The first tax break and the best is to have your basis in timber established.  For most forest owners, having the basis established enables depletion when you sell timber.  Whether you inherited the property or purchased it, you have a basis in the timber (gifted property is different).  When you sell timber you can deplete from the basis, which is non-taxable.  The remainder is essentially the growth that has occured since you owned the property, and is taxed at long term capital gains rates instead of personal income rates.  You also do not pay Social Security/Medicare taxes on the revenue.  In Massachusetts you do have a tax incentive program.  Here is the link to it: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/conservation/forestry-and-fire-cont...