Rural Money: New Rule Lets Farm Families Spread Out Taxes on Farmland Sales

Paul Neiffer outlines the requirements and when the change takes effect

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (RFD News) — Farmers selling farmland may now be able to spread out their tax payments over several years under a new provision. However, there are a few requirements.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer says the land must have been actively farmed for at least 10 years before it is sold. It also has to stay in farming for 10 years after the sale, with that agreement recorded with the property.

He says the full income from the sale is still reported right away, but the taxes don’t all have to be paid at once.

Instead, 25 percent of the tax is due April 15 after the sale, with the rest paid over the next three years.

There’s also some confusion around timing.

While the rule applies to sales after July 4, 2025, it applies only to tax years that begin after that date. For most farmers, that means it won’t apply until the 2026 tax year.

Neiffer says the benefit depends on interest rates, but spreading out payments could help lower the overall tax burden.

Related Stories
Huma says growers are placing greater emphasis on intensive management as soybean production continues to evolve
SNAP continued to account for the largest share of food assistance spending as participation and overall program costs increased.
A new report says stronger communication can help farmers navigate a more cautious lending environment.
USDA says states with higher SNAP payment error rates could face new financial responsibility under recently approved reforms.
Shaun Haney says the new blending targets could support ethanol demand as farmers face tight margins and strong export competition.
Jorgensen Land & Cattle shared updates on bull demand, herd rebuilding and genetics during Moly Manufacturing’s annual Beef and Greet.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

State President Riley Farris reflects on a year of service as thousands of members prepare to gather in Fort Worth.
The mobile bar, or “ComBar,” is built from a real combine harvester and celebrates the farmers behind beer made with U.S.-grown ingredients.
Higher production costs remain a challenge, but growers say recent H-2A changes provide some labor relief.
Wyatt Bolding’s perseverance has earned him a spot as one of three finalists for Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 2026 Achievement Award.
Nebraska Soybean Board Vice Chairman Greg Anderson says expanding biodiesel production is creating new opportunities for soybean growers and adding value closer to the farm.
As weather reduced this year’s crop, USDA also highlighted George Washington’s cherry legacy ahead of America 250.