New Mexico Land Conservation Incentives Act

Charitable donations of land – or an interest in land (conservation easement) – to public or private conservation agencies for conservation purposes are eligible for a state tax credit through the New Mexico Land Conservation Incentives Act. The maximum tax credit is 50% of the appraised value of the donation and a maximum of $250,000 per individual donor.

Land conservation tax credits must be approved by the Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department in consultation with the Natural Lands Protection Committee. Please refer to Rule 30.13.20 NMAC for details on eligibility and the certification of the tax credit. A taxpayer has a maximum of 20 years to fully use the tax credit following the taxable year in which the donation was made. Alternatively, the tax credit may be transferred (sold) to another taxpayer through a tax credit broker in minimum increments of $10,000.

2025 Assessment Application Deadlines

• February 28, 2025
• June 27, 2025
• October 31, 2025

This application package must include one signed, completed paper original and one electronic copy such as a PDF of the entire assessment application package on a USB flash drive. Send to:

Carmen Austin
Land Conservation Programs Coordinator
1220 S. St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-617-0119 (m)
carmelitam.austin@emnrd.nm.gov

Applicants approved for the eligibility must complete the Certificate of Eligibility Application package. Once signed, completed paper original and one paper copy and one electronic copy of the application package. Please send to Carmen Austin at the address listed above. The Certification Application will be reviewed by EMNRD and forwarded to the New Mexico Tax and Revenue Property Appraisal Bureau for a complete review. If the appraisal is approved, a Certificate of Eligibility will be mailed from the EMNRD Cabinet Secretary to the applicant. This letter will be required when applying for a tax credit.

To receive a tax credit, please read the instructions and complete the necessary forms listed below and mail to:

NM Taxation & Revenue Department
Tax Compliance Specialist Supervisor
Revenue Processing Division
P.O. Box 5418
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 827-6811

Guidelines