Hiring an Appraiser

The art of appraising conservation land can be complicated, and a land trust must make sure the appraiser is qualified. This document provides an overview of what is involved in an appraisal, how to find a qualified appraiser and pertinent questions to ask an appraiser.

This is an acceptance letter sent to an appraiser to engage his or her services for appraising a conservation easement project from the accredited Minnesota Land Trust.

This opinion wades into the weeds of the valuation analysis. The Tax Court found fault with aspects of the taxpayer appraiser's methodology and conclusions, the appraiser had extensive experience with conservation easements helped the taxpayer avoid any appraisal penalties.

Valuation of Conservation Easements is an advanced course designed for the appraiser who understands the methodology in the approaches to value and is ready to embark on understanding the intricacies involved in one of the most misunderstood and difficult types of appraisals.

Fifth Circuit upheld the Tax Court in finding that the IRS appraiser was qualified and that the IRS appraiser's failure to comply with USPAP did not render his testimony and report inadmissible but reversed on valuation and penalties.

The taxpayer failed to meet the burden of proof on valuation so the IRS' zero valuation was sustained. The Court declined to assess the accuracy-related penalty, finding that the original appraisal was qualified, that taxpayer had reasonable cause and acted in good faith reliance on the appraiser.

The first contact a landowner has with an organization will set the tone of the relationship. Providing accurate information and establishing a good, personal rapport with a potential donor (or seller) is vitally important. This document lays out tips for a successful landowner meeting.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience valuing conservation lands, appraiser Victoria Adams (Terra Valuations) will discuss several of the common and more complicated issues that may arise in the appraisal and how the land trust can play an effective role in minimizing appraisal time and costs.

The tax court found that a conservation easement had a very significant impact on this property, an impact that the county's appraiser ignored.