My Woodlot - Care for and enjoy your woods.

Enroll in New York's Forest Tax Law Program

480-a, the New York Forest Tax Law Program, is a voluntary property tax reduction program for those owning a 50-acre or larger woodlot. Get up to an 80% reduction in your taxes if you commit to 10 years of timber management.

Understand 480-a

480-a offers the potential for you to save substantially on your property taxes, but it also requires a commitment to managing your woodlot for the next 10 years. Consider the benefits and obligations carefully before you enroll.

Submit Application for WAC Funding

If you own a woodlot in the New York City Watershed, the Watershed Agricultural Council provides money to help you enroll in 480-a. The New York City Watershed includes portions of eight New York counties: Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.

Contact a Forester and get a Management Plan

480-a requires you to have and follow a management plan for your woodlot written by a professional forester. Choosing the right forester for you will help not only during plan creation, but also when you decide to harvest timber.

Submit Plan and Forms to DEC

Once you have a written management plan, you must submit that plan and the required forms to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation in order to enroll in 480-a. Be sure to enroll by December 31 to receive your tax break for the coming year.

Submit Materials to WAC for Payment

If you were previously approved for Watershed Agricultural Council cost-share funding, you can receive your payment once you've enrolled in 480-a. Send a copy of your 480-a certificate of approval, management plan, and work schedule to the Council, and your check will be mailed within 30 days.

Update My 480-a Enrollment

If you enroll your land in the New York State 480-a Forest Tax Law Program, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires you to update your management plan every 5 years. How do you go about getting that update done?