Present Use Value (PUV) is designed to allow operating farm and forestry properties to operate without the full burden of property taxes. Instead of the qualifying properties being taxed upon the fair market value, the land in actual production will be taxed upon a reduced rate per acre.
- Horticulture is the growing of fruits, vegetables, nursery, or floral production.
- Agriculture is the production of livestock, crops, and animals.
- Forestry is the commercial growing of trees to harvest timber.
Access the application and more information at the following links:
• Present-Use Value Application
• Present-Use Value Program Guide
Present Use Value Requirements
| Classification | Acreage Required | Ownership | Income | Sound Management |
| Horticulture | 5 acre minimum | Owner must have owned the land for at least 4 years, or a qualifying relative. In some cases, the 4-year wait can be avoided (continued-use) | A minimum of $1,000 average gross income for 3 years prior to the application date. | The highest and best use of the property. |
| Agriculture | 10 acre minimum | Owner must have owned the land for at least 4 years, or a qualifying relative. In some cases, the 4-year wait can be avoided (continued-use) | A minimum of $1,000 average gross income for 3 years prior to the application date. | The highest and best use of the property. |
| Forestry | 20 acre minimum | Owner must have owned the land for at least 4 years, or a qualifying relative. In some cases, the 4-year wait can be avoided (continued-use) | No income needed. | A forestry management plan must be in place by January 1 of the application year. |
All qualifications must be met accordingly for the classification that is being applied for. No exceptions.
A timely application is to be submitted between January 1 – 31. Late applications will be accepted for the review if the Board of Equalization and Review or County Commissioners approves the reason for the late submission.
If accepted into the PUV program, periodic audits will be conducted to ensure program requirements are still being met.
Exception to the Ownership Rule
If land was assessed at the PUV rate at the time of transfer of ownership, the new owners have sixty (60) days to submit an application for continued use.
Continued use applicant agrees to continue the production from previous owner and assume all liability of deferred taxes if property were to be removed from the program.