Definition · Energy
Tangible Drilling Costs
The cost of drilling equipment, recovered through depreciation over several years.
Nashional Investments · Updated October 2026
Educational definition only, not investment, tax or legal advice.
In practice
Energy programs can produce large first-year deductions, but they are speculative and illiquid, and the tax result depends on how the interest is held. The term Tangible Drilling Costs is part of how we evaluate an oil and gas program, alongside the operator's history, the well costs and how the deduction fits the rest of your tax picture. We coordinate the details with your CPA.
Questions
Common questions.
What does the term Tangible Drilling Costs mean?
The cost of drilling equipment, recovered through depreciation over several years.
Why does Tangible Drilling Costs matter for investors?
Energy programs can produce large first-year deductions, but they are speculative and illiquid, and the tax result depends on how the interest is held. The term Tangible Drilling Costs is part of how we evaluate an oil and gas program, alongside the operator's history, the well costs and how the deduction fits the rest of your tax picture.
Where it applies
See how this fits into a real plan on our Energy page.
Have a question about this?
Ask us how it applies to your situation. Your first conversation is complimentary.