Determining timber cost basis (2002)

As a forest landowner, you may someday contemplate the sale of your timber. The gain from the sale of the timber can represent either a capital gain or an ordinary income gain. In either case, you will be required to pay taxes on the gain. Gain is the operative word, implying that you may subtract something from the total amount you received. In fact, you may subtract the total amount you spent to acquire the asset. To minimize the amount of gain and thereby reduce your tax liability, you need to establish the cost basis in your capital assets such as timber.New 3/02/5M