Tax and books for farms and ranches
Farm returns from people who know a good year for cattle can be a hard year for taxes. We plan around the harvest, not just the calendar.
At a glance
- Returns from
- $900
- Forms we file
- Schedule F, 4797, 943, Schedule J
- Next deadline
- Jan 15 Fourth-quarter estimated tax
- Lead partner
- Eli Brandt
What we do for you
Farm returns
Schedule F, livestock and equipment sales, depreciation and income averaging.
Harvest-time planning
Deferring grain sales, prepaying inputs and timing equipment purchases.
Farm payroll
Form 943 for farm workers, W-2s and Kansas withholding.
Succession
Passing land and equipment to the next generation without a surprise tax bill.
Your year, month by month
What happens when, so nothing arrives as a surprise.
- Jan
Form 943 and W-2s for farm workers due January 31.
- Feb
We finish farm returns first, ahead of the March 1 rule.
- Mar
File and pay by March 1 if you skipped estimated payments.
- Jun
Wheat harvest. We check in on crop and cattle prices.
- Sep
Fall calving and planning meetings begin.
- Nov
Year-end planning: grain sales, prepaid inputs, equipment.
Deadlines that apply to you
The next dates for this kind of client.
January 2027
Fourth-quarter estimated tax
Add to calendar: Fourth-quarter estimated tax, January 15, 2027
February 2027
W-2s and 1099-NECs to workers and the IRS
Add to calendar: W-2s and 1099-NECs to workers and the IRS, February 1, 2027
Farm employee payroll tax return
Add to calendar: Farm employee payroll tax return, February 1, 2027
March 2027
Farmers who skipped estimates file and pay in full
Add to calendar: Farmers who skipped estimates file and pay in full, March 1, 2027
April 2027
Individual returns, or extension
Add to calendar: Individual returns, or extension, April 15, 2027
What it usually costs
Fixed fee quoted on your intro call.
| Service | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Farm return with Schedule F | $900 – $1,800 |
| Livestock or equipment sales (Form 4797) | $250 – $600 |
| Farm payroll with Form 943 | $300 – $600/yr |
| Harvest-time planning visit | $300 |
| Succession planning session | $600 – $1,500 |
Your partner
Who you’ll work with
Eli Brandt, CPA
Partner
He works with farms, ranches and the small businesses that serve them, from Schedule F and equipment sales to a first payroll. He’s happy to meet at the kitchen table.
Common questions
What is the March 1 rule?
If at least two-thirds of your gross income comes from farming, you can skip estimated tax payments by filing your return and paying in full by March 1.
How are cattle sales taxed?
Raised cattle held for breeding usually go on Form 4797 and can get capital gain treatment. Animals raised for sale go on Schedule F as ordinary income.
Will you come out to the farm?
Yes, for planning meetings within about 40 miles of Alder Grove. Kitchen tables are welcome.
Start with a 20‑minute intro call.
Free, by phone or video. We’ll ask a few questions, tell you what we need, and quote a fixed fee before any work starts.
The office
214 Commercial Street
Alder Grove, KS 66800
[email protected]
For questions only. Never send documents by email.
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Parking behind the building off Walnut Street. Step-free entrance at the back door.