Farmland Preservation Tax Credits

                     Are You Claiming Farmland Preservation Tax Credits?
                         If YES, there are a couple things you need to know!

If your land is zoned under Farmland Preservation, be sure to use the appropriate tax forms when claiming your income tax credits. If you are not using the correct form, then you may not be receiving the credits you are eligible to receive!

When preparing your 2011 tax information:

• Verify that your land is located within a certified Farmland Preservation zoning district or that it is covered by a farmland preservation agreement. If you are unsure, please contact the Department @ 608-355-3245. Be sure to have a copy of your tax bill, showing your tax parcel numbers. This will help staff assist you easier.
• Did you apply for credits last year? If you did not, you will need to contact the Department and comply with the current requirements before you can claim and obtain the tax credits.
• USE THE CORRECT FORM! If you own land in an area under a certified farmland preservation zoning district or you entered into a farmland preservation agreement on or after July 1, 2009 – use Schedule FC-A Form. If you entered into a farmland preservation agreement prior to July 1, 2009, continue to use Schedule FC Form.

Eligibility Rules from the Wis DATCP:

1.  Acres claimed must be located in a farmland preservation area identified in a certified county farmland preservation plan. Eligible land includes agricultural land or permanent undeveloped natural resource areas or open space land that is:

• in an area certified for farmland preservation zoning, and/or
• located in a designated agricultural enterprise area and under a farmland preservation agreement.

2. Claimants must have $6,000 in gross farm revenue in the past year or $18,000 in the past three years. Income from rental receipts of farm acres does not count toward gross farm revenue. However, gross farm revenue produced by the renter on the landowner’s farmland can be used to meet this eligibility requirement.

3. Claimants must be able to certify that all property taxes owed from the previous year have been paid.

4. Farmers claiming farmland preservation tax credits must certify on their tax form that they comply with state soil and water conservation standards. New claimants must also submit a certification of compliance with soil and water conservation standards that has been issued by the county land conservation committee

Claiming the Credits:

• New participants: If you are brand new to the program and haven’t claimed the farmland preservation tax credit in the past, you must meet the eligibility requirements to claim the farmland preservation tax credits.
• Current participants under existing zoning ordinances: Landowners who have continuously claimed the farmland preservation tax credit under an existing certified farmland preservation zoning ordinance from tax year 2009 forward are considered a continuous participant.
• Current participants with existing agreements: Landowners with an existing agreement entered into prior to July 1, 2009 may continue to collect a tax credit until expiration of their existing agreement, regardless of whether they are located in an agricultural enterprise area.
   

PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, PLANNING AND ZONING FOR DETAILED INFORMATION AND ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND PROPERLY CLAIMING YOUR TAX CREDITS!
Mike - 608-355-4838                           Brent – 608-355-4830                             Serge – 608-355-4837
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