Georgia's Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA)

Understanding Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) in Georgia

Introduction

Georgia landowners have a unique opportunity to conserve their lands while enjoying savings on taxes through the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA). This program is aimed at conserving Georgia’s natural resources and provides tax breaks for landowners who keep their lands as they are. In this blog post, we will discuss what CUVA is, its advantages to people, qualifications, and how to apply.

What is CUVA?

The General Assembly of Georgia established CUVA in 1991 which allows qualifying landowners to have their property valued based on its current use rather than market value. The outcome of this arrangement often means saving lots of money in property taxes. The main reason why CUVA was introduced is to prevent agricultural land, forestland and environmentally sensitive areas from being turned into non-agricultural uses.

Benefits of CUVA

1. Tax Savings: The primary benefit of CUVA is the potential for significant property tax reductions. By valuing land based on its current use rather than its market value, landowners can often see a decrease in their annual property tax bills.

2. Land Conservation: CUVA promotes the preservation of Georgia’s natural landscapes, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats

3. Support for Agriculture: CUVA offers farmers financial relief that allows them to continue farming without the pressure of selling their land for development.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to qualify for CUVA, the following criteria must be met:

1. Land Use: The property should mainly be used for agriculture or timber production; or maintained in its natural condition to protect the environment. This includes farming, ranching or managed forest land.

2. Minimum Acreage: Generally at least 10 acres are required. Nonetheless, smaller parcels may still qualify when they are part of a larger contiguous tract or if their primary use is wildlife habitat conservation.

3. Ownership Requirements: Ownership may include natural persons, family-owned farms and family-owned partnerships, corporations, and certain non-profit organizations which have owned it at least two years prior to application.

4. Covenant Agreement: Landowners must enter into a 10-year covenant with the county on maintaining the land under qualifying use only. Breaching this covenant results in significant penalties.

Application Process

Applying for CUVA involves several steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure the land is eligible for CUVA by reviewing the eligibility criteria.

2. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents, such as proof of ownership, land use history, description of current land use and others might be required.

3. Complete the Application: Obtain the CUVA application form from your local county tax assessor’s office. Fill out the form properly giving all necessary information.

4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the county tax assessor’s office during the application period, which typically runs from January 1 to April 1 each year.

5. Review and Approval: Your application will be reviewed by a county tax assessor who may complete a site visit. If approved, your property will be assessed at its current use value for the next 10 years.

Maintaining Compliance

Once enrolled in CUVA, you must to maintain compliance with the program’s requirements throughout the 10 year period. It is important to note that your county tax assessor might conduct periodic reviews and you will need to make sure your land continues to meet the eligibility criteria that was applied for.

Changes and Sale of Property

If there are any changes in land use or ownership, notify the county tax assessor’s office immediately. Unauthorized changes can result in penalties.

Conclusion

CUVA provides Georgia landowners with a valuable tool to conserve their land while enjoying substantial tax savings. By understanding the program’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, landowners can make informed decisions about participating in CUVA. Whether you are a farmer, timber producer, or conservationist, CUVA offers a pathway to protect Georgia’s natural resources for future generations while reaping financial benefits today.

For more information and assistance with the CUVA application process, contact your local county tax assessor’s office or visit the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website.