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Can your hobby farm be tax exempt for farm purchases?

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This is a common question that I see. This post gives you an idea if you may qualify. These are some of the states around mine. If your state is not listed you may find the information online or at your local Ag extension agent.

*please verify this information for your farm locally. I am not a lawyer, tax professional, or government official. Please consult a professional.

Alabama

To determine if you can apply for farm tax exemption in Alabama, you will need to meet certain criteria established by the state’s tax code. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Agricultural Use: To qualify for the farm tax exemption in Alabama, your property must be used primarily for agricultural purposes. This includes crop production, livestock production, forestry, aquaculture, and horticulture.
  2. Minimum Acreage: The property must also meet minimum acreage requirements. In Alabama, the minimum acreage required to qualify for the farm tax exemption varies depending on the county. For example, in Jefferson County, the minimum acreage is 10 acres, while in Mobile County, the minimum is 5 acres.
  3. Income Threshold: The property must also generate a minimum amount of income from agricultural activities to qualify for the exemption. In Alabama, the minimum income threshold for the farm tax exemption is $10,000 per year.
  4. Application Process: To apply for the farm tax exemption in Alabama, you will need to submit an application to your local county tax assessor’s office. The application will require information about your property, including its size, location, and use.
  5. Renewal: Once you have been granted the farm tax exemption, you will need to renew your application annually. This will involve providing updated information about your property and its agricultural use.

It is important to note that the criteria for the farm tax exemption may vary depending on the state, county, or municipality in which you are located. Therefore, it is recommended that you check with your local tax assessor’s office for specific details on eligibility and the application process.

Arkansas

To determine if you can apply for a farm tax exemption in Arkansas, you need to meet certain criteria set by the state. Here are the general guidelines for farm tax exemptions in Arkansas:

  1. Agricultural use: The land must be used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  2. Income: The land must generate at least $1,000 in gross farm income in the previous tax year.
  3. Ownership: The land must be owned by an individual, family, or entity that conducts farming operations on the land.
  4. Size: The land must be at least 10 acres in size.

If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to apply for a farm tax exemption in Arkansas. To do so, you will need to file an application with the county assessor’s office in the county where the land is located. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim that the land qualifies for a farm tax exemption.

It’s important to note that farm tax exemptions may only apply to certain types of taxes, such as property taxes. You should consult with a tax professional or the county assessor’s office for more information on the specific tax exemptions available in Arkansas.

Georgia

To determine if you can apply for farm tax exemption in Georgia, you must meet certain requirements set forth by the state.

  1. Agricultural Use: The property must be used for bona fide agricultural purposes. This includes the production of crops, livestock, poultry, or other agricultural products.
  2. Minimum Acreage: The property must be at least 2 acres in size.
  3. Income from Agriculture: The property must have generated at least $2,500 in annual gross income from agricultural products for the past three years.
  4. Primary Residence: The owner must use the property as their primary residence.

If you meet all of the above requirements, you may be eligible for a farm tax exemption in Georgia. To apply for this exemption, you will need to submit an application to your local tax assessor’s office. The application will require information such as the property’s location, acreage, and a description of the agricultural activities on the property. You may also be required to provide documentation of your agricultural income, such as tax returns or farm records.

Kentucky

To determine if you can apply for a farm tax exemption in Kentucky, you need to meet certain requirements:

  1. The property must be used for agriculture or horticulture purposes.
  2. The property must be at least 10 acres in size or have an average gross income of at least $2,500 over the previous three years.
  3. You must have the intent to make a profit from your farming activities.
  4. You must file a Schedule F with your federal income tax return.
  5. You must be actively involved in the management of the farm.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a farm tax exemption in Kentucky by completing and filing Form 62A500 with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. You will also need to provide documentation to support your eligibility, such as copies of your Schedule F and evidence of your farming activities.

It is important to note that while the farm tax exemption can provide significant tax savings, it also comes with certain responsibilities, such as maintaining proper records and reporting changes in eligibility. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure you meet all the requirements and obligations of the program.

Tennessee

To determine if you can apply for a farm tax exemption in Tennessee, you should consider the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Agricultural use: The property must be primarily used for agricultural purposes such as farming, livestock production, or horticulture.
  2. Minimum acreage requirement: The property should be at least 15 acres in size, or if less than 15 acres, have an average annual gross income of at least $1,500 from agricultural or forest products produced on the property.
  3. Income requirement: The property owner must have at least $1,500 in annual gross income from farming or agriculture-related activities.
  4. Ownership: The property must be owned by an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity.
  5. Residency: The owner must be a resident of Tennessee for at least one year preceding the application.

If you meet these eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for a farm tax exemption in Tennessee. You can contact your local county tax assessor’s office for more information on how to apply and what documentation you need to provide.