Southbury Announces Tax Credits Available to Businesses

Businesses may be eligible for a 60 percent tax credit on donations made to the Southbury Land Trust under the Neighborhood Assistance Act program.

The Town of Southbury and the Land Trust have collaborated on a proposal to purchase a conservation easement on the historic Stillmeadow Farm property, a 17-acre parcel consisting of open meadows, vernal pools, springs, woodlands, rock outcroppings and wetlands.

This property is located on Sanford Road, a designated “scenic road” and lies across from the Southbury Land Trust’s Phillips Farm.

The CT Department of Revenue Services approved the proposal and is offering a 60 percent tax credit to businesses that donate a minimum of $250.00 to this project, according to a release from the Southbury First Selectman’s Office.

“Southbury residents have consistently voiced their support for open space and maintaining the rural flavor of the town over the years," according to the release. “Preserving the Stillmeadow land would significantly extend this important agricultural greenbelt."

In several questionnaires solicited by the Planning Commission during their revision of the Plan of Conservation and Development, residents repeated the opinion that emphasis should be placed on preserving open space.

“Part of the ambiance and attraction of Southbury to prospective residents, shoppers, visitors and retirees is the attention paid to retaining the rural charm of the town,” according to the release. “Customers will be happy to learn that a business shares their same values and aesthetics and will be motivated to support them.”

Any businesses interested in taking advantage of this tax credit must fill out the NAA-02 form and submit it to the CT Department of Revenue Services between September 15 and October 1, 2012. Forms can be obtained by contacting the Southbury Land Trust, the First Selectman’s Office or by visiting the CT Department of Revenue Services’ website.