By Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services | Arizona Daily Star
The mere claim by a farmer or rancher of an intent to make a profit — someday — is enough to qualify the property for a tax break, the state Court of Appeals has ruled.
In a ruling released Tuesday, judges rejected arguments by Pinal County Assessor Douglas Wolf that landowners should have to provide more than a simple assertion of a reasonable expectation of a profit to have the property classified as agricultural.
Judge Kent Cattani, writing for the unanimous three-judge panel, said a 2012 law pushed through by ranching interests makes the affidavit sufficient.
