Irrigation tax credit being allowed for Alabama farmers for the 2012 tax year | Business

Beginning with the 2012 tax year Alabama farmers will be allowed a state income tax credit on the purchase and installation of qualified irrigation equipment, qualified reservoirs, or the conversion of irrigation equipment from fuel to electricity.  The credit is 20% of the unreimbursed cost not to exceed $10,000.  This credit is an Alabama income tax credit only.  It does not affect Federal income tax or Self-employment tax (SE tax).

To qualify for this credit you must be an Alabama tax payer that is an agricultural business that qualifies under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sector 11 designation, and the activity must conform to existing environmental and water laws of Alabama.  Qualifying property for this credit includes the following:

Qualified Reservoirs - An off stream upland pond or lake whose sole purpose is as a source of water for irrigation.

Qualified Irrigation Equipment - Equipment used in irrigation systems, including equipment used to construct irrigation systems and water wells.  Pivots, pumps, pipe, wells, electrical equipment, etc.

Conversion of irrigation equipment from fuel to electricity

This credit is for tax years beginning after December 31, 2011 and can only be taken in the year the system has been placed in service.  The placed in service date is the date the property is ready and available for specific use.  It is not necessarily the date it is first used.  A taxpayer is only allowed to take this credit one time.  It is a nonrefundable credit and can only be applied in the year in which the equipment is placed in service, which means it cannot be carried back or forward.  Also this credit allows you to take Section 179 expense or bonus depreciation on an item and claim the credit in addition.

Fermers should should meet with their individual tax preparer before the end of the year so you have time to develop a plan that best addresses your individual tax situation.

Contact your local extension office for more information on the the irrigation tax credit.

You can read the entire article here.

Source:  Alabama Cooperative Extension System