Farmland Roll-Back Tax Appeal

The State Constitution permits the assessment of farmland at less than full market value. Qualifying property is assessed at its value as agricultural land and not on its full value at its highest and best use. Developers will often utilize farmland assessment to minimize property taxes on property held for future or phased development, until such time that the land is developed. When the agricultural activity ceases, the land is subject to roll-back taxes. These additional taxes equal the amount in property taxes the owner has saved because of the special farmland assessment during the current year and previous two years. Roll-back tax assessments are frequently calculated incorrectly resulting in inflated values that are not obvious. Roll-back assessments are initiated by a petition filed by the tax assessor. Taxpayers receiving any such assessments should immediately seek counsel to determine whether an appeal is warranted.