The CAUV program provides tax relief in the form of property
value reductions on farmlands of ten acres or more devoted exclusively
to agricultural use or for timberlands. The program also is available
for tracts of land that are less than ten acres, if the average
yearly gross farm income for the past three years is at least
$2,500 from agricultural products.
Under the CAUV program, farmland is valued based on soil types
rather than the "best and highest use". To establish valuation,
soil surveys are conducted to determine various soil types and
the amount acreage of particular soil types. Each soil type has
a pre-assigned value set by the state. The CAUV program does not
reduce the valuation of buildings or the minimum one-acre homesite
that lies beneath the buildings.
If the land is converted to non-agricultural use, a recoupment
of the savings received through the CAUV program for the previous
three years must be repaid. Failure of a new owner to apply for
CAUV or a renewal of an existing CAUV can trigger the recoupment
process.
Applications are accepted from the first Monday in January through
the first Monday in March, with an initial filing fee of $25.00.
Renewals are mailed automatically each year and require no additional
filing fees.
Questions about the program should be directed to the Auditor's
Real Estate Office at 496-3391.
