There are plenty of ways to invest on your farm to try reduce your annual tax bill. But have you ever considered investing in safety measures that also save on your tax bill? We look at just some of the options available to farmers that can reduce the tax bill.

Proactively investing in health and safety can help lower the number of fatalities, injuries, and illnesses on farms. It can boost a farm’s bottom line through savings in the tax bill while also improving productivity and farm safety.

Invest in keeping children safe

Adults have a huge responsibility to make sure that the risks posed to children on a farm are assessed and controls put in place to prevent death and injury.

  • To eliminate the risk of drowning, all open water tanks, wells and slurry tanks should be fenced off. The cost of fencing can be written off against tax.
  • Invest in child passenger seats with safety belts – children between the ages of seven and 16 may ride on a tractor provided the tractor is fitted with a properly designed and fitted passenger seat (with seatbelt) inside a safety cab or frame. The cost of child seats can be written off against tax.

    • Invest in a safe supply of electricity

    Risks from electrocution can be reduced or eliminated by investing. Any investment in infrastructure can be written off against a farm’s tax bill.

  • The fuse board should be regularly inspected by a competent electrician. The cost of service can be expensed.
  • Regularly check for and replace immediately any frayed and damaged cables around the farmyard. Place leads and cables in positions where they will be safe from damage. The cost of maintenance can be written off against tax.
  • Replace any domestic-type sockets, plugs or switches in farm buildings with the correct specification. This cost can be written off against tax.

    • Invest in a generator

    A portable generator is a useful farm investment and its cost can be written off against tax. If investing, it should have industrial-type sockets located on the generator frame for connection.

  • Generators supplying permanent wired installations should have mechanically interlocked switching facilities between ESB and generator supplies. The switch should be clearly marked to show the ESB generator on and off positions.
  • ESB Networks requires notification when a standby generator is to be installed on a farm.

    • Invest in farm fences

    Fences help prevent livestock from entering public places such as roads, which could cause an accident. Any investment in fencing is allowed against farm expenses.

  • Don’t run fences parallel to power lines because dangerous induced voltages might result.
  • Keep fence earth a minimum of 10m from main installation earth.
  • Never electrify barbed wire.
  • Maintain safe clearances from overhead wires.

    • Invest in safe shed doors

    Large doors which open on hinges can be a hazard on farms, especially if there are high winds. Replace hanging doors with roller-type doors. Any cost can be expensed and help reduce a farm’s tax bill.

    Invest in a cattle crush

    A well-built and functional cattle crush can help improve farm safety. The cost of a cattle crush can be written off against a farm’s tax bill.

    Other investments that will help make farmyards safer and can reduce a farm’s tax bill:

  • Avoid slips and trips by keeping the farmyard and farm buildings tidy at all times.
  • Invest in adequate lighting in the farmyard and buildings.
  • Put a vermin control programme in place on your farm.
  • Provide suitable washing and toilet facilities on your farm.