Larkin Bill To Give Farmers Tax Deadline Extension Becomes Law

This week, Senator Bill Larkin reports to residents that a bill he sponsored in the State Senate (S.7224-A) to give farmers more time to apply for an agricultural real property tax exemption has been signed into law by Governor Pataki.

Chapter 689 of the Laws of 2006 recognizes that critical life circumstances such as the death of a spouse or close family member, or a serious illness may prevent those in the farming industry from filing an agricultural tax exemption application on time.

Similar provisions have been granted to older residents who miss the senior citizen real property tax exemption deadline for the same reasons.

"Until now, the Agriculture and Markets Law didn’t allow for the filing of a late application by farmers for these reasons," said Senator Larkin. "Over the past 30 years, the average age of the state's farmers has risen to 54.1 years old. In many instances, our state's farmers are also our state's senior citizens. This new law will help our local farmers keep their tax breaks just as we are doing for our seniors."

The new law has no statewide or local fiscal implications since it grants a waiver to individuals who have already been receiving an agricultural exemption. Therefore, no municipalities will lose any revenue.