IRS Publication 561 — Determining the Value of Donated Property

Most qualified conservation contribution donations claimed are in the form of a qualified real property interest that is a perpetual easement or other restriction (“easement”).

National Register building. You can claim a deduction for the donation of an easement on all or part of the interior or exterior of a National Register building. You must include with your return:

1. Form 8283, completed as specified in its instructions;

2. A signed Qualified Appraisal, performed by a Qualified appraiser; and

3. The National Park Service project number (NPS #), if applicable. See the Instructions for Form 8283 for more information.

Registered historic district building. You can claim a deduction for the donation of an easement on all or part of the interior of a registered historic district building. You cannot claim a deduction for the donation of an easement on the exterior of the building unless the restriction meets all of the following conditions:

1. The restriction must preserve the entire exterior of the building (including its front, sides, rear, and height) and must prohibit any change to the exterior of the building that is inconsistent with its historical character;

2. You and the organization receiving the contribution must enter into a written agreement certifying, under penalty of perjury, that the organization: a. Is a qualified organization with a purpose of environmental protection, land conservation, open space preservation, or historic preservation; and b. Has the resources to manage and enforce the restriction and a commitment to do so; and

3. You must include with your return: a. Form 8283, completed as specified in the Instructions for Form 8283; b. A signed Qualified Appraisal, performed by a Qualified appraiser; c. Photographs of the building’s entire exterior; d. A description of all restrictions on development of the building, such as zoning laws and restrictive covenants; and e. The National Park Service project number (NPS #), if applicable. See the Instructions for Form 8283 for more information.

If the claimed donation exceeds $10,000, you must include a $500 filing fee and a Form 8283-V , Payment Voucher for Filing Fee Under Section 170(f)(13). If you choose to pay this fee electronically, you do not need to send in Form 8283-V . Go to IRS.gov/Payments to see all of your payment options. See the instructions for Form 8283-V for more information. Your deduction will generally be disallowed if you fail to comply with this requirement.

Rehabilitation credit. If you claim a rehabilitation credit on a National Register building or registered historic district building for any of the 5 years before the year of the qualified conservation contribution donation, your charitable contribution deduction is reduced. For more information, see Form 3468, Investment Credit (and its instructions), and section 170(f)(14).