Easements can protect your land from future development and often have financial benefits, but they aren’t for everyone. Learn more about them before starting down the road of getting one.

Before getting an easement, it’s a good idea to talk to other landowners who have them and learn from their experiences. If you don’t know someone locally with an easement, the links in this Activity will let you hear firsthand from easement landowners

Most easements are held by local non-profit groups called land trusts. The first step in getting an easement is to meet with your local land trust to see if you and they will be good fits for each other.

Conservation easements stay with the property even after you no longer own it, so involve your family, especially potential heirs, in your choice of whether or not to ease your land.

As with buying or selling a house, you’ll need to know the value of your land to determine the value of your easement and any potential charitable deductions.

Easement contract language can be confusing. Get a second opinion on your potential easement agreement by showing it to an attorney or estate planner familiar with land laws.

Conservation easements have tax implications, such as possible charitable deductions, income tax credits, and reduced property and estate taxes. Review your potential easement with a tax accountant to ensure you get the best tax treatment and that you’re prepared in case of an audit.

When you’re satisfied with all the easement’s terms and ready to sign, close on your easement to have it go into effect.