How does the Green Acres Program work?

For properties enrolled in Green Acres, taxes are calculated on both the estimated market value (higher value based on highest and best use) and the agricultural value (lower value).

The difference between the tax calculated on the agricultural market value and the estimated market value is deferred until the property is sold or no longer qualifies for the Green Acres program.

When property is sold, transferred, or no longer qualifies, the deferred tax (the difference between the agricultural tax and the tax based on the highest and best use) for the current tax payable year and the two prior years must be paid to the county.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Green Acres program?
2. Why do some counties administer the Green Acres Program?
3. Who qualifies for the Green Acres Program?
4. How will Green Acres benefit an agricultural property owner?
5. How does the Green Acres Program work?
6. What is the agricultural value of a property?
7. Can special local assessments be deferred under the program?
8. If a property no longer qualifies for Green Acres, how many years can the County Auditor-Treasurer go back to collect additional taxes on the deferment?
9. What if a property loses its eligibility prior to the expiration of the three-year period?
10. If a property has deferred special local assessments and loses its Green Acres eligibility, when does the deferment become due?
11. Are deferred taxes and special assessments considered a lien on the property?
12. What if only part of the property is sold or ceases to be used for agricultural purposes?
13. Does the tax deferment continue if the property is sold and used for agricultural purposes?
14. What if the property no longer qualifies for Green Acres because it loses its agricultural classification?
15. How do I qualify?
16. How do I apply?