What is Considered Farm Income?
Farm income refers to the gross income derived from the business of farming, including the production of crops, fish, fruits, other agricultural products, or livestock. According to IRS guidelines, farm income includes gains from the sale of draft, breeding, dairy, or sporting livestock. However, it does not include gains or losses from the sale or disposition of land, development rights, grazing rights, or similar rights.
Key Components of Farm Income
- Production Income: Income from growing crops, raising livestock, or producing other agricultural goods.
- Livestock Sales: Gains from the sale of draft, breeding, dairy, or sporting livestock are included in farm income.
- Cooperative Income: Income received from cooperatives related to farming activities.
- Sharecropping and Crop Shares: Income from crop shares for the use of your land is considered farm income.
Exclusions from Farm Income
- Sales or dispositions of land (including development or grazing rights).
- Gains from the sale of farm machinery or equipment (these are considered capital assets and not part of farming operations).
Reporting Farm Income
Farm income must be reported on Schedule F (Form 1040), titled "Profit or Loss From Farming." The net farm income (or loss) is then transferred to Line 6 of Form 1040. If you are married and filing jointly, you may elect to divide farm income between spouses and file separate Schedule F forms.
For individuals who rent out farm property, income should be reported on Form 4835, "Farm Rental Income and Expenses."
If you are a shareholder in an S corporation or partnership involved in farming, your share of farm income is reported on Schedule K-1, and you must report it as an item of information on Schedule E (Form 1040), Part V, line 42.
Additional Resources
For detailed guidance on farming income and deductions, refer to Publication 225, "Farmer’s Tax Guide," which provides comprehensive information on farm tax returns and related topics.
Source:
Farmer’s Tax Guide (Publication 225)
Schedule F (Form 1040) - Profit or Loss From Farming
Form 4835 - Farm Rental Income and Expenses
Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) - Partner's Share of Income
Disclaimer: Always verify information with official Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions.