South Carolina Conservation Credit Exchange

South Carolina Conservation Credit Exchange

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Turn credits into cash
Convert a depreciating asset into an investment
Reduce the cost of your conservation gift

When you donate land or an easement, or sell your property for less than fair market value for conservation purposes, you may be eligible for a South Carolina income tax credit for 25% of the value of the donation up to $250 per acre. Credits may be claimed up to $52,500 per year, and the balance may be transferred, sold or carried forward.

Since your qualified gift is deductible at the federal and state levels, you may not have the tax liability to benefit from the credits on your personal tax returns. The SC Conservation Credit Exchange finds qualified buyers for your credits by educating taxpayers and their financial advisors about the benefits of conservation tax credits. We develop demand for the credits to build a higher cash value for you.

To begin the process, follow the steps listed below. You pay no upfront fees. We deduct a transaction fee at the time of closing with the buyer that covers Exchange expenses.

Six reasons conservation tax credit holders work with us:

Focus – We are the only organization chartered for the sole purpose of making a market in South Carolina Conservation Tax Credits. The exchange was created with you and your needs – conversion of credits to cash – in mind.

Competitive Price – The Conservation Credit Exchange works to find buyers for your credits. We educate potential buyers and their financial advisors about the benefits of buying credits to offset tax liability.

Professional Assistance – Unlike other states that currently allow the transfer of conservation tax credits, South Carolina requires not only notification to the state but also approval of the transfer before you can proceed. We work through the South Carolina Department of Revenue process to obtain approval.

Value – . We ensure that you meet all of the steps necessary to complete the transaction. We help you gather the information necessary to sell your credits using simple forms; we review your credits to see if they meet our rigorous processes; we bring you a pre-qualified buyer; we process the transfer through the Department of Revenue. In short, we do most of the work for you.

Credibility – While no organization can guarantee that the IRS won’t challenge the value of your deduction, we add vast experience and understanding about conservation easements, land trusts and tax law. Our added level of review and credibility offers a higher degree of confidence to you – and to others – that your easement is both in keeping with the IRS and South Carolina tax code and is appropriately valued.

Commitment – Finally, we share similar interests. You provided a land or conservation easement donation not for the tax gains alone, but also because you care about your land and want to see it protected in perpetuity. We believe in the same goals.

Seller Steps for Consideration of Transfer of Tax Credits

Step 1: Download and print the following form: Seller_Exchange_Form

Step 2: Complete all sections of Seller Form.

Step 3: Review all aspects of the agreement then initial, sign and date.

Step 4: MAIL both completed form along with copies of all four (4) items addressed in Section E of Seller Form to the address listed on the form.**

**You may wish to FAX Seller Form to 704 896-8167 before mailing to get your credits in the queue.

Step 5: We will contact you to let you know if all matters in your transaction are in order and if we will market your credits.

Step 6: When we have a qualified buyer for your credits we will contact you to complete the process.

South Carolina Conservation Credit Exchange helps owners of credits connect with potential buyers. The Exchange does not offer tax advice. Both buyers and sellers of credits must rely on their own tax advisors to advise them as to the technical aspects of the sale, purchase and use of credits.

Sell credits that have little or no value to you,
to a taxpayer who can
use them.

All photos © Bill Stokes