Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Pierce County

Assessor-Treasurer

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

New Farm Machinery & Equipment Exemption SHB 1906, codified under RCW 84.36.630

Question: AS A FARMER HOW DOES THIS EXEMPTION HELP ME?

Answer: Machinery and equipment owned by a farmer and used exclusively to grow agricultural products is exempt from the state property tax. The farmer continues to pay local property tax on the equipment. The exemption is a new law, first year it applies is for property taxes to be paid in 2003. RCW 84.36.630

Question: WHAT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT QUALIFIES FOR THE EXEMPTION?

Answer: It must be owned by a farmer. 'Farmer' is defined in RCW 82.04.213(2) as any person engaged in the business of growing or producing agricultural products for sale. It must be personal property. It must be used exclusively for growing and producing agricultural products during the calendar year for which the exemption claim is made.

Question: DOES LEASED EQUIPMENT QUALIFY?

Answer: Equipment purchased through a lease or other purchase agreements or contracts would qualify for exemption.

Question: DOES MY COMPUTER AND OFFICE FURNITURE QUALIFY FOR THE EXEMPTION?

Answer: Yes if the items of personal property are used exclusively in growing and producing agricultural products it could be eligible for this exemption.

Question: ARE FARMERS WHO ARE IN A GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM THAT PAYS THEM NOT TO FARM ELIGIBLE FOR THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT EXEMPTION IN SHB1906?

Answer: Farmers who are not farming would not meet the requirement that the equipment be used exclusively in growing and producing agricultural products during the calendar year for which the claim for exemption is made.

Question: WILL THE CLAIM FOR EXEMPTION BE AN ANNUAL FILING PROCESS?

Answer: Yes the law states that a claim for exemption under this section shall be filed with the county assessor using forms prescribed and furnished by the Department of Revenue together with the Personal Property Affidavit which is due each year by April 30.

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