Page 11 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 3 - Summer 2023

in the nation, leading all other states in total economic output, acres of privately-owned forests, volume of timber harvested, forest product exports, and planted seedlings. This is not by mistake — it has taken strong leadership and smart policy to attract this investment.
The benefit of these tax programs also extends to our environment. The University of Georgia estimates the value provided by Georgia’s forests in ecological services (clean air, clean water, greenspace, wildlife habitat) is $38 billion annually.
However, today Georgia’s tax policy for forestry is still behind. Timber remains the only crop that is taxed at the time of harvest. To address this, the State House of Representatives passed House Bill 96 during the 2023 session to bring some equity to the harvest tax with other types of real property. Currently, harvested timber is taxed at 100% of fair market value as opposed to 40% for all other property in Georgia. House Bill 96 will change the taxation of harvested timber to match the 40% for all property in the state. The bill will still need to pass the State Senate in 2024 and then pass by Constitutional Amendment in the fall before it becomes law.
Passing this legislation will continue to help decrease the tax burden on Georgia forest landowners, bringing Georgia on equalfootingwithsurroundingstates. ■
JOHN CASEY IS A STRATEGIC COMMUNI- CATIONS CONSULTANT WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS ON JOURNALISM, POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY.
Specializing in Aerial Application With over 30+ years Industry Experience
Sarah 803.480.1961 | Gary 803.687.2586 rutlandfly@gmail.com
Rutland Flying Service, Inc.
GEORGIA:
THE #1
FORESTRY STATE
IN THE NATION
Strong tax policy has bolstered Georgia’s national and global leadership.
• #1 in Privately-Owned Timberland
• #1 in Direct Economic Output • #1 in Annual Timber
Harvest Volume
• #1 Exporter of Forest Products
• #1 in Annual Seedling Production
LEARN MORE AT
www.gfagrow.org/ numberone
www.GeorgiaForestryMagazine.com | 9