HB 240: Help for Urban Farmers – Simpler Property Tax Assesment

In 1961, Utah passed the Farmland Assessment Act, allowing agricultural land (5 acres or larger) to be assessed and taxed based on its productive value rather than its market value. In 2012, the Urban Farming Act extended similar tax benefits to small-acreage farms (1 to 5 acres).

HB 240, sponsored by Representative Rex Shipp, streamlines the Urban Farming Act by simplifying eligibility requirements for agricultural tax benefits. The bill clarifies that land dedicated to urban farming qualifies for this tax treatment if it generates at least $1,000 in annual gross sales per quarter-acre.

Libertas supports ensuring small-scale farmers receive tax treatment comparable to larger farms and advocates for reforms that simplify and streamline eligibility requirements for farmers.