Source:  News Release

Equine Tax Parity Act Introduced

On March 6, 2012, Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced the Equine Tax Parity Act (H.R. 998), which would make horses eligible for capital gains treatment after 12 months, rather than 24, similar to other business assets.

Under the current federal tax code, gains from sales by individuals of property used in a trade or business, including horses, qualify for long-term capital gains and are subject to the maximum capital gains tax rate of 15% for taxpayers earning less than $450,000 or 20% for those earning more.  Since the individual tax rate can go as high as 39.6%, the lower rate is a real advantage. 

“Horses held for breeding, racing, showing or draft purposes qualify for the capital gains rates only if they are held for 24 months.  All other business assets (except cattle) qualify if held for 12 months,” Said AHC president Jay Hickey.  “We believe this is unfair to the horse industry and there is no reason why we should not be treated the same as all other businesses.” 

The Equine Tax Parity Act would end this discriminatory treatment of horses under the tax code and allow horse owners to enjoy the reduced rate upon sale after holding a horse for 12 months.  For most owners and breeders shortening the capital gains holding period to 12 should be a benefit.  Reducing the holding period by half would give many horse owners and breeders more flexibility to sell and market their horses.  It would mean that every sale of a horse which is held for at least 12 months will qualify as a capital gain or loss unless that horse is held primarily for sale.  

“We appreciate Congressman Barr introducing this legislation and highlighting this unfair tax treatment of horses, we will work with the Congressman to get it passed,” said Hickey.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. The AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.                        

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

Barnmice News story brought to you by Intercity Insurance Services.

Insurance for horses and their people.

Whatever your insurance needs, we have the resources to assist.