How to Determine if Your Rental Property Qualifies for the Business Income Deduction
How to Determine if Your Rental Property Qualifies for the Business Income Deduction
Blog Article
As a rental property owner one of the most important tax questions to answer is a rental property qualified business income. If it does qualify, you could be eligible for a significant tax deduction, which can increase your profitability. However, qualifying isn't automatic--it is contingent upon meeting specific IRS requirements.
Let's take a look at what IRS will be looking for to determine whether rental activities count as a business within the meaning of QBI.
Understanding QBI in a Rental Context
Qualified Business Income refers to the net earnings earned from the operation of a business or trade as a pass-through entity. While rental property is traditionally considered passive income but the IRS permits certain rental activity to be eligible if they meet the standard of a trade or business.
The IRS Business Test: Are You Operating Like a Business?
In order to be eligible to claim the QBI deduction Your rental business must be carried out with consistency regularity, consistency, and a profit motivation. The IRS considers several factors in determining whether your rental is an enterprise:
Active Management
You must be involved in the management of the property, making decisions about maintenance, interaction with the tenant along with lease enforcement.
Recordkeeping
The keeping of financial and bookkeeping records, tracking expenses, and managing income indicate the seriousness of business.
Operational Structure
The existence of business-related systems including regular maintenance plans, onboarding of tenants, and use of service providers that support business classification.
Use of the Safe Harbor Rule
The IRS has created a safe harbor rule to make the qualification clearer. If your rental enterprise:
Maintains separate records and books and
Provides at least 250 hours of rental services per year and
Keeps a log of dates, hours, and activities,
...then it is generally classified as an entity in the eyes of QBI purposes.
This safeguard applies to every business individually or in a group if similar properties are combined.
What Activities Count as Rental Services?
Services for renting under the rule of safe harbor comprise:
Screening and advertising for tenants
Renewal and lease negotiation
Repairs and maintenance to the property
Rent collection and bookkeeping
Coordination with professionals in the field of service
Even if you hire others to help, these hours still count--just be certain that the assistance is related to the rental.
Common Situations That Qualify
Multiple properties, and managing them actively
Short-term rentals with regular turnover of the tenant
Long-term rentals that are subject to continuous improvements and management involvement
Conclusion
Whether or not the rental income you earn is eligible for the QBI deduction depends on how you manage your business. By knowing the IRS guidelines, and particularly the safe harbor rule--you can set your rental business to meet the business threshold. If you do it correctly, this can lead to significant savings in taxes each year.