Scoring a tax break through farmland assessment status will become harder for New Jersey residents in August as a result of new regulations.

Martin Barraud, Getty Images
Martin Barraud, Getty Images
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At the moment, those who farm at least 5 acres of land and generate $500 worth of agricultural products could qualify for a tax break of up to 98 percent. Starting in August, Garden State residents will have to complete more paperwork and prove they made at least $1,000.

Lawmakers hope these revisions will help eliminate those who are not "true" farmers, but are merely trying to save money. Some critics, however, believe the reform isn't strict enough to reduce the number of people abusing it. They point to celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, whose large New Jersey properties may receive a tax break because they have a few animals or plots of plants growing on their land, according to NorthJersey.com.

The view among farmers is mixed, with some supporting the changes and others saying the rules are weighing them down by demanding they keep track of details like the amount of water they pump, vehicle mileage and more.

Do you support the new farmland assessment status requirements? Share your opinion with us in the poll below.

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