Authored by: Dr. Yanshu Li Dr. David Dickens David C. Clabo, Ph.D. If your timber was damaged due to Hurricane Helene and the property is located in the designated disaster area (Figure 1), you may qualify for a Georgia income tax credit. Don’t wait! Preapproval applications must be submitted by December 31st, 2025. Figure 1. Designated disaster area for the 2025 Georgia timber tax credit under the spotlight. This refundable and transferable credit covers 100% of your timber casualty loss (not limited by timber basis), up to $550/ac. A total of $200 million is available statewide and will be prorated among preapproved applicants. Eligible applicants include timber growers as well as certain horticultural producers, such as pecan growers. To receive the tax credit, complete the following steps in a timely manner (Figure 2): Apply for preapproval electronically through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) by December 31st, 2025. Approved applicants will receive a preapproval certificate. Complete replanting and/or restoration and report it through GTC. Claim the tax credit on your Georgia income tax returns by December 31st, 2030. Figure 2. Procedure and timeline for application, claim, and use of the 2025 Georgia timber tax credit Please refer to the 2025 Georgia Timber Tax Credit: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Guide for more information on eligibility, credit calculation, required documentation, application steps through GTC, Georgia Forestry Commission replanting and/or reforestation guidelines, and federal income tax implications of receiving and using the tax credits. Download the 2025 Georgia Timber Tax FAQ Guide
