§ 44-5-39. Land use change tax. (a) After May 15, 1980, when land classified as farm, forest, or open space land and assessed and taxed under the provisions of § 44-5-12 is applied to a use other than as farm, forest, or open space, or when the land owner voluntarily withdraws that classification, it shall be subject to additional taxes, subsequently referred to as a land use change tax. The tax is at the following rate:

(1) Ten percent (10%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the first six (6) years of classification.

(2) Nine percent (9%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the seventh (7th) year of classification.

(3) Eight percent (8%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the eighth (8th) year of classification.

(4) Seven percent (7%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the ninth (9th) year of classification.

(5) Six percent (6%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the tenth (10th) year of classification.

(6) Five percent (5%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the eleventh (11th) year of classification.

(7) Four percent (4%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the twelfth (12th) year of classification.

(8) Three percent (3%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the thirteenth (13th) year of classification.

(9) Two percent (2%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fourteenth (14th) year of classification.

(10) One percent (1%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fifteenth (15th) year of classification. No tax shall be imposed by the provisions of this section following the end of the fifteenth (15th) year of classification.

(b) Owners of land classified as farmland who have held title to the land, and where the land has been farmed for five (5) years previous to classification, are liable for a land use change tax of:

(1) Ten percent (10%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the first (1st) year of classification.

(2) Nine percent (9%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the second (2nd) year of classification.

(3) Eight percent (8%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the third (3rd) year of classification.

(4) Seven percent (7%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fourth (4th) year of classification.

(5) Six percent (6%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fifth (5th) year of classification.

(6) Five percent (5%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the sixth (6th) year of classification.

(7) Four percent (4%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the seventh (7th) year of classification.

(8) Three percent (3%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the eighth (8th) year of classification.

(9) Two percent (2%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the ninth (9th) year of classification.

(10) One percent (1%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the tenth (10th) year of classification. No tax shall be imposed by the provisions of this section following the end of the tenth year of classification.

History of Section. (P.L. 1968, ch. 288, § 4; P.L. 1980, ch. 252, § 3.)