voluntary conservation agreement from 5 to 15 years.
Unfortunately, this new incentive expired at the end of 2007. ["Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dave Camp (R-MI)" for House members, or "Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)" for Senators] have introduced legislation that would make the newly expanded tax incentive permanent. We urge you to cosponsor [House (H.R. 1576) or Senate (S. 469)] to make it easier for ["farmers and ranchers" or "landowners"] to conserve their land, and help conservation organizations like us protect valuable resources in [your community].
A permanent extension of the conservation tax incentive has also been included in section 12203 of the Senate’s Farm Bill. Cosponsoring [House (H.R. 1576) or Senate (S. 469)] is the best way to show your support for these provisions as Farm Bill conference negotiations get underway.
We would like you to learn more about the work we are doing, and are confident that if you do, you will agree with us that the donations we receive are valuable assets for our community’s future. [Invite them to visit!] Please let us know if we can provide any assistance to you and your staff. We hope we can count on your support in extending this important tax incentive for conservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
