An Act To Eliminate the Income-producing Requirement for Land in the Farm and Open Space Tax Program
Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §1102, sub-§4, as amended by PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. Y, §1, is further amended to read:
Gross income as used in this section includes the value of commodities produced for consumption by the farm household. Any applicant for assessment under this subchapter bears the burden of proof as to the applicant's qualification.
summary
Under current law, in order to be eligible for benefits under the laws governing the taxation of farm and open space, "farmland" is defined as land on which farming or agricultural activities have contributed to a gross annual income of at least $2,000 annually in certain years preceding application for classification. This bill eliminates the income requirement.