Our online RBTC and ForestRIM mapping programs are being discontinued to comply with agency budget limitations. Additional information regarding the new RBTC procedures will be posted here soon. Thank you!

Riparian Buffer Tax Credit

Introduction l Buffer Valuation l Frequently Asked l How To Qualify l How To Apply l Required Documents l Required Information l Hardcopy Map Requirements l Review Process l Code of Virginia

How To Apply

Three Options For Applying

Landowners have three options when applying for the Riparian Buffer Tax Credit. They can:
1) Submit application and map online
2) Submit application online, and map as hardcopy
3) Submit a hardcopy application and hardcopy map

Landowners who apply for the Riparian Buffer Tax Credit are required to furnish their local VDOF office with the following items in addition to the Application.

• Application fee of $100*
• Copy of VDOF approved Stewardship Management Plan.
  The criteria for a Stewardship Plan (meeting National Standards) are available from the Virginia Department of Forestry. The tract must be at least 10 acres in size (including the contained buffers)
• Proof of land ownership
  (Copy of title or deed, copy of last year's tax bill, etc.)
• Proof of value of timber remaining in the buffer from specific riparian buffer cruise OR proof of overall harvest value and harvest acres for prorated value timber value based on acreage.
• Map of buffers: either online or hardcopy, see below.
  * An additional fee of $75 will be assessed when landowners choose Options 2 or 3 (above) because the local VDOF Forester will be required to provide an additional service of entering the application data and map into the online system on the Landowner’s behalf. VDOF encourages Landowners seek the services of a professional forestry consultant. A list of consultants can be found on this Web site.

Applying Online

VDOF has created an innovative way for landowners (or their representatives) to apply for the riparian buffer tax credit. To serve you better, VDOF now offers an Online Application accessible over the Internet using a secure 128-bit encrypted website. The Online Application even includes an Online Mapper where landowners can draw maps of their buffers using aerial photos or topographic maps as a guide. This means applicants no longer need to map buffers with GPS or submit GIS files as part of their application.

• Before you begin: you need to have information ready to complete the Online Application and the Online Mapper; it is available from the first page of the Online Application.

Go to the Online Application

Applying Online with Hardcopy Map

VDOF also gives landowners the option of using the Online Application but submitting a hardcopy map rather than using the Online Mapper. The landowner is given the choice of how to submit the map once the other information has been entered on the Online Application.

NOTE: The landowner is encouraged to try the Online Mapper. At any time the landowner can use the "Bail Out" function and revert to submitting a Hardcopy Map if they do not feel comfortable with the Online Mapper.

Applying with Hardcopy Application and Hardcopy Map

VDOF strongly encourages landowners to use the Online Mapper. However, landowners can choose to submit a Hardcopy map, either as part of the supporting documents package that accompanies an Online Application submittal, or with a hardcopy application.

An acceptable map must meet the following requirements:

• Buffers must be drawn on a USGS 7.5" Topographic Quadrangle (Topo Quad).
• The Topo Quad base map cannot be reduced from its original scale (of 1" = 2000'). It may, however, be enlarged.
• The Topo Quad Name(s) used must be indicated on the Map.
• The perimeter of each buffer must be clearly visible on the map and labeled with consecutive numbers (i.e. 1, 2, 3)
• The drawn buffers must accurately reflect the buffer boundary locations on the ground.
• If the Topo Quad is black-and-white (from photocopy), buffers must be drawn in a color other than black.
• The map must be submitted with and at the same time as the other supporting documents for the application (i.e. Stewardship Plan, Proof of Property Ownership, Harvest Value info, etc.)

Your local forester will transfer your hardcopy map into VDOF's system by using the Online Mapper. If you want to skip this "middleman" step, then you must use the Online Mapper.

• Download a copy of the NEW Application (English, PDF format).
• Download multiple landowner form (185)(if two or more individuals, S-Corps /Partnerships are applying) (English, PDF format).

Last modified 2007-07-13