Idaho State Tax Commission

Farming and Ranching: Production Exemption

Motor vehicles

Motor vehicles that are required to be licensed are almost always taxable, but there are a few specific exemptions for farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers can buy a vehicle exempt if it:

  • Isn't licensed and it's used exclusively in qualifying farming activities.
    Example: A truck used to feed livestock, and never driven on public roads.
  • Isn't required to be licensed and is used in qualifying farming activities.
    Examples:
    • Farm tractor
    • Harvester
    • Cultivator
    • Reaper
    • Binder
    • Combine
    • Planter
These vehicles don't qualify for the exemption:
  • Vehicles that are licensed
    Examples:
    • Any motor vehicle that must be licensed for use on public roads. This includes vehicles with restricted-use plates and recreational-use stickers.
  • Recreational vehicles and recreation-related vehicles
    Examples:
    • Snowmobiles
    • Off-highway motorbikes
    • ATVs
    • Motorcycles
    • Motor homes
    • Park model recreational vehicles
Buying an exempt motor vehicle

To buy a qualifying vehicle exempt:

  1. Give the seller a completed form ST-101, Idaho Resale and Exemption Certificate.
  2. Give the completed exemption certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office when you title the vehicle. Don't license the motor vehicle for use on the highway, or the exemption won't apply.

Example:

You buy a truck from a dealer. When titling the vehicle, you claim the production exemption. No sales tax is collected. You later go to a different DMV office and license the same truck. You now owe tax on the value of the vehicle.

Page last updated May 22, 2018. Last full review of page: May 22, 2018.

This information is for general guidance only. Tax laws are complex and change regularly. We can't cover every circumstance in our guides. This guidance may not apply to your situation. Please contact us with any questions. We work to provide current and accurate information. But some information could have technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. If there's a conflict between current tax law and this information, current tax law will govern.