The St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has some tips for people who might want to apply for a reduced farm tax assessment.

Since the 1970s, New York State law has provided for reduced property tax bills for land in agricultural production, by limiting the taxable assessment of the land to its value in agricultural use.

For quick completion of a Soil Group Worksheet, which is needed to apply for Ag Value Assessment, an applicant can bring a tax bill to the SWCD for every parcel that the applicant would like to enroll, and bring a current tax map or maps with a photo background that shows all parcels.

The SWCD says people should remember to file a renewal application with your assessor every year. The worksheets and soils map only need to be done once.

If you need a tax map, you may contact the SLC Real Property Tax Office at 379-2272. When you call, mention that the map is for an Ag Value Assessment.

Fess are $30 per parcel with a late fee of $10 per parcel for anything brought in after Feb. 15 to meet the current year deadline.

Once that is done, you can complete an application and turn over to your town’s assessor with the worksheet and soils map before the local deadline, which is typically March 1.

The St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District is located at 1942 Old DeKalb Road, Canton and can be reached at 386-3582 or conservation@slcswcd.org