Coastal Access Toolkit
For information about drawing up contracts, transferring access, and More...
Using Tax Policy for Access
The tool of taxation can be used to encourage public access in two major ways.
- Taxes on the sale of land, or on certain activities at places where the public enjoys the beach or shore, can raise money for the acquisition of additional access rights.
- Tax incentives can encourage particular uses deemed socially or economically important, or discourage uses that would inhibit coastal access.
How can taxes be used to generate funding for access?
Taxes can be used as a means of raising funds that the public can invest in the acquisition of public access through voluntary conveyance/acquisition tools or through eminent domain. A land gains tax, real estate transfer tax, impact fees (though not technically a tax), or tax increment financing are examples of such taxation strategies.
How can tax incentives be used for access?
Reductions in a landowner’s taxes can be used as an incentive for allowing public access or to discourage uses that inhibit such access. Tax incentives may include income tax deductions, lowered property taxes, lowered estate taxes, avoidance of capital gains taxes, and gained investment interest.
Case Studies
See successful examples of acquisition used to provide access.
Case Studies: Using Tax Policy for Access
The Alabama Forever Wild Program