Right way to do it: Make sure you have a concrete airtight notarized legal agreement with the land owner about the 50/50 split. You may also want to have a non-disclosure agreement where he and yourself are legally not allowed to disclose each others identity.
As for the tax issue, If you decide to pay your fair share of taxes, then make sure everything is documented from day one. That means having a notary or some other legalized body to account for EVERY dollar. Make sure you have a rock solid paper trail otherwise, an audit and an investigation from the IRS will be initiated.
The other option if you wish not to pay your fair share, well, use your imagination.
As for the tax issue, If you decide to pay your fair share of taxes, then make sure everything is documented from day one. That means having a notary or some other legalized body to account for EVERY dollar. Make sure you have a rock solid paper trail otherwise, an audit and an investigation from the IRS will be initiated.
The other option if you wish not to pay your fair share, well, use your imagination.