REI- Investment Or Business?

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All,

I was having a discussion with a CPA and he sent the following to me via email. We were talking about deductions for a home based business. Curious about your thoughts on the quote below



From CPA:



"Something that is very important that you need to understand is that "real estate investing" for most people is not a "business." It is an "investment." There are some important differences between a business and an investment as far as tax treatment is concerned. "

Comments(8)

  • clofthouse12th June, 2006

    I too would also like know the difference.

    I have yet to find a CPA I trust and have loads of ??? about LLC etc and transfer of investment rental property title to LLC and taxes as partnership versus S corp etc etc. I am in Florida.

  • NewKidInTown312th June, 2006

    Quote:Curious about your thoughts on the quote below

    From CPA:

    "Something that is very important that you need to understand is that "real estate investing" for most people is not a "business." It is an "investment." There are some important differences between a business and an investment as far as tax treatment is concerned. "

    I agree completely.

  • mtnwizard14th June, 2006

    Keep it simple -- go with Mary Kay.

    Da Wiz
    not a lawyer

  • fdi14th June, 2006

    I can see the advertisement now, 3 bed/1.5 baths and a facial - $750/month or $720 with a purchase of $100 or more of Mary Kay.

    Gotta Love it

  • finniganps15th June, 2006

    In the end, I think that their are few businesses that really benefit from the home office deduction and it is difficult to qualify for most businesses (a notable exception is a day care in your home - generous rules).

  • deblica27th August, 2006

    I was advised by my CPA a few years back that in order to consider my RE investing a business that I would need a business licence. I file a schedule C for my rental properties at tax time. Hope this helps.

  • ryand28th August, 2006

    thanks a lot for your response, i do own a couple of multi fams right now and i have for a couple of years so i know all about screening people and the "hassle" of it. when i buy more i will have a property manager i think...overall, do you think this is one of the best ways to save in taxes? and a way to "hide" money

    thanks,

    Ryan

  • ryand28th August, 2006

    [ Edited by ryand on Date 08/28/2006 ]

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