We purchased property that needed to be removed from open space and paid $6K. Can I deduct this?

[MichaelMc · Accepted solution]

No.

The costs of acquisition of real estate, including zoning fees, become part of its cost basis and are offset against selling price to determine capital gain (loss) when you eventually sell the property. Such costs are not deductible as expenses at the time of acquisition.

For more information, please refer to IRS Pub. 551 Basis of Assets