Costs associated with rehabbing a flip - tax

Costs associated with rehabbing a flip - tax

Albuquerque, NM · Member since 2017 · 4 posts · 0 votes

How does your tax accountant report rehab costs on your tax return?  As ordinary expense as incurred or defer the costs until the house is sold?

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Linda WeygantPro Member
Investor and CPA · Arvada, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
8y

The answer is going to be "It Depends"

Rehab costs before or after the asset is placed in service?

Electing De Minimus Safe Harbor or not?

Are the expenses repairs or upgrades?

Do you have passive losses locked or not?

Are you looking to sell soon?

What are your other sources of income and how much are they?

What type of investing?  Flipping, Rentals?

Way too many scenarios here to just state which way it should be done.  And if you get 99 people saying their accountant does it one way, that doesn't mean that it's the right way or the best way for you.

If you trust your tax preparer, then trust that they know what they are doing.

If you don't trust him/her, get a new one.

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  • Linda WeygantPro Member
    Investor and CPA · Arvada, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    The answer is going to be "It Depends"

    Rehab costs before or after the asset is placed in service?

    Electing De Minimus Safe Harbor or not?

    Are the expenses repairs or upgrades?

    Do you have passive losses locked or not?

    Are you looking to sell soon?

    What are your other sources of income and how much are they?

    What type of investing?  Flipping, Rentals?

    Way too many scenarios here to just state which way it should be done.  And if you get 99 people saying their accountant does it one way, that doesn't mean that it's the right way or the best way for you.

    If you trust your tax preparer, then trust that they know what they are doing.

    If you don't trust him/her, get a new one.

  • Investor · Pawleys Island, SC · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 837 votes
    8y

    All direct costs for a flip are accrued until the property is sold.  

  • Real Estate Consultant · Norfolk, VA · Member since 2017 · 345 posts · 201 votes
    8y

    @Mary Gallardo For flip business, direct costs (acquisition, rehab materials & labor) and indirect costs (taxes, interest, insurance, etc.) that are properly allocable related to development and construction of the property are capitalized. Indirect costs not related to development and construction of the property can be expensed such as marketing/advertising, general & admin expenses. Holding costs (taxes, interest & insurance) can be deducted after the property is placed in service or ready for sale. 

    I would recommend reaching out to CPAs specialized in real state industry for proper guidance. 

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