Taxes for Rent by the Room House Hack (Can I take a PAL?)
Hi All,
I purchased my first house hack last May. It's a 3BR house and I rent out the 2 spare bedrooms. I understand for tax purposes that I can only take two-thirds of the expenses related to the house to offset the rental income. After this adjustment, the expenses are still greater than the rental income (it's producing a loss).
What I'm unclear on is if I can apply the loss as a Passive Activity Loss deduction against my W-2 income (I'm under the MAGI limit). I know I would be able to do this for a standard rental property. However, my CPA is telling me that since I live in the house, it doesn't qualify for this deduction.
Doesn't seem right to me, but I can't find any definitive information anywhere else online. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
- Real Estate Agent
- Colorado Springs, CO
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Hmmm. Maybe ask investors in your area who they are using for their CPAs. Then ask one of those CPAs for a second opinion.
If you do not qualify as a real estate professional I don't think you can deduct losses against your w-2 income. I believe you can carry those loses forward to next year though.
I'll DM you a blog I did on other great tax strategies I've used for my house hacks in Colorado Springs.
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Real Estate Agent Colorado (#100092341)
- 719-290-4640
- [email protected]
@Brendan Simpkins I am local to Nashville and happy to refer you to the CPA I use along with a couple others in town!
My 2 cents would be that since it is your personal property that your CPA is right but im far from a tax professional!
Sonny
I had this same conversation with my CPA. Your CPA is correct. I charge my BF rent to live in the house. Since the house was already going to be a rental when we moved to the next, I decided to claim rent, depreciate it, and expenses.
Nothing to add to tax side. Just want to say great strategy! had 2 clients buy places to House Hack and rent by the room. Good on ya!