Over time, BC Assessment has collected information about each property in British Columbia from many sources, including: the province, your city, site visits, and even homeowners.
The
Classification of Land as a Farm Regulation, B.C. Reg. 411/95, made under the Assessment Act, provides that, upon application, the following land may qualify for farm class:
- land used for a qualifying agricultural use;
- land used for purposes that contribute to a qualifying agricultural use (e.g., irrigation, access to farm outbuildings, shelter belts);
- land used for a farmer’s dwelling;
- land in an agricultural land reserve (ALR) that is used for a retired farmer’s dwelling;
- land used for the training and boarding of horses when operated in conjunction with horse rearing; and
- in some cases, vacant land associated with a farm.
Other requirements will also apply.
All farm structures used in connection with the farm operation, including the farmer’s dwelling, will be classified as Class 1 - residential; however, farm buildings may have some degree of exemption from taxation.
BC Assessment must classify land as farm only if it is used for purposes that contribute to a qualifying agricultural use.
Land that is used for a purpose other than farming will be classified according to that use. Land that has no present use and is located in the ALR may qualify for farm class if part of the parcel is farmed.
If the land is not in the ALR, unused land may qualify for farm class if part of the property is farmed, the land is not zoned or held for business, commercial or industrial purposes, and:
- it meets a prescribed highest and best use test;
- at least 50% of the land outside the ALR is in production or contributes to production, provided the land is farmed by the owner; or
- at least 25% of the land outside the ALR is in production, and the farm meets a higher income requirement, provided the land is farmed by the owner.
Farm Classification is a benefit which is intended to encourage the farming of land, and production of local food sources. The Classification of Land as a Farm Regulation sets out income thresholds, which are to be achieved in order to obtain farm classification. BC Assessment is required to confirm a farm continues to meet the income thresholds, to ensure a property should maintain its farm classification, and the associated benefits - such as regulated land rates, which result in lower assessed values on which property taxes are based.
The Farm Class Regulation requires a producing farm to meet minimum gross income requirements, which vary with the size of the farm operation:
- $2,500 if the total area of the farm operation is between 0.8 ha (1.98 acres) and 4 ha (10 acres);
- $2,500 plus 5% of the actual value of the area in excess of 4 ha (10 acres) if the total area of the farm operation is greater than 4 ha (10 acres); or,
- $10,000, if the total area of the farm operation is less than 0.8 ha (1.98 acres).
In the absence of receipts, BC Assessment staff may rely on local market prices or other local sources. You may be required to provide a sales log or other proof of farm sales.
We recommend that you keep receipts, sales logs or other proof of farm income for at least a three-year period.
Before submitting your application for farm classification ensure you have reviewed the following:
- the requirements for farm classification and your land meets the requirements
- the income thresholds
- the
Guide to Completing the General Application for Farm Classification (PDF)
- please ensure you:
- include proof of sales such as a copy of receipts, sales logs, invoices for processing costs (i.e. slaughter, etc.) or other information supporting the income claimed (Item #7 of the General Application for Farm Classification)
- complete all required Date fields and your estimated sale prices for your products if applying as a Developing Farm (Item #8 of the General Application for Farm Classification)
- include the farm site plan - this can be either a rough sketch with an outline of buildings, driveways, area planted, pasture, etc. OR an aerial image of the property (Item #10 of the General Application for Farm Classification)
- your signature, date, contact information such as email and telephone number(s) (Item #12 of the General Application for Farm Classification)
- complete all areas of the relevant application forms and ensure all forms are signed by both parties if leasing your property to another farmer (Item #13 of the General Application for Farm Classification).
To have land classified as a farm the next taxation year, the owner must submit a
General Application for Farm Classification (PDF). For assistance completing the Application form, use our “How to” guide (PDF) for step by step instructions.
The deadline to submit your application form to BC Assessment is October 31. Submissions can be done via email, fax or in person.
Important: New Applications for Farm Classification
must be submitted by the legislated deadline of
October 31, for consideration for the next assessment and tax year. Late applications will not be accepted and customers will need to reapply the following year.
Important note: General application is not required every year, but BC Assessment periodically requires information to support continued farm classification, such as farm income or lease information.
To have land classified as a developing farm for the next year, the owner must submit a
General Application for Farm Classification (PDF) and complete the section detailing the development plans. For assistance completing the Application form, use our
"How to" guide (PDF) for step by step instructions.
The deadline to submit your application form to BC Assessment is October 31. Submissions can be done via email, fax or in person.
Important notes:
- There must be sufficient detail to confirm the land being developed as a farm will meet the income requirements at the proposed date of harvest. If you require more space to provide this information, please attach additional sheets. Refer to
Section 8 of the Classification of Land as a Farm Regulation for specific requirements by farm type.
- New Applications for Farm Classification
must be submitted by the legislated deadline of
October 31, for consideration for the next assessment and tax year. Late applications will not be accepted and customers will need to reapply the following year.
To have land classified as farm for a retired farmer's dwelling, the owner must submit a Retired Farmer’s Dwelling Land Application (PDF). If you are a retired farmer, please visit Classifying land used for a retired farmer's dwelling for more information.
The deadline to submit your application form to BC Assessment is October 31. Submissions can be done via email, fax or in person.
Important note: An application to have land used for a retired farmer’s dwelling classified as a farm must be made every year.
Land that is leased to a farmer may qualify for farm class if:
- the owner applies to have land classified as a farm;
- the owner and lessee enter into a lease;
- the leased land makes a reasonable contribution to the farm operation; and
- the lessee – farmer meets the income and sales requirements.
The lease document is to be filled in conjunction with the
General Application for Farm Classification (PDF) and should only be used to renew or replace an existing lease agreement. Sections 1-6, 12 and 13 in the
General Application for Farm Classification (PDF) need to be completed when applying with a lease agreement.
For more information, please visit
Classifying Land Leased to Farmers.
Exemptions
In municipalities, the tax exemption for farm buildings other than farmer's dwellings, is $50,000 or 87.5% of the total assessed value of farm buildings, whichever is greater.
This exemption also applies for school tax purposes.
All farm buildings in a rural taxation area, including farmer's dwellings, will be entirely exempt from general provincial tax. Farmer's dwellings will remain taxable for school purposes, but the school tax exemption for farm buildings other than farmer's dwellings will be capped at the greater of $50,000 or 87.5% of the building's assessed value.
For example, in a municipality, farm buildings assessed at $500,000 will only be taxed on $62,500. A farmer’s dwelling in a municipality is fully taxable.
In a rural taxation area, farm buildings assessed at $100,000 will only be taxed for school purposes on $12,500. A farmer’s dwelling in a rural taxation area will be fully taxable for school purposes.
Updated 08/2021
Disclaimer: Where information presented is different from legislation, legislation shall prevail.
