The Guthrie County Assessor’s office has made changes to the way it classifies properties. The classification will now depend on land use rather than the size of the parcel.

Assessor Rusty Pearson tells Raccoon Valley Radio news, the definition of agricultural property has been changed to be defined as property that is primarily used for farming practices, as defined by the State of Iowa Administrative Code.

Before the change was made, Pearson says any parcel that was 20 acres or more was classified as agricultural.  The new rule does not connect the size of the parcel to how it’s being used.  For example, a one acre hog confinement is classified as agricultural, where a home on one acre of land is residential.  Furthermore, a 25 acre parcel with a home or cabin on it that is not being farmed will now be changed to residential rather than agricultural.

Pearson says the way a parcel is classified affects how it’s taxed, with ag properties having the lowest tax rate.  Changes to parcel classifications are being made now and will be reflected in the 2014 tax statements.

Anyone with questions should contact the Guthrie County Assessor’s office.