Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 5 years ago on . Most recent reply presented by

User Stats

77
Posts
42
Votes
Todd Groom
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Tampa, FL
42
Votes |
77
Posts

No record of rental income, accountant refusing to accept income.

Todd Groom
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Tampa, FL
Posted

I have a friend who owns one rental property and rents out a few rooms in his home. He is allowed to rent at least one room in his home legally per county rules. When he tried to report the income to his accountant when filing his 2019 taxes the account refused to accept the income. He said because he did not deposit it monthly as it came in it looks like laundering. 


I've never heard of this has anyone else? If he is not allowed to report the income then he's breaking the law by avoiding taxable income. At the same time, the accountant is saying he's breaking the law if he does try to claim the income. Any CPA's on here have some input?

  • Todd Groom
  • Most Popular Reply

    User Stats

    2,934
    Posts
    3,696
    Votes
    Linda Weygant
    • Investor and CPA
    • Arvada, CO
    3,696
    Votes |
    2,934
    Posts
    Linda Weygant
    • Investor and CPA
    • Arvada, CO
    Replied

    The accountant can easily back up the amounts the client is claiming by looking at leases or even the original ads offering to rent.

    Tax preparers are not auditors.  We're not required to verify every figure reported, although we do have a duty to think about reasonableness.  If the client is trying to report something ludicrous for rent, that's one thing.  But market rent, backed up by a lease is certainly fine.

    Cash is still considered valid to conduct business with and there is NO requirement to deposit cash in order to claim the income.  Assuming your friend does not have a history of making stuff up, your friend needs a new tax preparer.

    Loading replies...