480a Incentive Programs
The New York State Forest Tax Law Program (480-a) offers landowners the potential for substantial property tax savings. This voluntary program is available to those owning at least 50 wooded acres. Participants can receive up to an 80% property tax reduction by committing to 10 or more years of active forest management. To enroll, landowners must have a written Forest Management Plan prepared by a state-approved professional forester.
The Watershed Agricultural Council supports the 480-a Program because it preserves forestland. Landowners in the New York City Watershed qualify for WAC funding to help pay for their management plan and required updates.
480-a Enrollment Incentive Program
Initial enrollment in the 480-a Program requires a Forest Management Plan. WAC can assist you with the enrollment process and help cover plan costs.
Steps to enroll:
- Complete the 480-a Enrollment Incentive Application and send it to WAC.
- Contact a Watershed Qualified Forester to write your management plan.
- Submit plan and required documents to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) – your chosen forester can assist with this.
- Once enrolled, you will receive a Certificate of Approval (COA). Send a copy of the COA, management plan, work schedule, and W9 form to WAC to receive your enrollment funding.
480-a Update Incentive Program
Landowners must update their Forest Management Plan every 5 years to maintain eligibility for the 480-a tax break. Updates must be prepared by a forester. If your property is in the New York City Watershed and your update is due, WAC can help offset the cost.
Steps to update:
- Complete the 480-a Update Incentive Application and send it to WAC.
- Contact your forester to complete necessary updates and work with them to submit the required documents to the NYS DEC.
- Once the update is approved, you will receive a 480-a Update Certificate. Send a copy of the certificate, updated management plan, work schedule, and W-9 form to WAC to receive your update funding.
For more detailed information and frequently asked questions about the 480-a Tax Law Program, visit the Understand 480-a page on MyWoodlot.
