|
|
- Info
Property tax laws as an incentive to forest management: National overview
| Author: |
Hickman, C.A. |
| Date: |
1992 |
| Periodical: |
In: Society of American Foresters National Convention: Private Nonindustrial Forestry Working Group; 1992 October 25-28; Richmond, VA. |
| Abstract: |
Virtually all states have elected not to apply the unmodified ad valorem property tax to forested properties. Historically, the rationale centered on five criticisms. These were that the tax was not equitable, not neutral regarding the allocation of resources, not convenient in the time and manner of its levy, not certain as to amount, and not economical to administer. Recently the rationale has broadened to encompass the public's desire to encourage the retention of forest lands in traditional uses. Types of special forest taxes include exemption; rebate; yield tax; modified rate; modified assessment; and, in a somewhat different vein, timber severance tax laws. When states have authorized special taxes they have generally done so expecting that certain public benefits, including improved management, would be realized. Often they have sought to ensure this result by using eligibility restrictions or, in the case of timber severance taxes, by stipulating how the revenues raised would be used. |
|
