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The following information is provided by Nationwide, the No. 1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*
Farm transition planning isn’t something many farm families want to discuss. The process that creates a blueprint for a farm’s future is often an emotionally charged issue, especially when family farmers face the challenges of relinquishing control to the next generation.
Some farm families use a gifting strategy to pass on assets. Gifting can have massive tax implications, especially when tax laws seem to change every few years. Financial, tax and legal professionals should be consulted prior to gifting assets as a part of your transition strategy, but families can begin by considering several pros and cons to this transfer method.
Pro No. 1: Future estate taxes could be lessened
While holding off on gifting assets like land or equipment until death currently helps cut out capital gains taxes from an intergenerational transfer, the estate tax can create its own challenges, especially given that the current $11.7 million exemption for 2021 is slated to revert to an amount roughly half that in 2026. (Source) For large farm estates, gifting some assets now may help ease the overall tax burden of both parties involved in the process.
Con No. 1: Step-up in basis does not apply
Many farmers have an incentive to hold on to highly-appreciated assets like farmland because of the step-up in basis that occurs at death. If land or equipment are gifted during one’s lifetime, the same doesn’t apply, and that could lead to tax issues down the road.
“A party receiving gifted assets during life will not receive a step-up in basis. The cost basis in assets that are gifted carries over to the new party. This could result in large capital gain taxes for some items sold by the recipient,” said Ryan Patton, JD, MBA, of Nationwide’s Advanced Consulting Group. “If the gift is made to the receiving party after the death of the owner, the basis in that asset is reset based on the executor’s assessment of its current fair market value. This step-up in basis allows the receiving party to now sell that asset potentially free from capital gains tax.”
Pro No. 2: Successor’s borrowing capacity could increase
Most farmers rely on loans to cover operating expenses and capital improvements to their operations. And a farmer’s ability to secure those loans may be improved after taking ownership of recently gifted farm assets.
“Farming is a capital-heavy venture, generally requiring loans on a yearly basis for operations. For a farmer, this may mean using your farmland as collateral for a loan. These operating loans may be challenging to receive if that farmer does not have collateral to secure the loan,” Patton said.
Con No. 2: Loss of control by the senior generation
Not all farm transitions are smooth. Some may involve conflict and tension when the next generation makes management decisions the senior generation may not agree with.
“When an asset is gifted, it is no longer in the senior farmer’s control. It’s important to consider how family friction could impact the farm’s financial success.” Patton said.
With so many variables surrounding gifting assets during a farm transition, no two operations will go through the same process. Before considering a gifting strategy, consider its impacts with help from qualified professionals.
Get connected to professionals that can help answer your transition planning questions at Nationwide.com/YourLand.
*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2019. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2021 Nationwide. NFW-10169AO
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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