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The Global Insight

How do I write off farmland on my taxes?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 13, 2026

While you cannot deduct the purchase price of farmland on your taxes, plenty of other tax deductions are associated with farmland. Interest paid on loans to purchase farmland is deductible. Interest paid on loans to do any improvements to the land is deductible.

Is sale of agricultural land taxable?

The agricultural land situated in rural area is not considered as capital assets under income tax laws. Since the agricultural land sold by you is situated in rural area and which is not treated as capital asset and any profit received on sale of such asset cannot be taxed as capital gains.

How does capital gains tax work on farm land?

Capital gains taxes are due when farm or ranch land, buildings, breeding livestock and timber are sold. The tax is owed on the amount that the property increased in value since it was purchased. The current top capital gains tax is 20 percent.

What constitutes a farm for tax purposes?

The IRS says you’re a farmer if you “cultivate, operate or manage a farm for profit, either as an owner or a tenant.” Farms include plantations, ranches, ranges, orchards and groves, and you can raise livestock, fish or poultry, or grow fruits and vegetables.

What are the tax consequences of selling farmland?

Selling Farmland Tax Consequences 1 1031 Exchange. If the intent when selling is to acquire a replacement property, then the taxpayer should consider a 1031 exchange that allows the gain to be deferred indefinitely or 2 Potential Total Capital Gains. 3 Risks. 4 Deferred Sales Trust. …

Is there a tax deferral on selling a 300 acre farm?

The tax deferral can be sizable. Imagine a 300 acre farm acquired for $1,500 per acre or $450,000 and held for seven years is now sold for $5,000 per acre or $1,500,000. With selling expenses of $175,000, the federal capital gains tax is $131,250.

How does the sale of an acreage reduce your tax liability?

Capital Losses. You can reduce or even eliminate your capital gains tax liability from the sale of acreage if you incur a capital loss on the sale of investment property in another transaction during the tax year. Such investment property could include not only real estate but also other capital assets such as corporate stock.

How are farm assets depreciated under new tax law?

Also, all farm assets will be depreciated using 200 percent double declining balance compared to 150 percent double declining balance in prior tax law. No change in depreciation life for machine sheds tiling, vehicles or grain bins/facilities. Section 179 has been increased from $510,000 to $1 million.