New York Governor Paterson recently signed 83 bills into law. (See Governor Paterson Signs 83 Bills into Law.) Among them, A.915-A/S.5501, is most significant to new or replanted vineyards (and orchards) in New York State. The bill, which was authored by Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, streamlines the current property tax exemption for new or replanted vineyards and orchards, acknowledging that investing in new land for a vineyard or orchard may take up to six years to produce a harvestable crop. (See New York orchard, vineyard owners helped by new law.)
Prior to its passage, New York law required new or replanted vineyards and orchards to complete time-consuming paperwork every year in order to be tax exempted. This posed problems for many new vineyard and orchard owners, as the cost of applying each year often greatly outweighed the benefit received considering said vineyards and orchards did not produce viable crops.
Now, under new law, the owners of such establishments only need to complete the paperwork for one year. During succeeding years and until their land produces harvests, owners need only notify their local assessor. (See DelMonte: Legislation Will Help Orchard and Vineyard Owners.) The New York wine industry has seen tremendous growth over the last decade and there is hope, with the passage of such laws favorable to new vineyard owners, that the industry will further grow in the years ensuing.
For more information on New York State wine or alcohol law, or establishing a winery, brewery, or distillery in New York, please contact Lindsey Zahn.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is for general information purposes only, is not intended to constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship results. Please consult your own attorney for legal advice.