Timber and property tax law changes to be highlighted in Texas landowner workshop

With uncertainty looming over the economy and the tax code, forest landowners must stay abreast of new and changing regulations to ensure they’re not paying more than their fair share when tax time rolls around.

And they can do just that at the 2013 Texas Timber Income and Property Tax Workshop scheduled for next month in East Texas.

Hosted annually by the Texas A&M Forest Service, the all-day tax workshop is designed to give landowners — as well as the professionals that prepare their taxes — a leg up when it comes to forest management planning.

“Tax laws aren’t exactly known for their simplicity — and the section devoted to forestry is no different. Sometimes even professionals aren’t well-versed in the laws,” said Chris Edgar, a Forest Resource Analyst for Texas A&M Forest Service.

“That’s where our workshop comes in. We’ll help you learn the basics about timber tax and make sure you’re aware of changes that have been made to the laws that affect you.”

The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis St., Diboll, Texas. Registration is $70 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments.

Topics will focus on federal timber income tax issues for private forest landowners with a refresher on local timberland property tax incentives. Landowners also will learn how to recoup losses from drought, wildfire and other disasters.

The workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, accountants and attorneys, as well as anyone who works with forest landowners in matters relating to timber taxes.

For more information or to register, go to http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/timbertaxworkshop.

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