Farmland Assessment Practices Growing Concern for Two Senators
An article in the Asbury Park Press highlights the efforts of Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and Sen. Jennifer Beck, R-Monmouth, to end alleged abuses of the farmland assessment system in New Jersey. New Jersey law currently requires a minimum of five acres and $500 in sales to qualify for the reduced tax assessment. Possible changes include raising the amount required for minimum sales, and creating different benefits for active farmland versus preserved open space. New laws would also focus on tougher enforcement of the law to remove properties who fail to maintain the required minimum standards. The assessment has drawn scrutiny over the years as a tax break for the wealthy instead of a benefit for farmers.
For more from the article “Lawmakers vow to amend farmland law, end abuse” in the Asbury Park Press, please click here.
For previous articles discussing New Jersey’s Farmland Assessment program, please see the following:
“Fake farmers” cost NJ taxpayers millions
Sen. Karcher takes farmland tax break,
Hunterdon freeholders want road project on Melick Farm to start moving
The property owners in the Melick Farm matter were represented by McKirdy & Riskin’s Anthony Della Pelle.
The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Cory K. Kestner, Esq., of McKirdy & Riskin, PA, in the preparation of this article.
