Quantifying the Distribution of Family Forest Ownership Classifications for US Federal Income Tax
Summary
Classifies family forest ownerships for federal income tax purposes and quantifies their distribution across the United States, revealing how tax treatment varies across ownership types.
Abstract
Family forest owners hold the largest share of US forestland, yet little is known about how these ownerships are classified for federal income tax purposes. This study quantifies the distribution of family forest ownership classifications and examines how different tax treatments affect forest management incentives.
Why It Matters
Understanding the tax landscape for family forests is important for:
- Designing effective tax incentives for forest conservation
- Evaluating the equity of existing tax policy across ownership types
- Informing legislative proposals affecting forest landowners
- Supporting outreach and education for family forest owners
Key Findings
- Family forest ownerships span multiple federal income tax classifications
- Tax classification significantly affects the incentives and deductions available to forest owners
- The distribution of classifications varies geographically across the US
- Results inform policy discussions on tax treatment of forest management activities
Citation
Gc, S., Frey, G. E., Mihiar, C., Butler, B. J., & Brandeis, C. (2025). Quantifying the distribution of family forest ownership classifications for US federal income tax. Trees, Forests and People, 19, 100756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100756