ALBANY — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the extension of the state’s Real Property Tax Law exemption on farm buildings, which will provide continued tax relief for New York farmers and growers. The Real Property Tax Law exempts agricultural producers from paying real property tax on buildings that are essential to the production of agricultural or horticultural products, such as temporary greenhouses, dairy barns and exercise arenas for horse-boarding operations.
“New York’s agricultural industry is a major sector of our economy, and it’s critical that we continue to support local farmers and growers,”Governor Cuomo said. “This tax exemption will help New York’s hard-working agricultural producers invest in their farms and grow their businesses, and as a result increase competitiveness and productivity for years to come.”
“Agriculture is an essential part of New York’s economy, and we are working to remove barriers to growth for farmers across the state,”said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “This new law lowers the property tax burden on New York farms, helping them to stay competitive in the global economy.”
The Real Property Tax Law exemption was extended for the next 10 years and applies to newly constructed and re-constructed agricultural buildings through January 1, 2029. Since it was last renewed in 2008, the exemption for farm structures is estimated to have saved New York farmers more than $112.8 million. The exemption has helped support the growth of New York’s agricultural industry by allowing farmers and growers to use the money saved to invest in their operations, purchase new equipment and modernize facilities, which increases the farms’ competitiveness and profitability.
Agricultural buildings have been exempt from state taxation for decades, but the law granting the exemption was set to expire on New Year’s Day 2019. The new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Magee and Senator Patty Ritchie, amends New York State’s Real Property Tax Law to extend the tax break and ensure it will remain in effect for the next decade.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law and we thank the State Legislature for passing this legislation. It extends a crucial tax break to our farmers and growers, who have historically relied on the exemption to improve operations, expand businesses and offset other expenses.”
Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion said, “Thanks to the extension of this property tax exemption, New York State farmers can now continue to receive this beneficial tax break. I applaud Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature for continuing to allow this valuable benefit.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie said, “Our state’s farmers work hard every day to produce world-class products that are enjoyed by their fellow New Yorkers, but sometimes they see minimal profit generated and, at times, can even experience losses, due to things like infrastructure costs. This vital legislation, which I was proud to sponsor, will deliver a property tax exemption for structures that play a key role to strengthen their bottom lines, which in turn will help bolster our state’s agriculture industry for years to come.”
Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Bill Magee said, “This property tax exemption law is extremely helpful to our farmers who rely on it to lower production costs. That, in turn, helps them to stay in business by keeping their farms in operation, maintaining our state’s open spaces, and growing food for New Yorkers.”
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “This law, which keeps new farm buildings off the tax rolls for 10 years, is essential to encourage new farm investment, and it will make it more economical to grow family farm businesses. The tax savings is especially important in today’s tough agricultural economy.”
The law prohibits tax increases based on the value of construction or improvement of structures that are used for essential agricultural operations. That includes the cultivation, harvest and storage of commodities; the feeding, breeding and management of livestock; and housing for farm employees. Housing for immediate family members is not covered by the exemption unless the family members are non-owners and critical to the commercial operation of the farm.
A complete list of rules regarding the exemption can be found here.
–NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
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