Section 125.51. Allowance of deduction for cost depletion

(a) General rule. In the case of mines, oil and gas wells, other natural deposits, and timber, there shall be allowed as a deduction in computing income a reasonable allowance for depletion. In any case in which it is ascertained as a result of operations or development work that the recoverable units are greater or less than the prior estimate thereof, the prior estimate (but not the basis for depletion) shall be revised and the allowance under this section for subsequent taxable years shall be based on the revised estimate.

(b) Recoverable units. Recoverable units are the number of units (for example—tons, pounds, ounces or barrels) of minerals, oil or gas in the ground and economically worth extracting, estimated according to the best available information and industry standards.

(c) Special rules.

(1) Leases. In the case of a lease, the deduction under this section shall be apportioned between the lessor and lessee in accordance with Federal Income Tax requirements.

(2) Life tenant and remainderman. In the case of property held by one person for life with remainder to another person, the deduction under this section shall be computed as if the life tenant were the absolute owner of the property and shall be allowed to the life tenant.

(3) Property held in trust. In the case of property held in trust, the deduction under this section shall be apportioned between the income beneficiaries and the trustee in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the instrument creating the trust, or, in the absence of those provisions, on the basis of the trust income allocable to each.

(4) Property held by estate. In the case of a decedent’s estate, the deduction under this section shall be apportioned between the estate and the heirs, legatees and devisees on the basis of the income of the estate allocable to each.

(5) Basis for depletion. The basis on which depletion is to be allowed in respect of any property shall be the adjusted basis for the purpose of determining the gain upon the sale or other disposition of the property.

The provisions of this § 125.51 adopted February 24, 2006, applies for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, 36 Pa.B. 959; corrected March 11, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1130.