Use Value Appraisal

What is Use Value Appraisal?

Use value appraisal is a method available to Vermont landowners to lower or stabalize their property taxes based on the productive use of the land rather than its fair market value. The program, implemented in 1980 enables and encourages farm and forestry landowners to maintain the productive use of eligible lands on a long term basis.

How does it work?

Owners of eligible lands request town listers to appraise the land at its use value. The Current USe Advisory Board ofthe Vermont Division of Property Valuation determines the use value based on the productivity of the land. The property tax revenue lost by the town is reimbursed by the State of Vermont. When a use value appraisal is granted the land owner enters a perpetual committment with the state that the land will be maintained according to the details of the agreement. Should the land ever be developed the owner is obliged to pay a land use change tax. If the land is voluntarily removed from the use value appraisal, it will return to fair market value appraisal but the land use change tax is not accessed unless the land is developed.

If the land is developed the land use change tax will be ten percent of the fair market value of the developed portion of the land, as defined by law.

What land is eligible?

Both agricultural and forest lands are eligible. A parcel of land must be a minimum of 25 acres, except for high yielding agricultural uses. A parcel including both forest and agricultural land generally must contin at least 25 acres of each. There are other provisions and exclusions from the parcels specifically related to either farm or forest land.

Where can I get more information?

Contact your local town clerks office to find out property owners currently enrolled in the use value appraisal program in your town, and for application forms. For general information, application forms and the guide Use Value Appraisal of Agricultural and Forest Land in Vermont, contact Current Use Advisory Board, 43 Randall Street, Waterbury, Vermont 05676, (802) 241-3505.

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The Vermont Heritage Network
The University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program
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