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
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
Treat succession like any major crop — plan early, document clearly, and calibrate cash flow so the next generation can succeed.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.

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:

Arbor Day event launches statewide effort led by 4-H and FFA
Feed demand and premiums drive growth for the crop
Record auction prices accompany more than $1.4 million in scholarships for young exhibitors in Mississippi.
Smoke in Chimneys hatchery’s partnership with a local restaurant is help bring farm-raised fish to the table in Roanoke.
Tasting events in Ghana highlight potential for new export markets
U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman and U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin meet with Ohio farmers to discuss E15 expansion, rising input costs, trade concerns, and the need to move forward on a new farm bill.