Article contributed by Eddie Ayers, Fannin County Extension Coordinator, 205 Church Street, Suite 1, Blue Ridge, 706-632-3061.Farmers Tax Guide

With all of this cold weather many people have had to stay inside. I’ve heard of people getting cabin fever, being tired of watching daytime television, and just basically waiting for the weather to warm up in order for them to get outside and work in the soil. So while we wait for that, I have one question that I’d like to ask people that have been inside, “have you filed your taxes?” This time has been perfect to complete this chore and in case you haven’t filed yet and if you are a farmer, we have a publication that you might want to stop by the UGA Extension office and pick up.

The publication I am referring to is the “Farmer’s Tax Guide.” It is IRS publication number 225 and is for use in preparing 2014 tax returns. It is put out by the IRS with advice and assistance from the National Farm Income Tax Extension Committee. As you are reading this article, you might be wondering who qualifies as a farmer.

According to the IRS you are in the business of farming if you cultivate, operate, or manage a farm for profit either as an owner or tenant. A farm includes livestock, dairy, poultry, fish, fruit, and truck farms. It also includes plantations, ranches, ranges, orchards and groves.

Publication number 225 explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming. It serves as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your farm tax return. This publication has a lot of information, but it also has information and references to other farm specific IRS publications that may be helpful in completing your tax return.

The explanations and examples in the publication reflect the IRS’s interpretation of tax laws enacted by congress, treasury regulations, and court decisions. Even though it is a comprehensive publication, it does not cover every situation and is not intended to replace the law or change its meaning.

This guide highlights what is new for the 2014 tax year and has 16 chapters of information needed to help farmers complete their tax return. If you are a farmer or tax preparer and would like one of these guides, you may stop by any county Extension office and pick up a copy. The UGA Extension office for Gilmer County is located at 1123 Progress Road in Ellijay.

Also, I’d like to mention two upcoming meetings for our commercial producers and pesticide applicator license holders. One is the Commercial Wine Grape Production meeting on Thursday, March 5th from 1 – 5 pm at the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville and the other is the 2nd Apple Growers Update on Tuesday, March 10th from 1:30 – 4 pm at the Church of Christ in Ellijay. There is no charge to attend these update meetings.

For more information, contact me at the Gilmer UGA Extension office.