Closing farmland tax break loopholes in Colorado and beyond
Agricultural appraisers gathered in Colorado last fall to discuss water issues and the frustration of tax-break loopholes that let land owners claim agricultural relief while developers buy up farmland. Experts note states like North Carolina New Jersey Hawaii have tried reforms with mixed results and highlight the balance between keeping farmland in use and not inflating taxes for distressed farmers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Colorado
United States
North Carolina
Talbot D'Alemberto
Florida
Ohio Farmers Tax Break Aimed to Preserve Farmland Gains
Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1973 enabling an agricultural property tax savings program for farmers. Two years later rules were set to curb farmland loss to development, with back billing up to three years if land leaves agricultural use. The program covers land dedicated to commercial agriculture including nurseries livestock field crops and timberland. It applies even if unused up to one year with good cause shown after one year but before three years. About 16 million acres receive the break reducing assessed value from 8.5 billion to 2.3 billion. Tracts over ten acres need no income proof. those under ten show average yearly gross income of 2500 for the last three years.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Joshua Duke
University of Delaware
Department of Food and Resource Economics
Rut
Hawaii
Ohio
Board of Revision
Warren County
Knapp
Denver
Delmer Zweygardt
Deer Creek Farms
State Board of Assessment
Zweygardt
Mobile County
Ala
Delaney’s Inc
Hampton Inn
Lowe's
Wal-Mart
Polk County
Iowa
Des Moines
Jim Maloney
Bill Carroll
Williamson County
Texas
Alaska
Steve van Sant
Wake County
N.C
US Department of Agriculture
Farmland tax breaks fund developers in growth push
An Associated Press investigation reveals millions in agricultural tax relief flow to developers who bulldoze farms for housing, malls, and industrial parks. Loopholes let pretense farming qualify, trimming bills from thousands to mere hundreds as expansion continues coast to coast.
Michael Jackson loses tax break on Neverland Ranch
Michael Jackson claimed a California land conservation tax break saving about half of his property taxes on Neverland Ranch, but county officials ruled he developed far more land than allowed. Jackson withdrew from the program and the county weighs back taxes and fines. The ranch includes a Peter Pan themed park, zoo, rail system, theater, Ferris wheel, and 25 room mansion, with 1700 acres leased to a cattle company.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michael Jackson
Neverland Ranch
California
Valentin Alexeeff
Santa Barbara County
Jackson
Santa Barbara
Virgin Land
Pot Hook T Cattle Company
Also Mentioned on This Page
Jane Penley
Elbert County
Gers University
New Jersey
The
Associated Press
Pacifica
Cchrys
Laredo
Chrysler
Liberty Sport
Sebring
Stow ‘N GO
Tre
Rie
Peet Peers
Knapp Properties Inc
Wingate
Federal Reserve
Alabama
USDA
Walt Disney World Land
Fla
Osceola County
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