Successful cross border conservation transactions, involving U.S. taxpayers who own important Canadian natural lands, requires an understanding of tax laws, real estate practices and conservation procedures from both countries. For more than a decade, American Friends of Canadian Conservation (and its supporters and partners) have invested in learning how to correctly navigate all the steps in this bi-national process. One way we accomplish our conservation mission is by sharing what we’ve learned through our partnership-based transactions; by teaching at conferences; producing workshops for landowners and their advisors; and creating a library of fact sheets on topics related to cross border conservation. You can access some of these resources below along with other documents and links you may find useful.
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American Friends of Canadian Conservation is delighted to announce the availability of Save Some Green: A Handbook for US Taxpayers. For years, Canadian conservation organizations and landowners from the US (and the lawyers, accountants and financial planners who advise them) have been searching for definitive information about bi-national incentives for conserving Canada’s natural heritage.
Your land in Canada is a treasure. It is likely a place where your family has gathered, maybe for generations. Favorite memories have been created and renewed there. Perhaps the property is a financially valuable business asset. Or it may be both.
This fact sheet provides landowners with an introduction to cross border conservation transactions, tax benefits and American Friends of Canadian Conservation.
Canadian entities interested in protecting land owned by U.S. taxpayers (who may, or may not, be American) can learn the fundamentals of cross border conservation from this fact sheet.
Attorneys, accountants and estate planners representing US taxpayers who own land in Canada need to understand the substantial tax benefits available in connection with gifts of land or interests in land. US professionals are often unaware of the potentially onerous Canadian capital gains taxes triggered by transferring real property, even by gift or devise.
This fact sheet offers professional advisors insight into these topics generally and specifically into how American Friends can help their clients.
Contributing appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares is a savvy way to support your favorite nonprofit because the market value of securities is tax deductible but not subject to US capital gains taxes, which would have been due if you sold the securities.
This fact sheet explains the simple steps involved in donating securities to AFCC and recommending a grant to a Canadian Conservation organization.
The Internal Revenue Service has specific requirements associated with conservation easement valuations, including the “declaration” by the appraiser. This sample language can be used as a template by appraisers involved in cross border conservation transactions.
Canadian conservation organizations interested in securing gifts from U.S. taxpayers would be wise to pursue this status from the Internal Revenue Service. The fact sheet explains why recognition is needed, the benefits and the process.
Available Only to American Friends’ Supporters and Partners
U.S. taxpayers are required to deposit money for Canadian capital gains taxes when they transfer title to Canadian land, or an interest such as a conservation easement unless they receive clearance from CRA. This fact sheet explains the concept and process.
Available Only to American Friends’ Supporters and Partners
Ecological Gifts Program from Environment Canada provides substantial Canadian tax incentives for preserving ecologically significant properties.
Guidance on how to order, prepare and review an appraisal to substantiate the value of a conservation gift according to Internal Revenue Service requirements.
