How do I avoid capital gains on timber sale?
The IRS code about timber sale taxation is a bit obscure. There are three main ways to reduce the tax bill; 1) report income as capital gains, 2) calculate the timber basis and depletion, and 3) keep receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the timber sale.
What is a timber sale contract?
A written timber sale agreement or contract is generally the preferable and safest method of selling timber. A written contract is a legally binding document that protects both the buyer and the seller (the landowner) from misunderstandings that may develop in the absence of such an agreement.
How do I calculate cost basis for timber sale?
To calculate the proportionate value of each timber product, divide the appraised value of the product by the total appraised valued of the property. To calculate the original cost basis of each product, multiply its proportionate value, the decimal, by the total acquisition price.
How do you account for timber sales on tax return?
You report the sale expenses on the new Form 8949 and Form 1040 Schedule D. It is prudent to file Form T (see page 25). Timber sale expenses are fully deductible from the sale proceeds. If your timber holding is an investment, report timber sale expenses on the new Form 8949 and Form 1040 Schedule D (see page 7).
Is selling timber taxable?
Generally, the maximum long- term capital gains rate for timber is 15 percent (for taxpayers in the 10 or 15 percent ordinary income tax brackets, the maximum long-term capital gains rate is 5 percent).
How do timber sales work?
The seller will receive the total payment before the timber is cut. In a per-unit sale the seller and buyer negotiate a price per unit of timber harvested. This type of sale results in the seller receiving payment as the timber is cut.
How does a timber claim work?
This was a “timber claim”, so his father claimed this set of trees (timber). No other person was allowed to cut down these trees (turn the trees into “timber”). Governments often do that: they let a person “claim” an area of land for its trees, or a mine for its metals, etc.
How do you calculate capital gains on timber sale?
Once the timber proceeds qualify as a capital gain, determine the amount of the gain. Gross income minus depletion allowance minus cost of conducting the sale equals the net capital gain.
How do you calculate the value of timber?
The more mature trees you have, the more likely it is that your timber is ready for harvest. To estimate the value of your timber, take the volume, divided by 1,000, and multiply it by the price quoted in your states standing timber stumpage report.
What percentage do loggers take?
A fundamental feature of any contract is method of payment. In logging contracts, payment is most often based on either dollars per unit or a percentage of the value of the wood. Historically, loggers have worked on a percentage basis, and 50 percent of the value of the wood was standard operating proce- dure.
Is timber a good investment?
Timber has been one of the most consistent investments over time, and a great hedge against inflation. According to value investor Jeremy Grantham, it’s risen 3% more than inflation for more than 90 years. Timberland has also beaten the stock market over the long run, and with less volatility.
How do you price timber?