Us Congress House Bill HB655

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

Disaster Reforestation Act

Impact

The proposed amendments will specifically alter how casualty losses related to uncut timber are calculated for tax purposes. Not only will the legislation benefit those involved in timber harvesting and forestry by potentially increasing the deductions available in the event of a disaster, but it will also establish clearer guidelines on the appraisal methods for such losses. Appraisals must be completed by certified professionals within a specified timeframe and according to established professional standards, ensuring consistency and reliability in the claims process.

Summary

House Bill 655, known as the Disaster Reforestation Act, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide special tax rules regarding casualty losses of uncut timber. This legislation is primarily designed to benefit timber owners who experience losses from natural disasters such as fires, storms, or invasive species. Under this bill, the amount of the deduction for such losses will take into account the value of the uncut timber before the loss occurred, minus its salvage value.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HB 655 lies in the requirements imposed for reforestation. For a taxpayer to qualify for the special deduction concerning lost timber, they must reforest the affected area within five years of the loss, which involves planting or seeding hardwoods, softwoods, or a combination of both. Critics might argue that this requirement could be burdensome for smaller timber owners or those in regions with limited capacity for reforestation due to environmental or economic factors. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding the scope of what constitutes ‘casualty’ losses and how strictly these definitions will be applied during the claims process.