Bismarck, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger reminds individual taxpayers who claim a farm residence property tax exemption of new eligibility guidelines as deadlines approach.

Recent legislation now requires those who qualify for the exemption to complete a Farm Residence Exemption Application with their county, as well as submit a total gross income statement in order to receive the exemption.

Some key aspects to the new guidelines include:

• At least 66-percent of gross income must come from farming activities.
• The non-farm income limit is now calculated as part of the total gross income. Previously, the limit was $40,000 of non-farm income. The limit change means more people could qualify for the exemption. For details on what is included in farm and non-farm gross income, see “Special Estimated Tax Rules for Farmers” in IRS Publication 225.
• The gross income (farm and non-farm) must include a spouse’s gross income.
• The application form must be completed by Feb. 1, 2020.
• The exemption must be renewed every year, which requires submission of a new application and statement of income each year.

Please contact your county director of tax equalization for more details.