Attention Property Owners With Agricultural Or Open Space Land
Pennsylvania has some of the most fertile soil in the nation and has long been home to many farms. The Commonwealth also has many acres of forest land and large tracts of open space. As developmental pressures increased the General Assembly enacted the Pennsylvania Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act in 1974. Commonly known as the “Clean and Green” program, Act 319 requires counties to give a reduced real estate tax assessment to property owners that own qualifying land.
Qualifying land can fall into one or more of three categories: Agricultural Use, Agricultural Reserve, or Forest Reserve. Land that has been actively devoted to agricultural use for the preceding three years and is capable of producing gross annual income of $2,000 may qualify. However, land that is at least ten contiguous acres that is not used for commercial purposes or is stocked with trees of any size may also qualify for preferential assessment under the Act.
Applications for enrollment in the Clean and Green program must be filed by the property owner with the County in which the property is located no later than June 1st. If you are interested in learning more or want to apply for preferential assessment, our firm can assist you.
Author: Joan Righter Price, Esq.
