Real Estate Advisor
Showing 161–176 of 303 results
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Ask the Advisor – Can I claim the home office deduction?
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 411
Abstract: Many individual taxpayers involved in real estate investment or development maintain a home office. But, even though the IRS recently made it easier to claim the home office deduction, not everyone may qualify for it. This article explains the new safe harbor for claiming a tax deduction and describes two requirements that must be met to be eligible.
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Green Lease is ready to roll – Leader certification program launched
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation have just launched the “Green Lease Leader” certification program to recognize commercial landlords and brokerage teams that have successfully implemented environmentally friendly leases. This program offers a uniform definition for “Green Lease.” This article describes qualification requirements and the application process.
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Buyer beware – Acquiring the stock of C corporations can be hazardous
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Some buyers acquire properties outright, while others choose a less-advantageous acquisition method by acquiring C corporation stock that holds the property as its primary asset. This article explains that those who select the latter route should understand that they could encounter some tax pitfalls and legal complications.
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The impact of delay damages – What to expect when you’re expecting construction litigation
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: Calculating damages in cases of construction delays can prove especially tricky when an owner causes the delay. Why? Because a significant portion of a contractor’s costs will need to be allocated among multiple projects. This article describes two types of overhead costs that require cost segregation or job-specific allocations and discusses several other types of damages a contractor could pursue — while a sidebar looks at remedies for owners who face delays caused by contractors.
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Ask the Advisor – How should I assume the seller’s loan?
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: The real estate market appears to be on the rebound, but sometimes it seems as if creditors haven’t caught on to that. With the credit market still somewhat stingy, potential buyers may want to consider assuming their sellers’ loans. Not surprisingly, this approach comes with pros and cons. This article describes how it works.
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Take your pick – There’s more than one way to execute a Sec. 1031 exchange
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 693
Abstract: Section 1031 exchanges have been around for quite some time. They offer participants a way to dispose of property and subsequently acquire one or more other “like-kind” replacement properties as part of a nonrecognition transaction. The simplest type of exchange is a simultaneous swap of one property for another. Deferred exchanges are more complex but allow for additional flexibility. This article explains how they work.
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IRS provides relief for mezzanine financing workouts
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 519
Abstract: The IRS has issued new guidance that will, in certain circumstances, exclude from gross income any discharged debt that’s secured by the ownership interest in a disregarded entity. Revenue Procedure 2014-20 should help taxpayers with mezzanine financing in workouts and similar arrangements. This article takes a look at how the issue arises and how to qualify for the exclusion.
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Understanding rehabilitation tax credits – What you need to know about partnership allocations
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 896
Abstract: In late 2013, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2014-12, which established a safe harbor clarifying how the agency will treat allocations of rehabilitation tax credits among partners. The procedure lays out circumstances under which the IRS won’t challenge a partnership’s allocation of credits to an investor/partner. This article discusses eligibility requirements for the safe harbor. However, a sidebar explains that it isn’t available if anyone in the rehabilitation project has entered into certain guarantee or insurance arrangements to protect the investor’s minimum contribution against losses.
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Ask the Advisor – How should I report rental income?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Reporting income from rental properties may seem straightforward, but that’s not always the case. The IRS’s definition of rental income, for example, might be broader than property owners realize. Such misunderstandings could prove costly if uncovered by an IRS audit. This article describes several different types of rental income and whether security deposits fall into this category.
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Keep your eyes wide open – Donating historic preservation easements
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: The Internal Revenue Code allows taxpayers to take a charitable deduction for the donation of historic preservation easements on property they own. But some donors may have unrealistic expectations about the amount of the deduction they’ll qualify for. With the IRS aggressively challenging these donations in costly court battles, it’s important to understand what it looks at when evaluating easement deductions. This article explains why a “qualified appraisal” by an appraiser is required to substantiate the deduction.
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Why you should consider the tax ramifications of SMLLCs
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: A “single-member limited liability company” (SMLLC) holds properties in order to distance the investors from various liabilities. It can also avoid double taxation. But this article discusses why, before setting up such an entity, it’s important to consider the tax ramifications. For example, when using an SMLLC to own a partnership interest, there may be negative tax repercussions that wouldn’t necessarily be the same if one owned the partnership interest as an individual.
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IRS final regs on tangible property – Safe harbors opened and expanded
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 912
Abstract: The IRS has released its final regulations on the proper tax treatment of expenditures related to tangible property, including buildings. The regs explain how property owners can distinguish between expenses (which are immediately deductible against current income) and capital expenditures (which must be recovered over time through depreciation). As this article explains, they retain many of the earlier regs’ provisions but modify several sections and create and expand some notable safe harbors. And a sidebar notes that the final regs provide some relief for certain taxpayers that don’t have their financial statements audited.
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Ask the Advisor – When should I update my leases?
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: With the day-to-day activity involved in property management, it’s not surprising that commercial landlords often pay little attention to the terms of their long-term leases unless problems arise or renewal is on the horizon. But this article looks at other circumstances that might make it advisable to review and update leases: for example, a change in lenders or the tenant mix, or new developments in certain areas of the law.
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How to protect your LLC investments
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 601
Abstract: Real estate owners and developers often form limited liability companies (LLCs) to hold title to property. One key reason for making the switch is that LLCs limit personal liability. While these entities do offer protection from personal liability for the debts and liabilities of the entity itself, some exceptions exist that could drain an owner’s or developer’s personal finances. This article discusses some of the ways that personal liability can exist and how it can be minimized.
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Tips for turning a profit on your properties
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: The U.S. real estate market has seen many ups and downs over the years. But this article looks at ways to help ensure that properties turn a profit. It offers a variety of suggestions for reducing expenses and vacancy rates and maintaining close communication with tenants.
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New regs tackle property transfers from C corps to REITs and RICs
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 846
Abstract: Last fall, the IRS issued long-awaited final regulations providing guidance on the recognition of built-in gains when the appreciated property of a C corporation becomes the property of a real estate investment trust (REIT) or regulated investment company (RIC). Such a situation can arise when a C corp becomes a REIT or RIC or because it transfers its property to a REIT or RIC in a “conversion transaction.” The regs include two important exceptions to the general rule on gain recognition. This article discusses that rule and the exceptions, while a sidebar looks at one exception that was rejected.