11/24/08 Tax implications for Washington horses

Farm Tax issues with Horses in Washington State could have national impact. On November thirteenth over two hundred horse enthusiasts traveled to Olympia WA. to protest horse farm tax issues in Washington State in a hearing that could impact the tax status of boarding and training stables nationally. I'm Jeff Keane stay tuned to the learn the outcome. A couple hundred horse owners attended a Washington State Department of Revenue hearing last week to protest exempting boarding and training stables from property tax relief. Susan could yougive us a recap. Sure Jeff, starting back in the seventies assessors throughout Washington have allowed a variety of horse operations, tax breaks even though the taxation act specified only commercial livestock operations; including horse breeding farms. Because of the packed meeting the director of the State Department of Revenue Property Tax Division decided to table collection action, asking assessors to hold off raising taxes on horse facilities. It isn't over yet, there will be a second hearing in Yakima December 4th to determine whether or not to amend the definition of commercial agriculture. Susan this is important legislation especially in light of the unwanted horse problem. Some professionals in the industry fear that stable owners will begin breeding horses solely to gain tax relief if definitions are not expanded. If you want to attend the session that has gained national attention within the equestrian industry email Susan at aginfo.net for the time and location. I'm Jeff Keane .