{"id":11523,"date":"2026-07-24T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalland.com\/blog\/?p=11523"},"modified":"2026-07-21T10:42:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T14:42:23","slug":"how-present-use-value-programs-can-save-forest-landowners-thousands-in-property-taxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalland.com\/blog\/how-present-use-value-programs-can-save-forest-landowners-thousands-in-property-taxes\/","title":{"rendered":"How Present Use Value Programs Can Save Forest Landowners Thousands in Property Taxes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many landowners, rising property values are a double-edged sword. While appreciating land values can increase equity, they can also lead to significantly higher property tax bills, especially in areas experiencing residential or commercial development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, many states offer Present Use Value (PUV), also known as Current Use Value (CUV), programs that can dramatically reduce property taxes for qualifying farmland and timberland owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a recent episode of the National Land Podcast<\/a>, Andy Tate, Co-Founder of EcoForesters<\/a>, explained how these programs work and why more landowners should take advantage of them. Here\u2019s what to know about Present Use Value programs!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Present Use Value Program?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Present Use Value programs allow qualifying landowners to have their property taxed based on its current use, such as timber production or farming, instead of its potential development value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Tate explained, “They basically will tax you at the value that your property could produce in those products, as opposed to land, which is usually taxed at its highest and best use, which is usually for development.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many rural landowners, this difference can translate into substantial annual tax savings while allowing them to continue managing their property as working land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Save?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The amount varies depending on your state’s program and local land values, but the savings can be significant. “In Western North Carolina,” Tate noted, “a property can sell for $10,000 an acre, while forestry present use value may only be around $400 an acre.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because taxes are calculated using the lower assessed value, some landowners may see their taxable value reduced by more than 90%. While every property is different, these programs can save landowners thousands of dollars over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Qualifies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility requirements vary by state, but forestry Present Use Value programs typically require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n