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Planting Trees is Less Taxing Chore This Year
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Landowners who create a forest on their property are eligible for a direct deduction from their federal taxes this year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. "By planting trees, an individual can enjoy a 10% tax credit on the cost of their efforts," said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. "That means property owners spending $2,000 to establish a woodland could directly deduct $200 from the amount of federal taxes they owe."In addition to the tax credit, landowners can deduct up to 95% of certain reforestation expenses over an eight-year period, Dorka said. Costs that the Internal Revenue Service approves for the reforestation tax credit include the purchase of seedlings, labor and tools, site preparation and depreciation on equipment associated with tree planting."Investing in forests is good business and good for the environment," Dorka said. "But forestry is a long-term investment and these tax-saving options help individuals to get started."The department is the largest producer of tree seedlings in the state, producing more than three million trees each year for reforestation efforts. Selecting the proper type of tree for a particular location and soil characteristic is essential for a successful planting, Dorka said, adding thatservice foresters from the department are available to help landowners in choosing the right trees for their particular objectives. This assistance is especially recommended for plantings in excess of three acres, he noted.Since state reforestation efforts began more than 80 years ago, ODNR foresters have planted more than a one-half billion trees in Ohio, Dorka said.For availability of various tree species and their prices, or for a list of service forester office locations by county and telephone numbers, contact the ODNR Division of Forestry toll free at (877) 691-8733 or visit the department online: www.ohiodnr.com"