In order to qualify, they state that “the primary purpose of exempt agricultural and horticultural organizations under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(5) must be to better the conditions of those engaged in agriculture or horticulture, develop more efficiency in agriculture or horticulture, or improve the products ...
A farm is classified of having $1,000 or more of agricultural products being produced or sold.
There are four possible ways to qualify as a “bona-fide farm”: Sales tax exemption number from NC Department of Revenue. Schedule F from federal income tax return. Enrollment in Present Use Program for property taxes. A forest management plan.
In general, you need a sales tax permit in North Carolina if you have a physical presence or meet economic nexus requirements. For more detailed information on the necessity of getting a permit, you can learn more at our blog post “Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in North Carolina?”.
(a) Exemption. – A qualifying farmer is a person who has an annual income from farming operations for the preceding taxable year of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more or who has an average annual income from farming operations for the three preceding taxable years of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more.
North Carolina Farmers who qualify are exempt from paying sales tax on certain farm supplies and equipment. To qualify, farmers must have an average annual gross income of $10,000 from farming operations for the three preceding years.
One tract must consist of at least 10 acres that are in actual production of commercial products. Must have produced an average gross income of at least $1,000 for the three years preceding January 1 of the year in which this benefit is claimed.
A farmer is an individual who is engaged in farming per the definition found above (IRS Publication 225, page 1, “You are in the business of farming if you cultivate, operate, or manage a farm for profit, either as an owner or tenant”). Generally, the farmer has a profit motive when operating a farming business.
If you can prove that you farm as a business and not just for recreation, you can get both property tax breaks and income tax breaks. But you don't have to be a full-time farmer to take advantage of agricultural tax breaks that will help you with your property taxes.
To qualify, farmers must have an average annual gross income of $10,000 from farming operations for the three preceding years. Those who are new to farming may apply for “conditional” status, but there are extensive record keeping and reporting requirements, plus penalties for failure to meet those requirements.