1. What is an Agricultural Land Value Assessment?
It’s a property tax reduction based on the productivity of a farm’s soils as well as other financial information about the farm. (Note: The Ag Value Assessment reduces taxes only on qualifying farmland, not on structures; for information on tax benefits for farm structures see the Farm Building Exemption Brochure.
2. Who qualifies for an Ag Value Assessment?
Farmers who own at least 7 acres of land dedicated to agricultural production and have a minimum of $10,000 gross sales. Non-farmers who rent their land to farmers can also qualify for the program. If you’re renting your land to a farmer, you must have a signed rental agreement with the farmer to qualify for the program.
3. What is a “farm”?
For the purposes of the Ag Value Assessment program, a farm is defined as an agricultural operation that grosses at least $10,000 per year from the sale of agricultural products for at least 2 years. Start up operations may also qualify. Please call the Cortland County SWCD (CCSWCD) Office at (607) 756-5991 or speak to your assessor with questions about eligibility.
4. Do I have to be in an Agricultural District to qualify for the Agricultural Assessment?
No – Agricultural Assessment and Agricultural Districts are two separate programs. You must meet the criteria for land use and gross sales to qualify for the agricultural assessment.
5. How do I get a Soil Group Worksheet?
CCSWCD has the tax parcel and soil maps in their office, but it is best to bring a copy of your tax map to the office so that we can review your agricultural lands with you. There is a $50 fee per parcel for the Soil Group Worksheet.
6. Does the SWCD come to my property and map my soils?
No. Soils have been mapped by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Soil Scientists and SWCD has the soil maps for each parcel on file.
7. Does the CCSWCD do all of the paperwork for the Ag Value Assessment?
No. Using the information you provide, SWCD will prepare the Soil Group Worksheet that is required for Ag Value Assessment. If you decide to apply, you’ll also need to obtain a form RP-305 from your town’s assessor (or download it here) and fill out the financial data about your property. If you’re renting your property to a farmer, you’ll need the signed rental agreement as well as the financial information. Make an appointment with your town assessor to file the completed paperwork by March 1st.
8. Is forest land eligible?
If your farmland otherwise qualifies, up to 50 acres of the woodlot/woodland are eligible for inclusion in the ag assessment. Anything above 50 acres is categorized as Excess Farm Woodland. Lots that are entirely wooded are not eligible for the ag assessment but may be eligible for DEC’s Forestry Tax Law (480A) program.
9. What’s the time frame for the Soil Group Worksheet for ag assessment?
CCSWCD will take the information from landowners at any time. They will typically finish the worksheets after they receive updated soil group values from New York State in January. In most towns, the “taxable date” is March 1st. Get your paperwork on file before that date in order to have the ag assessment reflected on your next tax bill.
10. Where can I get more information about Ag Value Assessments and Agricultural Districts?
Visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets or contact the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District at (607)756-5991.
