Rhode Island § 44-5-39 - Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 44-5-39 — Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-5-39. Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes
R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-39
§ 44-5-39. Land use change tax.
(a) After May 15, 1980, when land classified as farm, dairy farm, forest, or open space land and assessed and taxed under the provisions of § 44-5-12 is applied to a use other than as farm, dairy farm, forest, or open space, or when the land owner voluntarily withdraws that classification, it shall be subject to additional taxes, subsequently referred to as a land use change tax. The tax is at the following rate:
(1) Ten percent (10%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the first six (6) years of classification.
(2) Nine percent (9%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the seventh (7th) year of classification.
(3) Eight percent (8%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the eighth (8th) year of classification.
(4) Seven percent (7%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the ninth (9th) year of classification.
(5) Six percent (6%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the tenth (10th) year of classification.
(6) Five percent (5%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the eleventh (11th) year of classification.
(7) Four percent (4%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the twelfth (12th) year of classification.
(8) Three percent (3%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the thirteenth (13th) year of classification.
(9) Two percent (2%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fourteenth (14th) year of classification.
(10) One percent (1%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fifteenth (15th) year of classification. No tax shall be imposed by the provisions of this section following the end of the fifteenth (15th) year of classification.
(b) Owners of land classified as farmland or dairy farmland who have held title to the land, and where the land has been farmed or used as a dairy farm for five (5) years previous to classification, are liable for a land use change tax of:
(1) Ten percent (10%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the first (1st) year of classification.
(2) Nine percent (9%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the second (2nd) year of classification.
(3) Eight percent (8%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the third (3rd) year of classification.
(4) Seven percent (7%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fourth (4th) year of classification.
(5) Six percent (6%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the fifth (5th) year of classification.
(6) Five percent (5%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the sixth (6th) year of classification.
(7) Four percent (4%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the seventh (7th) year of classification.
(8) Three percent (3%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the eighth (8th) year of classification.
(9) Two percent (2%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the ninth (9th) year of classification.
(10) One percent (1%) of the then fair market value of the land if the use is changed or classification is withdrawn during the tenth (10th) year of classification. No tax shall be imposed by the provisions of this section following the end of the tenth year of classification.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 288, § 4; P.L. 1980, ch. 252, § 3; P.L. 2021, ch. 182, § 2, effective
July 6, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 183, § 2, effective July 6, 2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 44-5-39
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 44-5-39 cover?
Section 44-5-39 ("Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 44-5-39?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 44-5-39" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 44-5-39 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.