Soil Group Worksheets for Agricultural Assessments

Please read the information below before filling out a request form

What is an agricultural assessment?

NYS law provides a local mechanism for protecting and promoting availability of land for farming purposes, and provides tax benefits by limiting farmland assessment values. By applying and qualifying for an agricultural assessment, farmers can receive a reduction in land taxes. 

Why do I need a Soil Group Worksheet?

• You are applying for an Agricultural Assessment for the first time
• Parcel ownership has changed
• Parcel has been subdivided or merged (dimensions have changed)
• Land dedicated to agricultural production has changed
• Your town assessor has requested one
  • If your parcel has not been assessed for over 15 years, you may be asked to get a new one

What is the process?

Getting an agricultural exemption takes just a few steps:

1. Reach out to your tax assessor to determine if your land is eligible for an agricultural exemption, some qualifications include but are not limited to:

• Generally, the property must be 7+ acres (<7 acres must earn $50,000+)
• Land must be used for the production of crops within last 2 years
• Annual gross sales of agricultural products must average $10,000+
• Equine: must be 7+ acres, board 10+ horses, and generate $10,000+ in boarding

2. If eligible, complete the agricultural exemption form for your assessor, it is at this point you will be directed to us. 

3. Notify your Soil & Water Conservation District that you have spoken to your assessor and they have determined you can receive an exemption, fill our the form below and submit it to our office along with a map of your land with agricultural land highlighted (we accept in person requests and requests by mail/email). There is a $40 fee for every parcel. 

4. We will complete a map of the soil types for each parcel you submit. You will receive two copies of this map back, one for your personal records and one to be submitted to your town assessor.

IMPORTANT

We ask that when submitting a map with your soil group worksheet, you highlight the locations on the map as to where the agricultural land (in production) is located. It can often be very difficult when using our software to distinguish between agricultural land and open areas such as lawn, agricultural lands no longer in production, idle land, etc. 

PLEASE NOTE: Your town assessor is who ultimately determines your final tax deduction. The Soil & Water Conservation District has nothing to do with the actual tax exemption or reductions. 

NYS Agricultural Assessment Information

Agricultural Assessment Walkthrough