ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES TAX CREDIT FOR AGRITOURISM

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today the Agritourism Liability Insurance Tax Credit program. This entitles entities or individuals who operate agritourism businesses in Illinois during 2022 and 2023 to apply for a tax credit equal to 100% of the liability insurance premiums paid by that individual or entity during the taxable year or $1,000, whichever is less.

"As we continue to build back our state's tourism industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax credit program will provide our agritourism businesses with the aid they need to sustain operations," said Governor JB Pritzker. "From spooky hayrides and corn mazes this Halloween season to educational exhibits and guided tours, it is our longstanding agricultural tradition that attracts visitors from around the nation and world. Thanks to the leadership and hard work of the IDOA, our agribusiness partners will have the support they need to show more and more people what makes Illinois, Illinois."

"Agritourism provides Illinoisans and visitors with unique experiences while connecting the public with hands-on agricultural experiences," said IDOA Director Jerry Costello. "We want to thank the Illinois Department of Revenue for assisting agribusinesses in the state of Illinois."

"Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Specialty Growers Association hope this new program will alleviate some of the burden of high liability insurance costs for agritourism businesses," said Raghela Scavuzzo Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development. "We are confident this credit will incentivize them to continue doing business and will stimulate new agribusinesses in the state."

"Agritourism operation" means an individual or entity that carries out agricultural activities on agricultural property and allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy those activities. "Agricultural property" means property that is used in whole or in part for production agriculture.

"Agritourism activities" include, but are not limited to, the following: historic, cultural, and on-site educational programs; guided and self-guided tours, including school tours; animal exhibitions or petting zoos; agricultural crop mazes, such as corn or flower mazes; harvest-your-own or U-pick operations; horseback or pony rides; and hayrides, carriage rides, or sleigh rides.

The deadline to apply for the 2022 tax year is February 28, 2023.

Visit https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Assistance/Pages/Agritourism-Tax-Credit-Place.aspx or illinoisagritourismcredit.com for more information or to apply for the tax credit. For more information or questions, please contact AGR.AgritourismTax@illinois.gov.