EXCLUSIVE TAX STRATEGY CHECKLIST FOR
REAL ESTATE INVESTORS
STEP: 1
PROPERTY ACQUISITION:
ENSURE ALL SETTLEMENT FEES AND CLOSING COSTS ARE RECORDED. SEPARATE LAND COST FROM BUILDING COST FOR DEPRECIATION.
STEP: 2
RENTAL PROPERTY OPERATIONS:
KEEP DETAILED RECORDS OF RENTAL INCOME RECEIVED.
DOCUMENT ALL OPERATING EXPENSES: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FEES,
MAINTENANCE, UTILITIES, ADVERTISING, ETC.
TRACK TRAVEL EXPENSES RELATED TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.
STEP: 3
DEPRECIATION STRATEGIES:
USE MACRS TO DEPRECIATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OVER 27.5 YEARS AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OVER 39 YEARS.
CONSIDER A COST SEGREGATION STUDY TO ACCELERATE DEPRECIATION.
STEP: 4
INTEREST DEDUCTION:
DEDUCT MORTGAGE INTEREST ON LOANS USED TO ACQUIRE OR IMPROVE RENTAL
PROPERTY.
KEEP PERSONAL AND INVESTMENT-RELATED DEBT SEPARATE.
STEP: 5
TAXES AND INSURANCE:
KEEP DETAILED RECORDS OF RENTAL INCOME RECEIVED.
DOCUMENT ALL OPERATING EXPENSES: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FEES,
MAINTENANCE, UTILITIES, ADVERTISING, ETC.
TRACK TRAVEL EXPENSES RELATED TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.
STEP: 6
Repairs vs. Improvements:
Classify expenses correctly: repairs (deductible) vs. improvements (depreciable).
STEP: 7
Passive Activity Losses:
Understand passive activity loss rules and how they may limit deductions.
STEP: 8
Home Office Deduction:
If applicable, use the home office deduction for managing rental properties.
STEP: 9
Legal Entity Structuring:
Consult with a tax professional about the best legal structure for your investments for tax purposes.
STEP: 10
1031 Exchanges:
Keep records of any 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains taxes.
STEP: 11
Rental Property Sale:
Track basis and improvements to calculate accurate capital gains or losses.
Collect and report all 1099-S proceeds from real estate transactions.
STEP: 12
Tax Credits:
Investigate potential tax credits for which you may be eligible, such as energy efficiency or historical preservation.
STEP: 13
Documentation and Receipts:
Maintain organized records and receipts for all deductions claimed.
STEP: 14
Quarterly Estimated Taxes:
Calculate and pay quarterly estimated taxes if applicable to avoid penalties.
STEP: 15
Year-End Strategies:
Review year-end strategies to defer income or accelerate deductions as appropriate.
STEP: 16
Professional Consultation:
Schedule an annual review with a tax professional specializing in real estate.
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