NY Boarders... Did you have to sign this? (Any lawyers please help!)

[ThePerfectFit]

My (commercial) barn recently changed ownership, and the new owner wants me to sign a "Farmer's and Commercial Horse Boarding Operator's Exemption Certificate". (Form ST-125).


I dont believe that the form has ANYTHING to do with my role as a boarder. The manager says "just sign it or you'll have to pay tax on your board". I dont feel right signing anything that I dont understand what it does for me, and I feel as though the form doesnt pertain to me.


http://www.tax.state.ny.us/pdf/2008/st/st125_708.pdf
^^ Link to the form.


Has anyone had to sign this? Did anyone refuse to sign this and had to pay the tax on your board? Can someone explain to me as a BOARDER why I have to sign this?!


Help. :cry:
Thanks in advance..

[SMF11]

I really shouldn't be posting off the top of my head . . . but I'll do it anyway -- That form, I believe, is so that the FARM is not charged tax. It certifies that the farm is a farm and qualifies for tax exemption. It does not mean that the farm gets to not charge tax.

As far as I know, unfortunately, the farm is required to charge tax on its board bills.

[SMF11]

Yes, having now read the link you posted, that's what it is. That is for the farm owner to fill out and give to someone who sells him something. For example, our farm has one on file with Agway, so farm supplies are not taxed when we buy them. Or when we bought our pickup truck for use on the farm, we filled one of these out and the car dealer did not charge us tax on the car. It absolutely is not for you to fill out.

[PalominoMorgan]

I paid tax on my board. Shockingly the facility I was at was the only place I ever knew of that actually collected and paid tax on board. Better to be safe than sorry was their motto. Their accountant would not allow the "everyone else isn't doing it" excuse and said they'll be happy they obeyed the law if they ever get audited.