Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988

2 (1) An election for the herd basis shall apply to all production herds of a particular class kept by the farmer making the election, including herds which he has ceased to keep before, or first begins to keep after, the making of the election.

(2) An election for the herd basis must be made in writing to the inspector, and must specify the class of herds to which it relates.

(3) Subject to paragraphs 6 and 12 below, an election for the herd basis made by any farmer shall be valid only if it is made not later than two years after the end of—

(a) the first chargeable period for which he is chargeable under Case I of Schedule D to tax in respect of the profits or gains of his farming, or is given relief under section 380 or 393(2) in respect of his farming, being profits or gains or relief the amount of which is computed by reference to the facts of a period during the whole or some part of which he kept a production herd of the class in question; or

(b) the first period for which an account is made up for his farming.

(4) An election for the herd basis made by any farmer shall be irrevocable and, subject to paragraph 6 below, shall have effect—

(a) in a case within sub-paragraph (3)(a) above, for the first chargeable period referred to in that sub-paragraph and all subsequent chargeable periods; and

(b) in a case within sub-paragraph (3)(b) above, for the first chargeable period for which the profits or gains or losses of his farming are computed by reference to the facts of the first period for which an account is made up for his farming.