How to Use Pennsylvania's Clean and Green Program

If you own land that is used for agriculture or preserved as natural land, you may want to look into using Pennsylvania's Clean and Green program, also known as Act 319. The Clean and Green program gives a tax incentive for land owners to preserve plots of land, offering taxation on the "use value" of land instead of its market value. This can apply to land plots on which farmhouses and other outbuildings are built.

Instructions

• 1

  Research the incentives to see if the Pennsylvania Clean and Green program is right for you. Look into how much you stand to gain by participating in preservation and do the calculations regarding your particular land plot.

• 2

  Meet criteria. According to the state's information, land owners need to own more than 10 acres or be able to prove they earn at least $2000 annually from a piece of farmland. Other restrictions may apply.

• 3

  Get all of the forms for applying to the program. Act 319 requires land owners to actively petition the state for application forms.

• 4

  Fill out the forms and send in your complete application. Keep a copy of all documents for yourself so that you can track your application and remember what you proposed.

• 5

  Keep in contact with the state of Pennsylvania offices. Those involved in petitioning the state of Pennsylvania for similar programs know that some lag time may occur. Use the contact information on your application to keep in touch with state officials so you're informed about the status of your application.