What is passive losses?

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Forums » Buying & Selling Real Estate » What is passive losses?

What is passive losses?

4 posts by 4 users

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Vaishal Patel

· Arkansas

31 posts

Dec 29 '12, 09:50 AM

So i came across this term "Passive losses" while reading a post on this website.I searched it on google but i still dont understand it ..What is passive losses?i am newbie so if you can give an example of it,that would really helpful..thanks.

Joel Owens

Commercial Real Estate Broker · Canton, Georgia

Moderator Pro

4,391 posts
6 awards

Dec 29 '12, 03:10 PM

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-passive-loss.htm#did-you-know

Joel Owens, All World Realty
Telephone: 678-779-2798
Website: http://www.GAcommercialbroker.com
www.GAcommercialbroker.com 678-779-2798 joelowens@comcast.net

Tim Delp

Real Estate Investor · Jacksonville, Florida

109 posts

Dec 29 '12, 04:04 PM

When referring to real estate passive losses refer to losses an investor is experiencing through their rental properties. You can google passive real estate losses and see a little more detail about how it works. Typically you are allowed to write off your passive losses in real estate against ordinary income. There is a limit to how much passive losses you can write off in a year and it does phase out at a certain income level. The google search can provide you those details or speaking with your accountant that would know your personal situation can explain how it might impact your since each person's tax situation is different.

Steven Hamilton II

Accountant · Lake Villa, Illinois

Moderator

1,880 posts
6 awards

Dec 31 '12, 02:47 AM

@Vaishal Patel,

Passive losses are derived from activities that are not pursued on a day to day basis. For example being a landlord does not necessarily involved work every day such as what you do at a 9-5 job.

One of the reasons capital losses are limited to the amount you can deduct is because those are a specific type of passive loss.

Passive losses from business activities such as real estate investments or investments in partnerships or corporations can be limited based upon the the amount invested, your income level and your participation.

-Steven