Services | Conservation Easements

Gougér Franzmann & Redman, LLC, provides the expertise taxpayers and landowners need to take maximum advantage of the Colorado Gross Conservation Easement Tax Credit. Since 2003, GF&R has assisted client-purchasers with the successful purchase of approximately $15 million in conservation easement tax credits. In addition, we’ve helped scores of landowners unlock some of the current value in their landholdings.

Our partners’ extensive tax backgrounds, legal expertise and in-depth knowledge of this unique state program make us the clear choice to assist in planning for the federal and Colorado tax benefits of these transactions.

Purchasing Tax Credits Colorado taxpayers can reduce their effective state income tax through the Colorado Gross Conservation Easement Tax Credit. On behalf of our client-purchasers, GF&R solely represents and advises the client-purchaser, not the landowner-donor.

How it works:Colorado permits residents to purchase tax credits from landowners who generate such credits through a qualifying land donation. The tax savings to the purchaser is realized through the purchase of tax credits from the landowner at a discount. Under current law, the purchaser must acquire the tax credits by April 15 for the previous tax year.

What you save: The actual tax savings for the purchaser depends on the discounted purchase price of the tax credits. For example, a tax credit purchase at $0.86 on the dollar will produce a 14 percent savings on the purchaser’s Colorado state income tax. The possibility of purchasing state tax credits rather than making payments to the Colorado Department of Revenue means that a purchaser can reduce or eliminate their state income tax withholdings or quarterly estimated tax payments during the year.

Who is eligible: Colorado resident individuals, trusts and corporations are eligible to utilize this tax saving technique.

How GF&R can help: Our services include a comprehensive review of the tax credit transaction documents to ensure the validity of the credits purchased.