Forest Tax Law Programs

Vermont Current Use

Vermont Use value appraisal, also known as the Current Use Program, is a tax reduction program for landowners who commit to maintaining their forested property as forest and managing sustainable timber production. Eligible landowners can enroll in a use-value appraisal to have their land appraised at its current use value rather than fair market value. Having land appraised for what it is currently being used for, such as farming or forestry, enables Vermont’s forest and working landscapes to be conserved.

The Vermont Current Use program requires having a forested area of at least 25 contiguous acres, and entails working with a forester to create a 10-year management plan focused on natural resource management and timber products.

At Northeast Forestry + Design, we'll assist you with all steps of the Vermont Current Use Program. This includes discussing the enrollment process, forest inventory, property mapping, and writing and submitting your 10-year plan on your behalf.

For more information on current use taxation, visit this resource.

Land Transfer Maps

The purchase or transfer of property enrolled in the Vermont Current Use Program requires an updated land transfer map to be submitted within 30 days of closing to maintain enrollment in the program. At Northeast Forestry + Design, we'll create updated transfer maps of your property and assist you with the current use application and alteration of the forest management plan for your new property. This ensures that your enrollment does not lapse during this transition.

New Hampshire Current Use

The New Hampshire Current Use Program is also a tax reduction program for property owners who desire to keep their property in a forested or natural state.

According to the state of New Hampshire, “Current use is the means for encouraging the preservation of open space and conserving the land, water, forest, agricultural, and wildlife resources. Property owners with 10 or more acres of land, which are left in their natural state may apply.”

The requirements for this program are that the property is over 10 acres and maintained in a forested or agricultural state. Landowners may choose to work with a forester to create a 10-year stewardship plan and property map to enroll in the forest stewardship program. At Northeast Forestry + Design, we'll help you decide if this program is right for your property, and create stewardship plans and maps that meet the state criteria for enrollment.

To learn more, visit this resource.

New York 480a Forest Tax Law

The NY 480a is a tax reduction program for landowners in New York state that have a forest management plan and keep their property in a forested state. Landowners who have a forest management plan and over 50 acres may qualify for this program. At Northeast Forestry + Design, we can help you with the enrollment process, forest management plan, and all required documents and maps for this program.

To learn more from the New York State DEC, visit this resource.