Union County offers property tax relief for agricultural and forestry landowners

The Union County government meeting on April 9, 2025, focused on the Present-Use Value Program, which provides property tax relief for eligible landowners using their property for agricultural, horticultural, or forestry purposes. This program allows property to be appraised based on its current use rather than its market value, potentially resulting in significant savings for landowners.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific criteria regarding ownership, land use, income, and sound management practices. Generally, property owners must have owned the land for at least four years before applying. However, exceptions exist for those who inherit land from relatives or reside on the property.

For agricultural and horticultural land, applicants must demonstrate that their land has generated at least $1,000 in gross income annually over the past three years. Additionally, the program requires a minimum of 10 acres for agricultural use, 5 acres for horticultural use, and 20 acres for forestry. Landowners must also submit an approved forestry management plan for forestry land.

If a property no longer meets the program's qualifications, the owner is responsible for paying the deferred tax, which is the difference between the taxes assessed at market value and those at present-use value. Applications for the program are accepted during the listing period in January, within 30 days of receiving a notice of change in valuation, or within 60 days of a land transfer. Interested applicants can find the application online at ucgov.info/puv.

This program aims to support local landowners and promote the use of land for agricultural and forestry purposes, contributing to the community's economic stability and environmental sustainability.