The taxation of timber income, tree farm inheritance, and the qualification for property tax reduction are all very specialized areas of the Federal and State tax code. Generally, to do them justice requires a professional versed in tax law and forestry. Some CPA's don't understand timber and Foresters don't understand the tax codes. There are opportunites for many significant tax savings on certain sections of your tax returns and assessments. Among them are:  depletion of the original cost of your timber (form T) capital gain treatment - Sch D,  Form 4797  elimination of self-employment tax (SE)  estate special use  county property tax reduction (category change)  tree planting credits  proper bookkeeping records setup proper deduction of tree farm and timber sales expenses appraisals for estate valuations or costs

All of these make it possible or attractive for timberland investment. Conservative long term tree farm operations protect the forest environment for generations.