Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

REIT Investments Spike Due to Relaxation of Tax Rules

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: January 18, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Relaxation of REIT Tax Rules

More investors have begun incorporating real estate investments trust into their portfolios as the Internal Revenue Service takes a more relaxed stance on how REITs are structured for tax purposes.

More investors have begun incorporating real estate investments trust into their portfolios as the Internal Revenue Service takes a more relaxed stance on how REITs are structured for tax purposes.

Strict rules surrounding these accounts previously excluded individual investors and small businesses from this type of investment, and instead only opened them REITs up to large institutional investors. In recent months, however, more baby boomers who are trying to bolster retirement income, as well as small businesses, are showing more interest in these funds and utilizing them for wealth-building purposes, according to Forbes. In addition, more companies are converting to an REIT structure to gain tax benefits.

This is primarily because the IRS, in recent months, has taken a more flexible viewpoint regarding what qualifies as real property, and this relaxation has enabled more companies to convert to this structure. As more businesses can include structures, such as billboards, shelving, cellphone towers and other infrastructure as real property, investing in real estate has become more profitable for all involved. Further, an expansion of the REIT industry enables investors to continue diversifying their portfolios in an era where tax law changes and uncertainties have made investors skittish, Forbes reports.

While the IRS has relaxed its standards of what may qualify as an REIT, some uncertainty still lingers. For example, the federal tax agency has not yet ruled whether solar farms would qualify as an REIT. The solar industry has been hurt recently as a result of some notable bankruptcies, but is still viewed by many investors as an up and coming industry.

However, as the IRS continues to further clarify these definitions, there may be a shift where businesses and individuals invest.

If you would like to speak about the topic above regarding your own REIT Investments, please call me, Frank L. Brunetti.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review post image

Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review

Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review"
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To) post image

Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)

Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)"
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk post image

How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk

Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk"
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax post image

Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax

Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax"
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool post image

Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool

For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool"
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession? post image

How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?

For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!