Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District

Agricultural Assessment

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

    The State Legislature initially enacted the New York Agricultural Districts Law in 1971 to protect and promote the availability of land for farming purposes.  Subsequent amendments have broadened its scope.  The Agricultural Districts Law provides for reduced property tax bills for land in agricultural production by limiting the assessment of such land to its prescribed agricultural assessment value.  Owners whose land satisfies the eligibility requirements may apply for an agricultural assessment.

The Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District offers this service by appointment only,  December 1st through February 28th (during normal business hours) for landowners applying for an Agricultural Assessment.  The fee for this service is $20.00 per parcel, new or revised.

To begin this process first check with your assessor for eligibility requirements.  Then call our office (315) 568-4366 to make an appointment with one of our staff members.  You will need a copy of your current tax bill, for each parcel available when you come in for your appointment.  A staff member will go over the property boundaries and the fields you have that are in agricultural production.

You will be notified by phone when your Soil Group Worksheet is complete & ready to be picked up.  You will have the opportunity to review your SGW with a staff member and then sign the form.  You will then receive two copies of the SGW, one for your records and the other for you to file with your assessor by March 1st to receive tax exemption.

Please contact our office for further information:
Phone:  (315) 568-4366
Fax:  (315) 568-2414